Mistakes to Avoid When Collecting Art for Beginners

1. Caring too much about other people’s opinion!

What is the biggest mistake beginners make when it comes to art collecting? Prioritizing other people’s tastes instead of your own. The first step to art collecting is to remove any assumptions of what art is “best” and start finding out what styles speak to you.

If you want to start cultivating an art collection, you need to know what you like — not what your mom likes or what is currently considered fine art! After all, many artists are not appreciated for their genius at first, and art trends change. Start asking yourself questions as you look to focus your art collecting around your personal style and preferences. Do you love paintings? Pottery? Or a less conventional art?

Taking the time to consider your favorite styles will improve your collecting so that you have a thoughtful mindset of “a collection of art,” not just separate pieces that lack cohesion. Plus, if you buy art based on other people’s opinions, then your home will be filled with what they like, not what you like.

Always buy according to your style and your preferences. A convenient way to expose yourself to new art and to learn is to read art magazines or art books or to browse artist platforms online. However, remember to keep in mind that these are a way to develop your taste and experience new art, not a rulebook.