A Beginner's Guide to Art Collecting - 01

Welcome to the first installment of our new Beginner’s Guide to Art Collecting, in which we share our tips and tricks for making art collecting accessible and affordable for new and experienced collectors alike.

© Raven Editions, 2023; Lily Press booth at the Baltimore Print Fair

With the recent resurgence of art fairs, we have witnessed firsthand how enthusiastically collectors have been to browse and purchase works of art in person. These large events are often held in intriguing venues that can host a large number of participating artists, galleries, and studios, making it possible to browse a wide range of works in a short period of time. Some fairs may focus on a specific type of artwork, such as photography, prints, or contemporary art, while others present a broader range of works. Art fairs have been an increasingly popular destination for collectors and art enthusiasts over the past few years and are considered one of the most important outlets for dealing and socializing alike. Without collectors, these fairs would lack vital fuel. For those interested in collecting art, art fairs are a great place to begin, but they may also seem incredibly daunting.

Here are a few of our tips for navigating the bustling environment of fairs as a collector.

Do your research and plan your visit.

Spend some time getting to know art - wander museums, visit galleries, browse online art sites like Artsy, and follow artists on Instagram - once you have a feel for what type of art/artists you enjoy, look for art fairs that cater to your interests. For example, if you want to collect print works from local Philadelphia artists, you might visit the printPhilly! Fair. But suppose you’re interested in collecting a broad range of works by contemporary artists. In that case, you might visit the Affordable Art Fair in NYC, which showcases original artworks within a selected affordable price range. Or you might visit EXPOChicago, The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art, which hosts one of the highest quality platforms for contemporary art culture and collecting. Keep in mind bigger fairs may attract more prominent galleries and artists but will be much larger and more expensive. Smaller fairs can be more accessible in both scope and price. Art fairs can feel overwhelming in scale and the number of vendors exhibiting work. Familiarize yourself with the fair’s website and map before attending, and make a list of artists and works you want to see, their subject matter, what draws you to the work, and how much they may cost. This will make approaching artists or their representing galleries easier and may help you formulate any relevant questions.

Keep an evolving list of your favorite artists and works.

With so much art to see, the actual fair can feel overwhelming. Taking pictures and notes will be your key to tracking and inquiring about works you see. If something catches your interest, snap a picture and write a brief description of the work. Be sure to include important information like the representing gallery, booth number, title, and artist. If possible, sign up for the gallery’s mailing list to learn about exhibitions, new artists, and new works.

© Raven Editions, 2023; Aspinwall Editions booth at Baltimore Fine Art Fair

Ask questions and interact with gallerists and other collectors.

Part of the fun of attending these fairs is meeting other people in the art world and getting insider access. If you’re drawn to a particular artist, ask the gallerist questions about their work, story, and process. Dealers and gallery representatives will happily provide whatever information they can about a work or artist. Asking questions and introducing yourself to dealers and gallerists is also a great way to develop a relationship for future purchase inquiries. Don’t be afraid of making an offer on a piece you love. Gallerists want to sell works, so they usually work with collectors to negotiate a reasonable price. Many dealers will also offer payment plans or discounts for serious collectors. Set your budget and spending expectations before going to the fair. Starting with smaller purchases will allow you to get a feel for acquiring works without getting burnt out. Make your first purchases within a comfortable budget, if something is slightly too expensive, it’s more than possible to transparently speak with the dealer to see if there’s a way to bridge the gap between budget and cost.

Explore the fair and discover more art.

Having a game plan for attending the fairs is a great way to start, but it’s also important to keep an open mind and put unknown artists and galleries on your radar. These fairs tend to host a large variety of artists, even international ones, checking out these galleries can also broaden your knowledge of international art markets. Utilize social media to help navigate the fair. Find the fair’s hashtag and search it on Instagram to discover galleries and pieces that other people love. Follow artists and galleries that you may want to contact or purchase from after the fair. If you can, attend an opening night reception. These events crucial for aspiring collectors interested in building a network with other collectors and dealers. Notable collectors and dealers will be in attendance and works by the more prestigious artists will be purchased during these events before the fair opens to the public. Browse all the fair has to offer, and attend more than once, if you can, before committing to an acquisition.

Look for love and find connections with art.

The most important thing for a new collector to remember is that the choice of what art to collect should be personal. Any work that you acquire should connect to who you are. There can be a number of reason behind the connection; maybe the work or artist inspires you, maybe it reminds you of specific moments in your life, or maybe the work challenges your perceptions and makes you question your reality. If you’ve done your research you might already know what movements are on the rise and what artists are generating buzz. However, it’s more important to make your collecting decisions based on the work, rather than the hype around it. Purchasing an artwork is an investment into your everyday.

Key Tip: Value art, not its value. Look for permanence. Avoid trends.

New collectors should try not to deter themselves by worrying about whether or not they’ve done everything they need to before acquiring a piece. When you’re just starting your collection, its best to try not to be over burdened by strategies or overthinking. Building your collection should be a satisfying and sustainable experience.

Need specific advice regarding your art collection or help in getting starting? Contact our staff at inquiry@ravenfinearteditions.com.

5 Tips for Navigating Art Fairs

A Beginner's Guide to Art Collecting - 01