How to start collecting valuable art prints like a pro

Buying prints online can feel overwhelming. With so much choice and with the art world shrouded in mystery, there is no surprise that the majority of people shy away from starting a collection. But, thanks to social media and online media outlets, it has never been easier. Whether you are looking to become a serious collector or you just want to dabble, knowing what to choose requires time and knowledge. Luckily, we have put together this quick guide that will explain the ins and outs of collecting valuable art prints. Read on to discover where to start and how to choose art that you feel proud of.

How to become an art collector?

The good news is that anyone can become an art collector regardless of their budget. Collecting valuable art prints does not have to cost heaven and earth. It just requires a sharp eye and a talent for spotting up-and-coming artists. So, begin by buying artwork that you love. Collecting art is personal and the more in tune you are with your tastes, the easier it will be to pick out work that you feel intuitively drawn to. Consider what you like about the art. Is it the fact that the artist is fresh on the art scene? Or perhaps it is the fact they are a female artist? Whatever it is that makes your heart sing, take note of it. This is what will define your collection and help you to tell a story through captivating visuals.

Be inspired by famous art collectors

Across history, a few select individuals have been lucky enough to amass vast art collections. In fact, some of the work that we see in art galleries and museums today is thanks to famous art collectors. One way to swot up on your art knowledge is to study the art that these individuals have gathered over the years. Peggy Guggenheim, David Rockefeller and Helene Kröller-Müller are just a few of the key players that made a huge impact on the art world in the 20th Century. By researching each collector you will notice that they all have something that makes them unique. Be it a love of Asian art or the Dutch masters. Finding that differentiating factor is key to earning yourself a reputation as a collector. Think about your life experiences, your budget and your interests and use them as a base for exploring the art world. With new artists emerging every day, there are endless opportunities to begin collecting valuable art prints like a pro.

How to start collecting art in your 20s?

Just because you are young doesn’t mean that you are excluded from the art world. Quite the opposite. In fact, collectors and critics have an eagle eye on the youth of today. Thanks to their insatiable appetite for social media and knack for scouting out microtrends they are a valuable asset to art collectors. So, if you are in your 20s and are keen to get a head start at collecting art prints, the cards are in your favour. Instagram is bursting with creatives eager to get noticed and thanks to the integrated shopping feature you can begin your art collector career without even leaving the app. Perhaps start with local artists and branch out from there. Whether you want to source aesthetically pleasing wall art for your living room or create a collection that will earn you a pretty penny, starting small is your best bet.

Top tips for collecting valuable art prints

Despite popular belief, owning art is accessible and fun. Not only is it a possible investment, but it is also a creative expression of personality. There is a whole community of people eager to help you match your style with the hottest works of art on the market. But, before you get carried away, it is worth keeping in mind these key tips.

Focus on creating a personal art collection that you love

Some may advise you to focus solely on the financial elements of an art collection however, we say… buy what you like but be savvy. Don’t splurge on the first piece of cool wall art that you see. Investigate the artist, and discover what awards they have won or where they have exhibited. The more you know about an artist the more informed your decision will be. It doesn’t matter if they are fresh out of art college or showcasing their work at Art Basel, by buying a print you are supporting their career and ultimately helping them to become more successful. But ultimately, if you are building your own personal art collection, you should be in love with each handpicked piece.

Keep a budget in mind for entry-level art collecting

While it is not a steadfast rule, keeping a budget is essential for those starting out. It is easy to be torn in all directions when faced with a multitude of works of art to choose from. However, it is important to think about the long term value of the art you are buying. If you just want to own your own private collection to display at home you will probably take a different approach to someone looking to resell their investments at a later date. Pick works of art that resonate with you then consider their value. This way, you will always own something that you love despite its monetary value.

Decide if you will invest in limited edition prints or original artwork

Obviously, deciding if you will focus on original art or limited edition prints will seriously influence your budget. It is normal for collectors to mix both originals and limited editions in their collections, especially at the beginning. But, the key thing to remember is that not all limited edition prints are created equally. In this instance, when collecting valuable art prints, it is essential to do your research. Only invest in limited edition prints if you can guarantee that you are buying an authentic numbered copy and that the artist has been involved in the printing process. This ensures that you are receiving a print that is high quality and holds some value due to the controlled number of prints released. And, if investing in originals is more your scene, hunt out artists who are experimenting with new mediums in order to score reasonably priced art with scope for financial growth.

What to do with an art collection?

The majority of people start collecting valuable art prints for their own personal use. This can be because they want to personalise their living space or because they feel emotionally connected to the works. Either way, once you own your personal art collection the most logical step is to display it. But what happens when you have transformed your space and you are left without wall space and a room bursting at the seams full of artworks still left to hang? This is a sign that it is time to begin thinking about the logistics, insurance, conservation and storage of your valuable prints. When you reach this stage, a natural next step is to approach museums and galleries to see if they would be interested in displaying your sought-after collection.

Get inspired with our Wall Art For the Living Room Guide 

Begin collecting valuable art prints today

If you have been on the fence about branching out into the art world, hesitate no longer. Dive straight in and begin hunting out works of art that light up your soul. Connect with up and coming artists and become a patron of the arts. Supporting creatives on their journey is an experience that is as rewarding as it is exciting. And, not only will you be able to fill your home with unique, one-off pieces, but you may also be the owner of a future masterpiece if the artist ends up becoming famous one day. It’s all a question of perspective. So, if you have been questioning if it is time to begin collecting valuable art prints, the answer is yes! There is never a better time to start than the here and now.

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