In the contemporary art landscape, many young adults view art collecting as something that is inaccessible to them, and that is reserved only for the affluent or extensively knowledgeable. However, the world of art is extremely vast and varied, providing multiple opportunities for novice collectors with various interests and budgets. This article demystifies the process of art collecting and offers tips and tricks specifically for young adults eager to embark on their art collecting journey.
Tip #1: Education
Knowledge is the cornerstone of any successful art collection, so start by immersing yourself in the art world. This could be through books, online courses or if you are a visual learner, documentaries. Try to familiarise yourself with different art movements, styles and mediums, and explore the historical and cultural significance behind some of your favourite artworks and artists.
Tip: Many museums offer free entry days or discounted memberships for young adults. Take a look at what is offered in your local area and take advantage of these opportunities to expose yourself to a wide range of art.
Tip #2: Define your Purpose
Before you start collecting, it is important to reflect on the purpose of your collecting, and why you want to collect art. Are you primarily interested in decorating your home, supporting emerging artists or are you looking at collecting from an investment perspective? Defining this purpose will help to guide your approach to collecting, and will influence the kind of art that you seek out and the budget you set.
Tip: Write down the goals for your art collecting journey and revisit them regularly. As you grow as a collector and as your collection grows these goals and your overall purpose may evolve and change.
Tip #3: Set a Budget
Art collecting can be an expensive hobby, but it does not have to break the bank. Your art budget can be as small or as large as you would like, but make sure that once you determine a budget that you are comfortable with, that you stick to it. Remember, you can start small, with original prints, photographs and works by emerging artists often being more affordable then large, one-of-a-kind paintings.
Tip: Consider starting an art fund for yourself that you contribute a small amount to each month. Over time, this will build up and help you save for larger, more significant collections.
Tip #4: Discover Emerging Artists
One of the most exciting parts of art collecting is discovering new, upcoming and emerging talent. These artists often offer original work at a great starting price and provide an entry point for many young collectors. To find these artists attend graduate shows at art schools; follow smaller, local galleries; and use social media platforms. All of these will help you find artists whose work resonates with you and your artistic taste.
Tip: Buying art from emerging artists not only supports their career but can also be a rewarding experience as their reputations and experience grow over time.
Tip #5: Buy What you Love:
While many do consider art collecting as an investment, the primary drive behind your collection should actually be personal enjoyment and your own emotional connection to the individual artworks. Art that evokes emotion or thought will continue to enrich your life long after the original purchase and they will continue to make you happy as you see it displayed in your home or space. Trust your instincts and collect works that speak to you, regardless of market trends or values.
Tip: Keep a list or a digital folder of artworks and artists that you love. This will help you define your taste and then make informed decisions when you are ready to collect.
Tip #6: Learn the Market
Understanding the art market can help you make informed decisions about your collection, especially if you are interested in learning about art as a potential investment. To learn about the art market, you can follow auction results, attend art fairs and read reports to get a sense of pricing trends, popular artists and the market demand.
Tip: Subscribe to newsletters from art market research firms and auction houses to stay updated on market trends and upcoming sales.
Tip #7: Cultivate Relationships
Building relationships with artists, gallery owners and even fellow collectors can help to enrich your art collecting journey. These connections can offer insights, advice and access to artworks before they generally become available to the general public. Further the art world is a large community and encourages new collectors to interact with those with more experience to learn and develop in their journey.
Tip: Attend gallery openings and art events to meet artists and professionals in the art world. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and express your interest in collecting.
Tip #8: Consider Online Platforms
The digital age has expanded the reach and accessibility of art collecting. Online galleries, auction platforms and social media have made it so much easier to discover and collect art from around the world, regardless of your own physical location. Nowadays you are able to utilise these platforms to explore a broader range of artworks, then what you might find in your local area, that are within your budget and artistic interest.
Tip: Make sure to research the credibility of online galleries and sellers. Just because they may have been in the art world for a number of years or have various gallery spaces does not mean that they are the best to help you in your art collecting journey. Look for reviews from other collectors and make sure to verify the authenticity of the works before acquiring.
Tip #9: Care for your Collection
Proper care and preservation of your art collection are essential and crucial to maintaining your art. Use the community around you to learn about the best practices for displaying, storing and maintaining your artworks. Factors such as lighting, humidity and framing can significantly impact the longevity of your collection, so you want to make sure you are doing the best practices from the start.
Tip: Consider consulting with conservation professionals or framers for advice on how to best care for your specific collection.
Tip #10: Document your Collection
Keeping thorough records of your art collection is important for both practical and sentimental reasons. Document the artist, title, medium, dimensions and history of each work for your records. Also make sure to include the purchase details, provenance and copies of any relevant paperwork, including copies of your certificates of authenticity.
Tip: Use a digital database or even a physical ledger to organise your collection. Documentation like this can be invaluable for insurance purposes, future sales or even potential loans to exhibitions.
Conclusion:
Collecting art is a deeply personal and rewarding journey. As a young adult stepping into the vibrant world of art collecting, you have a great opportunity to explore your personal tastes, support emerging artists and explore the financial side of the art world. But remember that the most important aspect of collecting art is the joy and fulfillment that it can bring to your life. With patience, research and a little bit of strategy, you can build a personal art collection that reflects your unique character and personality and that enriches your personal and professional spaces.
By approaching art collecting with curiosity, intention and respect, you are not just acquiring works of art; you are also engaging with history, culture and the essence of human creativity. Whether your collection grows to fill a living space or ends up becoming a dedicated gallery, each work in your collection will represent a chapter in your ongoing story of exploration and discovery.