5 Tips for Starting Your Own Art Collection

Building an art collection can be a great way to invest, and you won't need millions in the bank to get started. If you want to invest your money wisely and adorn your home or workspace with stunning paintings, sculptures, or graphics, you may want to consider starting your own collection.

Look for Posters and Prints

If you're on a tight budget, don't assume that art isn't the right investment for you. As well as being a wonderful addition to your environment, posters and prints can increase in value over time. Limited edition prints or first editions are particularly good investments, so keep an eye out for works that are hard to find.

Scout Out Graduate Shows

Talented art students produce exceptional pieces, so graduate shows are a great place to pick up some spectacular art. What's more, today's graduate is tomorrow's renowned artist, so you have a good chance of making a high return on your investment. Depending on the artist's career, the value of your chosen piece could increase quickly or gradually over time. While you'll need to consider your own financial interests to determine what level of investment is right for you, there's a potential to generate a significant amount of profit if you can invest for the long term.

Buy What You Love

Unless you work in the industry, you don't need to be concerned with what other people think about your choices. Investing in an art collection enables you to surround yourself with things you love every day, and there aren't many other financial opportunities that can offer that. Buying works you think will increase in value might be effective if you have extensive knowledge of the art world, the budget to invest heavily, or the space to keep pieces secure. If you want to enjoy your collection as it grows in value, however, it's important to focus on the styles, genres, and artists you enjoy.

Find Artists Online

Traditionally, people discovered new pieces to add to their collection when they physically saw them. In today's world, however, you can find fantastic additions to your collection online. As well as dedicated websites designed to showcase an artist's latest works, many people share their creations via social media platforms and mainstream sites. The internet can be a great place to come across emerging artists, so there's the potential to pick up a bargain too. Even well-established collectors rely on the internet to find new pieces, so it's certainly a great place for beginners to start.

Maintaining Your Collection

Making the most of your investment doesn't just mean finding artwork that will increase in value over time. If you want to really enjoy your collection and protect its value, you'll need to ensure that it's properly maintained. If possible, speak to the artist or an expert to see if there are any particular conditions which should be avoided when choosing where to display your art. Similarly, use an experienced framer to ensure pictures, paintings, and photographs are well-protected and showcased perfectly. With the right care, your art collection will be one of your most beloved possessions for years to come.