Collecting like a pro docent

Collect Art Like a Pro

©Copyright Docent.co 2013 04/15/2023

6 Tips from Docent.coBy Michelle Wang

http://www.docent.co/

Things to Remember

• There’s No Best Art– The most important thing to remember is that there are no right or

wrong answers when building your collection. Art collecting is fun and

exciting, specifically because it’s about you building a relationship with

individual pieces and artists.

• Assert Your Taste– Just as you pick out your clothes everyday, and a handsome devil you

are! Art is an opportunity to assert your taste and show another side

of your personality.


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Basic Skills of the Collector

• Grouping Artwork– While each piece is important, you’ll learn over time to build a group

of works that has cohesion and collective meaning.


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• Purchasing Individual Works– It’s important to remember that building a

collection takes time and patience. You’ll grow

your collection one piece at a time, and each piece

in your collection will have special meaning to you.



Tip 1: Do Your Homework

• To Thy Self Be True!– Almost important as learning about Art, is learning about your collecting

style and preferences.

• What pieces attract you most?

• What colors, medium, style, or period do you prefer?

• Make a Plan– Once you’ve found the general category you like most, start learning about

the artists who make the kind of art you like.

– Start thinking of how you’d like to group your work, by style, period,

medium, etc.


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Tip 2: Stay on the Scene

• Get Thee to an Art Gallery– If you want to find pieces you like you have to get out and see some

art. To start your collection it is important to see original works of

art, textures, colors, and scale, or the way art feels in a room.


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• Places to Find Art– Art Galleries

– Art Fairs and Expos

– Online Exhibitions


Tip 3: Have a Clear Vision

• Nothing is Random– There are happenstance and circumstance in life, but where your collection is

concerned you have total control over what you buy. Have a clear vision.

• Building a Mystery– New collectors sometimes buy randomly. Experienced collectors take time to

understand how their pieces fit together, before they buy.

• Know Your Onion– Not literally, this is a metaphor for knowing details about your pieces. Buying the

work is the fun and exciting part. New collectors sometimes over look keeping

good records of their acquisitions.


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Tip 4: Price ≠ Value

• Sticker Shock is Normal– New art collectors sometimes get sticker shock when they discover how much

pieces cost, but in art, price and value are not synonymous.

• Some Things to Remember – Two galleries may ask different prices for similar pieces of work, never be

afraid to ask why.

– Art by emerging artists tends to be cheaper. If you can talk to the artist try to

takes assess their personality and drive to gauge future success.

– Buy what you like, but with purpose. Keep your personal philosophy and plan

at the forefront of your mind when buying.


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Tip 5: Take Them Out

• Art Should Be Seen– If you’ve all ready purchased pieces and have them hiding in some dark

corner, take them out! Art is meant to be seen and enjoyed! Not hoarded.

Find a cozy place in your home for pieces.


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• Look, Look, and Look Again– Great artwork reveals its mysteries over time. Each

time you look at a piece, you’ll find something new!

Look at your pieces individually and together, and

you’ll to find new and interesting connections all the

time.



Tip 6: Protect Your Investment

• Learn to Look After Your Work– Once the thrill of the chase is over, you’ll have to look after your pieces.

Learn to properly frame and care for your work to ensure its longevity.


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• Keep, Sell, Donate?– Art can increase in value over

time. Work with a consultant or

gallery to properly value your

collection. You may choose to

sell or donate your work as it

appreciates in value.



Tip 7: Visit Docent.co


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BONUS

TIP! • Assert Your Taste! – Visit Docent.co to learn more about our artists

and art collecting.




Self Improvement

Collecting like a pro docent