Starting an Art Collection: Your Ultimate Guide
- Mary Katherine Fickel
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 15
So, you want to start an art collection. Maybe you fell in love with a painting on vacation. Or perhaps a friend’s home brims with personality thanks to bold, beautiful art. Either way, you’ve decided: it’s time to trade mass-produced prints for something original. Bravo!
But where do you even begin? Isn’t art collecting for people with monocles and private islands? Spoiler alert: it isn’t.
Art collecting isn’t about being rich or knowing every brushstroke Monet ever painted. It’s about finding artwork that resonates with you and curating a collection that reflects your style, your story, and yes, maybe even your investment savvy. Here’s your no-nonsense, non-snobby guide to starting an art collection without feeling like a fool.
1. Define Your Why (Before You Buy)
Are you collecting to decorate? To invest? To support emerging artists? Or maybe all three? Knowing your "why" helps narrow your focus. It also keeps you from impulse-buying a 7-foot neon cactus sculpture because it matched your margarita mood at the time. (Hey, no judgment.)
Start by asking:
What kind of art do I love?
What stories do I want my collection to tell?
Do I want to focus on local, emerging, or established artists?
Your collection should reflect your values, aesthetics, and curiosities, not just your walls.
2. Start Small, Think Big
You don’t need to drop five figures on your first piece. Plenty of incredible, original art is available in the $200-$1000 range. Visit local galleries, like The Good Art Company, to discover emerging talent. Explore online platforms like Saatchi Art or Artsy to browse by style, artist, or price.
And don’t sleep on art fairs, student shows, or open studios. Often, the best deals and stories are found off the beaten path.
3. Buy What You Love (Seriously)
You’re going to live with this art, so make sure you love it. That love can come from color, emotion, concept, or a connection to the artist. Art you connect with emotionally will outlast any trend.
In time, the collection becomes a map of your life: moments, moods, memories. Pro tip: if you find yourself thinking about a piece days after seeing it, it might be meant for you.
4. Learn the Lingo (But Don’t Get Intimidated)
Acrylic, mixed media, lithograph, giclée, oh my. It helps to learn a few key terms, not because you’re trying to be fancy, but so you understand what you’re buying:
Original Art: The actual one-of-a-kind piece made by the artist.
Limited Edition Print: A high-quality reproduction, signed and numbered by the artist. Usually limited to a small run.
Open Edition Print: Mass-produced. Fine for decor, but usually not collectible.
Medium: The material used (e.g., oil, acrylic, ink).
If you're unsure, just ask. Good galleries love educated collectors.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Who is the artist?
What inspired this piece?
Is it original or a print?
How do I care for it?
You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, right? Same goes for art. Get the details, especially if you're investing. Also, ask about payment plans. Many galleries offer them!
6. Protect Your Investment
Whether you spent $300 or $3000, protect your piece like it’s priceless. Frame it professionally. Keep it out of direct sunlight. And yes, art insurance is a thing. Once your collection grows, consider it.
7. Document Everything
Keep records of:
The artist’s name and bio
Title, size, medium
Purchase price and date
Any correspondence
This will help with resale, appraisals, and even bragging rights ("Oh, I bought her before she was cool.")
8. Keep Exploring (and Trust Your Gut)
Art collecting is a journey, not a checklist. Keep browsing, talking to artists, visiting galleries, and learning what moves you. Your tastes will evolve. That’s the fun part. You may buy a moody abstract one year and a joyful seascape the next. Your collection should evolve as you do.
Ready to Start?
Are you looking to start or grow your art collection but unsure where to begin? Our Free Digital Guide to Collecting Art is your ultimate resource! Packed with expert insights, practical tips, and must-know strategies, this guide will help you navigate the art world with confidence, whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector.
Discover how to find artwork that resonates with you, invest wisely, and build a collection that stands the test of time. Download your free guide now.
Plus, explore our carefully curated selection of original artwork on The Good Art Company—where you'll find stunning pieces by talented artists, perfect for your home, office, or collection. Don't miss out, shop art now and bring beauty into your space!
Hi there! I’m MK and owner of The Good Art Company and Mentorship Program. Thank you for reading Starting an Art Collection: What you need to know.
