Interested in art collecting but not sure where to start? Here are some tips and resources to help get your art collection started and support your favorite artists.
When first getting started, take some time to think about your motivation and intentions for starting a collection. To support artists whose work I resonate with? To live with art? Ways to invest? Or engage in philanthropy? To become a steward of cultural importance and history? Whatever your answer may be, it’s all good, as long as it’s authentic to you.
Next, figure out your taste. Are you building a collection around a certain aesthetic or style? A specific emotion? Explore! Check out art galleries, attend a local artist studio visit, and see what’s currently on view at museums and cultural centers. Have fun with it! Take this time to learn what art ( specific artworks, mediums, styles) you gravitate towards and note how it makes you feel, research artists, from local to international. Don’t limit yourself, but don’t miss out on who’s in your backyard.
But where to buy art?
- Directly from the artist’s website or studio. This is why it’s a great idea to subscribe to newsletters. Artists usually give first dibs to their email subscribers.
- Galleries: When purchasing from galleries, the artist doesn’t normally receive 100% of the sales
- Art Fairs
Let me know if you’re interested in me sharing a list - Art Websites
- Estate Sales
You’d be surprised at what you find
Before you buy the work that resonates with your whole body and spirit, check your account! Create a budget for how much you would like to spend on art for the year. Your collection can include everything from original artwork, to limited edition prints, posters, and cards. There may be an artist’s work that you love, but the original is a bit out of your price point. They may have limited edition print available or notecards of some works in a recent series that you can obtain for your collection. It’s okay to take your time and start small. Remember that just because it’s expensive, doesn’t mean it’s the better quality. Remember quality over quantity. You have to have the space to accommodate all the amazing art.
But at the end of the day, what is most important is building a collection that is a reflection of you and brings you joy. Live with the art you love!
Here are a few more resources to learn more about art collecting and art in general:
- Artnet: So You Want to Start an Art Collection. Here’s How
- Domino: The Best Websites for Art Lovers
- Artling: The Ultimate Guide to Starting an Art Collection
- Artsy
- ARTNews
- Southwest Contemporary
- Hyperallergic
- The Creative Independent
To learn about creatives practice and how they navigate being a create. - The Design Files
Where to start collecting works by me
Jarifuller 
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