How to Start Your Own Art Collection…Even on a Budget
So you want to start an art collection? AWESOME. Whether it’s an artist with a small following, a well-known name, or something somewhere in between…on behalf of artists everywhere, I say thank you! Starting an art collection in your home is such a cool idea, especially when you’re considering more unique pieces from artists, and not just mass-produced stuff from the chain stores. Now, yes, starting a collection might seem like an expensive endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be! Even if you’re on a budget, you can create a pretty amazing collection. All it takes is a little bit of strategy, thought, patience, and a desire to collect what you love.
Learn What You Love
So let’s start there - in order to build a collection, you need to first decide what it is you want to collect! Take some time and explore what kind of art you enjoy. Do you like paintings? Sculptures? Furniture? Textiles? All of those things are considered art and can be considered when you’re designing your perfect collection. Start to take note of what catches your eye when you’re out at a place that features art. That can be a museum, sure, but art fairs, craft shows, coffee shops, or even other people’s homes. Pay attention to what it is you enjoy and ask yourself: is it the colors, the style, the subject matter or something else that captivates you? Make notes about what you enjoy, and if you can find it, write down the name of the artist so you can check out their work later.
Follow Artists and Makers Online
Now that you know what kind of pieces catch and hold your attention, it’s time to start looking them up online (or in person, in a gallery or anywhere else they may hide!). Follow your favorite artists on social media, explore their websites, join their mailing lists, any way they offer to connect, jump on board. Many artists large and small offer perks to the people that voluntarily follow their journey. Some offer early access to new pieces, discounts, freebies, and almost all of them will keep you updated on where and when they’ll exhibit new work.
Look for Art in Unexpected Places
Now that you have an idea of what you like, if you’re not quite ready to jump into the real art scene, start in the more overlooked places. Not all art comes from galleries or studios! Keep your eyes open for hidden gems in places like thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales. That $5 painting you can’t stop thinking about might be a great anchor to start your collection. That sculpture you saw for sale at the thrift shop? Go back and ask about it. Sometimes, the most unique piece has a great “I thrifted that!” story, and it can start a really amazing collection.
Start Small
Now what about when it comes to actually starting to buy new art? How do you start collecting that? Well, start small! Building the collection doesn’t have to start with expensive original works. Most artists offer more budget-friendly items like minis, digital downloads, prints, or even things like notebooks and home goods with their work printed on them. By going this route, you’re supporting an artist AND getting some great work in your home. Another way to start small isn’t with “smaller art,” but smaller artists! Consider purchasing from smaller, lesser known artists or artists who are just getting started. You’ll be an early collector of their work, and your support can make a HUGE impact on their life.
Build Up Over Time
Great, now that you have a few small pieces to start that collection, you’re probably getting an idea of where you want your collection to go as it grows. You’ve probably framed your prints and have them hanging on a wall, and now you can visually start to put together a direction forward. With that refined idea, now you can consider investing in something like a smaller original work. If an original is still out of reach, consider seeking out new print options. Think about higher quality paper, larger size, or even getting a work printed on canvas. There are always ways to go bigger without blowing the budget, and that’s why we’re here! Another tip: look out for limited edition or hand signed/embellished prints! Many artists will release these in small quantities, and they are a perfect collector’s item that comes without the high price tag of an original work!
Become an Art-Scene Regular
Like it or not, now that you’ve started collecting art for yourself…you’re an art scene person now! There’s no better time than now to connect with artists and become a regular in that art world. It’s time to start engaging with the art scene beyond just purchasing a piece here and there. Attend some local art shows, check out the booths at your local craft fair, interact with artists on social media and let them know you’re watching what they’re doing! Even better, read their newsletters and start to build a relationship with them. And this doesn’t just go for artists - build relationships with fellow collectors and gallery/event owners and promoters. Being a part of the community can help you stay informed about new releases, special events and even artists you may not have discovered otherwise.
Save Up or Consider Installments
Well, I think now it’s time. You’ve decided on your style, you’ve started accumulating smaller works, you’re interacting with artists and others in the art scene, and you’re becoming a regular at the events. I think it’s time to admit to yourself that you’re a real, bonafide collector now! So maybe it’s time to start thinking about investing in that high-value piece you’ve been craving. Whether it’s an original piece an artist has available or you’re ready to really dive in and commission your favorite artist, that large value piece can be the cornerstone of your collection. If you’re ready for this big, final step, it’s probably smart to think about planning financially. Of course, some artists will be more accessible than others - that local artist you met at the holiday show will be much easier to work with than trying to track down an original Picasso that’s for sale, for instance! But even so, consider setting aside a little bit of money over time to start saving up for that big piece. If your artist is accessible and easily reachable, you can also consider asking about installments. Many artists who sell online offer this option, and some even have it available in their checkout process. While not every artist can accommodate an installment or payment plan request, it can’t hurt to ask…as long as you understand that sometimes the answer will be “no!”
Conclusion
Building up a collection of anything, but especially art, can be a personal and rewarding journey. Starting a collection of any kind can take time, research and yes, money. But no matter your budget, if you have the patience and the desire to keep building, you can build an art collection that truly represents you and your taste. Whether you start with digital downloads, prints, or even small originals, the key is to collect what resonates with you. By exploring, engaging with and supporting artists, you can create that collection, and then one day, when you’re ready, you can add that show-stopping piece to your gallery wall. It doesn’t take a massive budget to build a collection!