• 10 years ago
• 0
• Author: Matt

I came into the art world from a non-art position. This differentiates me from those with art degrees and commercial concerns and I’m very honest about this. With this said, I’d like to share tidbits I’ve picked up along the way. This page is added-to as I think of new things.

• Buy what you like because you like it, not because someone else does

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Orginal works of art are luxury purchases and should be treated as such. Like jewelry, for example, if you like it, buy it. If you don’t, DON’T. No matter what the salesperson is saying! Buying original works of art can be intimidating and this is normal. I recommend you start with very affordable purchases and increasing your spending as you go along. By the time you have a dozen, you’ll be more aware of your own tastes and can comfortably spend more money since there’s less risk to falling OUT of love with a piece later. 

• There will always be a future opportunity to buy something

This follows what I said above in that if you’re TOTALLY sure, just let it go. And if you can’t get it out of you head a week later or whatever, and want to go buy it and it’s gone, that’s OK. Don’t beat yourself up over it since there will always be something later you’ll fall in love with. When you have your first regret like this, I will consider you a “real collector!

• Consider the cost of framing

If you are accruing original works of art, Michael’s/Hobby Lobby are not suitable framing companies since they use on-archival materials by default. Aaron Brothers (owned by Michaels)  is just a smudge better. In all cases, you need to learn about “archival” materials and processes since you have uv light in your home. In Houston, you need Mixed Emotions Fine Arts or Arden’s Framing. Both these companies know how to preserve your purchase correctly; they frame works for our museums. However, you may encounter ‘sticker shock’ especially if you follow me and are buying affordable artworks.

Framing art yourself is as difficult as your standard home maintenance project; you have to have the right tools and know how to use them. In our home, we have a large collection exhibited because I know how to frame them. I know how to cut mats, select archival materials, have glass cut, apply D-rings, wire correctly, etc. You can too. Just ask.

• Perceived value vs. actual value

When Nike tries to sell you some sneakers, they use the “cost of goods sold” model which is a summation of the cost of materials, labor, shipping and marketing. Original artworks, however, are priced within a completely different model. This model is based on ‘perceived value’ not the actual value of the goods being sold. For example, a 12″ x 12″ acrylic painting on canvas may have $30 of paint, canvas and stretcher bars in it. However, if the asking price is $200, then the artist is asking if your perceived value in their work and reputation is worth $170 (or more).

Because I advise you only buy works of art you love without regard of speculation of increases in value, the idea of perceived value is very important. This is where the purchase of art becomes so very personal because you are having to analyze value which requires effort and research.

• Asking for a discount

If you’re in love with a piece the next consideration is price. As you gain experience, you may see discounts given out. We all love those, right? If you’re in a commercial gallery, you should feel free to ask the staff for their “best price”, etc. You should receive an answer that is 15-25% less. It’s completely up to them, of course; please don’t think I’m guaranteeing you a discount.

In artist studio situations and other events where you’re dealing directly with the artist, things are different. Asking an artist for a discount is something I DO NOT suggest. I think it’s rude and disrespectful. However, as I’ve gotten to know artists, some have offered me a discount on their own to which I reply with gratitude.

• Document your collection

I highly recommend you document your own collection is some way. I keep a spreadsheet on my computer of our purchases with all relevant details. Each item is photographed and assigned a serial number. 

• Good art tells a secret.

Keith Carter said this to me in an artist workshop in 2008. It’s not all he shared but it’s the first I’m sharing with you. Think about this when you look at someone’s art. I find it’s rare to find and when I do it’s exciting. It is a touchstone to a purchase for me.