Starting your art collection
Starting Your Art Collection: A Guide for New Collectors
If you’ve ever been captivated by a work of art and wondered how to bring that magic into your home, you’re not alone. Starting an art collection can feel intimidating, but it’s also one of the most rewarding personal journeys you can undertake. Art has the power to transform a space, spark conversation, and connect you to a larger world of creativity. This guide is here to help you take the first steps toward building your art collection.
Why Start Collecting Art?
Art is more than decoration; it’s a form of self-expression, a conversation starter, and a way to support creativity. A thoughtfully curated collection reflects who you are, what you value, and the stories you want to tell within your living space.
As a queer visual artist, my work aims to spark dialogue about themes like identity, community, spirituality, and our connection to the planet. By starting your collection with pieces that resonate deeply, you’re not just buying art—you’re investing in ideas, values, a movement, and your personal art collection.
Art collecting is also about the joy of discovery. Whether it’s finding an emerging artist whose work speaks to you or acquiring a piece that reflects your personal journey, each step adds meaning to your collection.
1. Find What Moves You
Before making a purchase, spend time discovering your taste. Visit galleries, browse online shops like my own Queer Fine Art Prints Shop, and follow artists on platforms like Instagram. Supporting artists online by following and sharing their work is a simple yet impactful way to help promote their art as well as buying pieces for your art collection.
For example, my photobook Mind Mirage and the fine art prints I offer are great starting points for anyone interested in exploring queer perspectives and themes of equality. As a queer artist, it isn’t always easy to gain inclusion in mainstream institutions, as our visions often challenge conventional societal norms. Supporting independent artists helps them grow, thrive, and create more meaningful work.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush! The right piece will speak to you emotionally or intellectually—it’ll be something you can’t stop thinking about. When that happens, you’ve likely found the perfect addition to your collection.
2. Start Small and Accessible
You don’t need a huge budget to begin your art collection. Affordable, high-quality prints, like the Hahnemühle prints available on my webshop, are an excellent entry point. These prints combine the quality and exclusivity of fine art with accessibility, making them perfect for new collectors.
Purchasing directly from emerging artists not only supports their creative journey but also gives you access to unique works before their value increases. Early investment in a lesser-known artist’s work can be incredibly rewarding, both emotionally and financially.
3. Learn About the Artist
Art becomes even more meaningful when you know the story behind it. Understanding an artist’s journey, inspiration, and creative process adds depth to your connection with the piece.
For instance, my art is deeply rooted in my identity as a queer artist and my passion for addressing social and ecological issues. Many of my collectors share similar values—whether it’s activism, sustainability, or a sense of community—and find resonance in the stories my pieces tell.
Take time to read artist bios, watch interviews, or engage with them through social media. When someone visits your home and admires your collection, you’ll have powerful stories to share about the artist and the meaning behind their work.
If you want to know more about me please check out this video:
4. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
When starting your collection, it’s better to have a few pieces that you truly love than to accumulate many that don’t resonate. Art should evoke a strong connection, whether it’s through its story, visual appeal, or emotional impact.
When browsing my collection, for instance, I recommend selecting pieces that feel deeply personal to you. Perhaps it’s the vibrant storytelling in Mind Mirage or the serene balance of nature-inspired compositions in my prints. No matter the style, each piece should feel like a meaningful addition to your home.
5. Curate with Purpose
Think about the mood you want to create in your space. Is it peaceful and reflective? Bold and dynamic? Your art collection can set the tone for a room and even influence how you feel when you’re in it.
Consider mixing my prints with other art forms—such as sculptures, vintage finds, or handmade crafts—to create a cohesive yet diverse environment. Experimentation is key; let your collection evolve as your tastes and interests grow.
6. Celebrate Diversity in Your Art Collection
Art has the power to amplify underrepresented voices. Including works by queer artists, artists of color, or those addressing social justice issues allows you to contribute to diversifying cultural narratives.
My art, for example, celebrates queer identity, community, and our shared connection to the planet. By incorporating such works into your collection, you’re helping to elevate stories and perspectives that deserve greater visibility.
6. Consider the practicalities
Beyond choosing art that resonates with you, it’s important to think about how you’ll care for and display it. Framing is a crucial step in protecting your investment, especially for fine art prints. I offer pre-framed options on my webshop, ensuring your art arrives ready to display while safeguarding it against damage.
Choose spots in your home that avoid direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. This ensures your pieces remain vibrant and pristine for years to come.
7. Why collecting art matters.
Caring for art isn’t just about preserving its monetary value—it’s about honoring the stories and craftsmanship behind each piece. Art transforms your home into a space of meaning, creativity, and connection.
Collecting art also allows you to make a tangible impact. By supporting artists, especially those from underrepresented communities, you’re fostering diversity in the arts and helping important voices reach wider audiences.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re inspired to start your art collection, I invite you to explore my webshop, Queer Fine Art Prints Shop. You’ll find a curated selection of fine art prints celebrating queer identity, community, and the beauty of our shared planet.
Each piece is created with care, not only to inspire but also to remind us of the power of art to make the world a better place.
Start your art collection today—whether it’s your first piece or a meaningful addition to your growing art collection.
Happy collecting!
– Rik Versteeg
