How to collect art without fear
There’s a lot of questionable advice out there about buying art. Some of it is pretentious nonsense dressed up as sophistication (aka “art wank”), some of it is self-serving hype, and some of it seems designed to intimidate people before they’ve even begun — like it’s an exclusive club (it’s not). I think collecting art should feel joyful, exciting, meaningful — and it should be for everyone. So here’s my take on how to collect art without fear.
Buy what you love
It sounds simple, because it is. But so often art collecting guides forget this most fundamental point. It is also your safest strategy.
Buy the piece that grabs you by the heartstrings and won’t let go. The one you keep thinking about after you’ve walked away. Ignore the noise about “the next big thing” or “undiscovered gems” — especially when it’s coming from someone with an agenda.
There can be a lot of pretentiousness, posturing, and conflicting interests in the art world. Loving what you buy cuts straight through that.
And don’t worry if you don’t fully understand the “meaning” of a piece, or even agree with what the artist or gallery says about it. What they say can bring nuance and understanding, but art doesn’t come with a single correct interpretation. What matters is what you see in it and how it makes you feel.
I love hearing about what a piece means to you — the stories it evokes, and the people or moments you remember by it.
Don’t treat art like a stock portfolio
Will it go up in value? Maybe.
Will it drop? Also maybe.
No one actually knows.
If you buy something purely as an investment, you’re gambling. If you buy something you love, you already own something valuable to you. That’s a much safer place to start.
And please don't assume an artist only becomes worth collecting once they're dead! Collecting works by a living artist can be rewarding on so many levels.
Support the artists you believe in
If you care about the “value” of your collection, talk about the artist with your friends and family. Show them the art and tell people why it matters to you. Share artist newsletters and go to their openings.
Collectors who actively support artists don’t just build collections — they help build careers.
And yes, if you’re thinking in investment terms, this matters. An artist’s reputation doesn’t grow in a vacuum. It grows through visibility, conversation, and community. When you publicly support an artist, you’re contributing to that momentum.
In other words, backing the artist is also backing your investment.
Consider commissioning a piece
If an artist’s work speaks to you but nothing quite fits your space or vision, ask about a commission.
A commissioned piece carries a different kind of weight. It’s made with you in mind. There’s a shared story behind it, for you and the artist.
Start where you are
You don’t need a huge budget to be a collector. Buy what you can currently afford. Build slowly. Let your taste evolve.
A thoughtful collection built over time is far more interesting than a rushed one built on status or price tags.
And don't worry about matching your decor. The right piece of art for you is right regardless. Sometimes the right piece doesn’t need to match your space — it changes it.
Adding value thoughtfully
You don’t need to chase trends to make smart decisions, but a few simple choices can help your collection hold its value over time.
Prints can be highly collectible
A great way to get started is to buy fine-art prints. For photo-artists like me, there are no “originals” anyway. But there are a few things you can look for to ensure what you’re purchasing is genuinely collectible:
Look for limited editions
A finite edition creates scarcity, which can help preserve long-term value. Once a limited edition is sold out, the artist cannot create any more. I've written more about fine-art prints here.
Certificates of authenticity matter
They’re not just paperwork. They help establish provenance — proof of what the work is, who made it, and where it came from. That becomes important if you ever want to insure the piece or sell it later.
Pay attention to materials
"Museum-grade," "professional grade," and "archival" materials aren’t just fancy marketing words. They’re about longevity.
For fine-art prints, this means looking for:
- Archival cotton or alpha-cellulose heavyweight papers
- Pigment-based inks rather than dye-based inks
- Professional printing processes
These choices reduce fading, yellowing, and general degradation. Cheaper "decor-grade" materials can undo the value of a piece surprisingly fast.
For original paintings, ask about materials and finishes
Not all originals are created equal.
It’s completely reasonable to ask whether the artist used professional-grade paints, surfaces, and varnishes. These affect how well the work will age. Colour stability, surface protection, and resistance to cracking all come into play over time.
And don’t be shy about asking. Most artists love talking about their process and materials, especially the choices they’ve made to improve quality. You’ll usually get a much more interesting answer than you expected.
Frame and display it properly
Once you own the work, how you treat it matters. For works on paper:
- Use UV-protective glass or acrylic when framing (see more framing hints here).
- Avoid hanging art in direct sunlight
- Keep it away from damp or humid areas
A little care goes a long way.
Artists often use cheaper framing for exhibitions. It's often the only way they can afford to exhibit their work. It is absolutely OK to get a piece reframed. Not only can you then choose the framing to fit your tastes, but you can also ensure that only archival materials touch the art.
Hint - If you have a tricky spot, like a damp bathroom or sunny bedroom, fine-art metal prints can be a good option.
Go to shows and take your time
See art in person whenever you can. It can be hard to truly show how beautiful a piece is online (I often get comments about how my art looks even better in real life).
Photos flatten everything. Scale, texture, surface, and presence are much easier to judge in real life.
Soak it all in and don’t rush to purchase. Walk away. Come back. Take a brochure. The right piece will stick with you.
But also don't be afraid to buy online. Many artists offer a return option if you’re not happy with the piece. Do ask questions if you're unsure about anything. A reputable artist or gallery will be more than happy to help you.
If you love it, you’re doing it right
You don’t need to know all the jargon. You don’t need a theme, a plan, or anyone’s permission. All you need is that emotional connection.
Some people collect one artist obsessively. Some collect a favourite theme — I see all you tūī lovers! Others collect wildly different pieces that somehow still work together. All are valid.
No matter your budget or your taste, you deserve to live with art that means something to you. You don’t need to justify it, and you don’t need to wait until you feel “ready.”
If a piece moves you, that's enough.
