6 Steps to Art Collecting: Building Your First Collection is a Cakewalk!

Till the last century, art collecting was usually a privilege of the elite class, or the posh galleries and high-profile auction houses that have an exclusive network of artists. But as the art world is swept by the digital tsunami, it gave way to virtual galleries, global fairs and shows, accommodating affordable art prints. Nowadays, it has become a hobby rather than an obsession for many art lovers, especially those who foresee this passion as a lucrative return on investment.

If you fit the bill here, follow these easy tips before building your own art collection from scratch. The budding collectors must listen to their heart and not their mind (initially) - mostly without hurting their pockets.

Think of the paintings you dream of having on your bedroom wall or hung in the living space. Gather some knowledge about fine art collecting, and start with baby steps.

No matter if you prefer to buy some modern art prints, or simply want a makeover of your space with popular art posters and prints, building a collection is now easier than ever – and with a purpose! So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of whether to start with a local talent or a blue-chip artist (if you are deep-pocketed enough to hold them)!

Why Start Collecting Art?

It’s quite a big deal to start your first art collection! If you feel the connection with the stories and emotions that comes with each piece of work – this is the perfect time to own them.

There can be different aspirations behind collecting art – some listen to their heart, and for others, the motive behind collection is usually a steady return on investment.

Whether you choose modern art paintings or limited edition prints, you don’t need to pay an eye-watering sum to get started – you can start NOW!

Collect Art with Heart: The Soul Connection

Collecting with your heart is all about focusing on the art you like, to find the emergent voices, without denting your wallet. It’s the best way to support the budding creators, whose voices shape our perception of the world or those who struggle to reach out through their narratives!

Buy directly from them, without having others to butt in, or purchase from the galleries that represent the emerging voices.  This is how you can be the very first owner of the artworks, the ones you can connect with.

Mind Focused on ROI: The Best Bargain

Another potent motive behind the collection is the return on investment (ROI), whether to start from the blue-chip artists and a secondary market. Blue-chip artists are the established artists who have a potential demand and value in the art sales, starting from the range of $50,000, soaring up to million dollars.

The secondary sales are the sales that happen after the first sales, that is mostly the auction houses and galleries specializing in such bids.

Most art investors navigate between these two philosophies of art collection – one is collecting with the mind and another is collecting with the soul. So, before you take the call, think of what is at stake.

1. Follow Your Heart & Your Aesthetics

   
   

Before you go ahead with your first purchase, spend some time exploring the kind of aesthetics you seek in the paintings or works – the styles, the color schemes, the subjects or themes, anything that appeals to your senses and pocket.

Take a virtual tour or scroll through online platforms, browse through the MoMA’s (Museum of Modern Art) digital archives, and take note of what moves you. They can be abstraction, surrealism, watercolor oddities, pastel perfection, or a keen eye for acrylic painting - think of what you are drifting at. Are you in for bold contemporary prints?

Don’t get blinded by trends; trust your instinct and motifs that speak to your unique taste. Once you get that kick, you’ll know what & how to curate a personal collection.

2. Know the Diversity of Collection

   
   

You’ll be fascinated with the diverse modes of art collecting that include:

Original Paintings:

This can be a masterwork of Renoir or a contemporary masterpiece, often more expensive but also growing more valuable over time.

Limited Edition Prints

If the original prices sting your wallet, go for the reproduced works signed and numbered by the artist. As they are limited in number, they’re sought for their affordable exclusivity.

Open Edition Prints

There are also the mass-produced ones, making more room for budding collectors, seeking art posters and prints at lower prices.

Contemporary Prints

They use modern printing techniques that look visually appealing to art lovers. Those who seek innovation can choose from digital art to mixed-media – as the range is huge.

3. Fix Your Budget - Big or Small

   
   

Collecting fine art won’t make you break your bank. Fix your range within which you can explore your choices. You can directly buy modern art paintings from the emerging & less-known artists at affordable deals. It would help fresh talents to groom, while you own a future masterpiece.

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – diversify your budget across limited edition prints, original works, art posters and prints, if they are meant for investment.

Values will rise over time – once the artist grabs all the attention! Just like, an initial sketch by Damien Hirst (of the Turner prize fame) recently made $6,037 at an auction as this was the minor work with which he tasted fame and grew to popularity!

Yes, you can even pay in installments! Some galleries and online platforms let you spend over time if you’re not paying in one go!

4. Start Small but Dig Deep like a Pro

As you see, buying art is no less an art – so, do a bit of research here.

1. Do a profile search, about the exhibition history and previous showcased works of the creators, and more.

   
   

2. Browse the biggest art marketplaces like the Artsy and Artnet, premier platforms like Saatchi Art, for your fine art collecting quest, to know the story behind the creations, financial viability, etc.

   
   

3. Visit MoMA or the Museum of Modern Art to know who are the most-showcased artists & descriptions of their works. MoMA often hosts talks, gallery walkthroughs, and online seminars; it’s good to learn from the industry insiders to expand your vision as a collector.

• Remember one thing – it doesn’t have to be monumental on the first go! Let the work you buy be more than a possession – it must bond with the soul of your interiors. As you grow, let the joy of art collecting connect you with more substantial pieces in blueprint galleries, art fairs, and auctions calling out the exclusive bids!

5. Insuring & Preserving the Works Matters

   
   

Once you start collecting exclusive works, or maybe limited-edition prints, you need to protect them by insuring artwork of high-value. Hang the works away from direct sun exposure or moisture. For paper-based prints, think of acid-free framing, and consult some professional framers.

6. Go on Building a Theme or Concept

   
   

Most emerging art curators like to curate around a specific theme or story as they grow their collection. That can be based on mediums, era of creation, color themes, concepts, etc. The more cohesive the collection looks, the more it soothes the eyes of the onlooker.

Be Curious: Collect with Passion, not Under Pressure!

Building a private collection requires time and patience, and mostly a lot of passion. Don’t be overwhelmed by a flurry of choices or lose heart if the painting you fall in love doesn’t fit your wallet!

You can start with a meager $50 modern art print or invest in a $5,000 masterpiece, let each piece resonate with your taste for art and become a part of your story.

These days, online galleries let you compare artists, styles, and prices easily, saving you the task of inquiring about physical galleries or waiting for the exhibitions. Buying art is now more accessible and transparent, especially for new collectors.

Visit contemporary digital galleries like TERAVARNA, with its online marketplace to showcase the stunning pieces of your choice – let art thrive at every corner of your home & space.

Collect with curiosity, protect what you love, and celebrate the art of discovering art, from now on!