How & Why to Start Collecting Art in Your 20s

Ever dreamed of owning your own art collection, but not sure where to start? With art galleries all over the world closed for the foreseeable future, people are becoming collectors from the comfort of their own homes, as online art sales continue to flourish.  

Contrary to popular belief, becoming an art collector isn’t exclusive to wealthy older people in retirement, the type who are renowned for attending exclusive auctions and spending thousands of dollars on illusive masterpieces. This is a huge misconception of the industry, and in fact, the art world is a lot more inclusive than outsiders may believe.  

There are plenty of benefits that come with starting your art collection early; from the aesthetic value of the art, to its timeless charm. It’s about acquiring assets that can be passed on, sold for profit, or that can live on to become treasured family heirlooms. 
 
So whether you’re a student who collects in their spare time, or an art admirer who wants to take their collection to the next level, this article will talk you through all the tips you need for starting an impressive art collection in your 20s. 
 

Make considered purchases 

Imagine you’re redecorating your new house or apartment. Most of us wouldn’t think twice about heading to the likes of Marshalls or Homegoods to buy basic accessories to deck out the walls of our new digs. While this may be convenient, ultimately, you get what you pay for.  

In order to be a collector, you must think like one. Consider saving up the money you’d spend on generic wall art and instead putting it towards a standout piece that you really want. This way, when an expensive piece does catch your eye, you can treat it as an investment rather than a luxury. A considered purchase can turn out to be a lucrative acquisition in the long run, too. Invest in worthwhile pieces that you can treasure and appreciate, even if it costs a little more initially. 

Learn your style and start small 

Starting a quality art collection doesn’t have to mean costly sculptures and sought-after showstoppers, every time. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so be open to finding bespoke one-offs that really speak to you. Beginning with a few small and unique pieces makes for a strong start. 

From Avant Garde to abstract, everyone has their niche. Seeking out artwork of your preferred style (rather than what you think other’s may be buying) is the best way to acquiring authentic and meaningful pieces you’ll not only love, but that will stand out. 

Don’t be afraid to support up-and-coming artists during your collecting, either. Having a variety of artworks, including some from independent artists and makers means their pieces can gather value over time and throughout their career. Supporting independent artists is the best way to get the ball rolling and begin a compilation you can be proud of. 

Find your tribe 

From virtual art fairs to social media, how we consume our art is shifting. In the past, it could be reassuring to have a gallery owner endorse your good taste and purchase. However, with online art marketplaces, there’s now a much wider selection of work available for everyone.  
Connecting with an art loving community will unite you with other like-minded individuals in the art world. Not only does this allow you to share ideas and inspire one another about your growing collections, you can use these platforms to point you in the right direction to new sources of where and when to buy. 
 
With some online marketplaces like  Artspan.com, you can see a wide selection of an individual artist's work and even contact the artist directly, too - which isn’t an option when it comes to physical galleries. Another real benefit are features like Artspan’s Augmented Reality Live Preview. This allows you to see how a painting or print would actually look on your wall, true to size. 

All collectors understand the true value art has on society, so becoming a collector is the best way to carry out your hobby while showing support and passion for the arts. However you decide to collect, one thing is for sure: the earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to see your collection grow. 

There’s never been a better time to support independent artists. With Artspan you can browse original art and fine art prints directly from the artists themselves.