This is hard to answer because there are so many levels of art collectors and each has their reasons for buying. I’ve befriended some “professional” art collectors over the years, and I have to say that those I know buy because they love art and enjoy supporting artists in their careers. Then there are those who buy because they want to enhance their home and enjoy having original art - defining their tastes. I’m sure there are many other types of art buyers.
Some are content to buy reproductions and don’t care if it’s original.
Still this is a hard question to answer because there are many styles and types of art, and folks buy each type for different reasons. I do know that the majority of time, people buy because they connect with the art on an emotional level in some way. Others develop their taste in art over time (which can change over time too).
But to answer your question from an artist’s point of view: Collectors look for consistency in style or presentation. It’s best when a collector can look at a wall of your work and see that it’s all painted by one artist. I’ve heard it said recently on a podcast that artists each have their own DNA and therefore their own way of mark-making. As human beings, we naturally follow our own way of creating. It’s up to us individual artists to find and develop our natural ability in a way that pleases ourselves rather than guessing what someone else might want. I’ve never been happy creating for some market that I imagine might want my work. That said, I do keep track of selling trends and see where my work best fits.
So… develop your work, create often, please yourself - do the very best work you can with quality materials and then post as you go. If you love creating it and enjoy the results, someone else will likely feel the same way and connect with your work.
Thank you Ed. I wrote for FASO’s Fine Art Views for almost ten years, so I did constant research on art marketing, but I’ve been out of the loop lately because of life circumstances. I have been selling my work since the mid-1990s through various venues and I’m friends with many famous artists and art collectors - because I wrote for art magazines for 20 years. It was a great way to connect with artists who are successful in all price levels. I’m happy to help whenever I am able.
What do art collectors look for before they buy one's art?
This is hard to answer because there are so many levels of art collectors and each has their reasons for buying. I’ve befriended some “professional” art collectors over the years, and I have to say that those I know buy because they love art and enjoy supporting artists in their careers. Then there are those who buy because they want to enhance their home and enjoy having original art - defining their tastes. I’m sure there are many other types of art buyers.
Some are content to buy reproductions and don’t care if it’s original.
Still this is a hard question to answer because there are many styles and types of art, and folks buy each type for different reasons. I do know that the majority of time, people buy because they connect with the art on an emotional level in some way. Others develop their taste in art over time (which can change over time too).
But to answer your question from an artist’s point of view: Collectors look for consistency in style or presentation. It’s best when a collector can look at a wall of your work and see that it’s all painted by one artist. I’ve heard it said recently on a podcast that artists each have their own DNA and therefore their own way of mark-making. As human beings, we naturally follow our own way of creating. It’s up to us individual artists to find and develop our natural ability in a way that pleases ourselves rather than guessing what someone else might want. I’ve never been happy creating for some market that I imagine might want my work. That said, I do keep track of selling trends and see where my work best fits.
So… develop your work, create often, please yourself - do the very best work you can with quality materials and then post as you go. If you love creating it and enjoy the results, someone else will likely feel the same way and connect with your work.
LIFE IS SHORT, ART IS LONG
I think from now on I’ll be looking for and reading all of your comments…great advice.
Thank you Ed. I wrote for FASO’s Fine Art Views for almost ten years, so I did constant research on art marketing, but I’ve been out of the loop lately because of life circumstances. I have been selling my work since the mid-1990s through various venues and I’m friends with many famous artists and art collectors - because I wrote for art magazines for 20 years. It was a great way to connect with artists who are successful in all price levels. I’m happy to help whenever I am able.
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