How to become a small collector

ArteFiera: Disegni di Fausto Melotti – courtesy Galleria Tonelli, Milano.

I am convinced, and those who have been following me for a while now have understood this, that it is possible to bring beauty and poetry into our lives through the objects we surround ourselves with every day.

Collecting art is not a luxury reserved for billionaires with frescoed villas and private galleries. Of course, not all of us can afford a Picasso above the fireplace, but building a small collection of authentic and meaningful art is possible for anyone with a little curiosity and strategy.

HOW TO BECOME A SMALL COLLECTOR

ArteFiera: Fabio Viale – courtesy Galleria Poggiali, Pietrasanta

If you have always dreamt of owning works of art, but think it is too expensive or complicated, this article is for you. Find out how to start your art collection without swooning, while having fun and investing in beauty.

1. Define your budget (even a small one is fine!)

Collecting art does not necessarily mean spending exorbitant amounts of money. Decide on an initial budget that is sustainable for you: it can be as little as 50-100 euros per month.

What can you buy with a small budget?

✔ Fine art prints and silkscreens by emerging artists

✔ S mall paintings and sketches purchased directly from artists

✔ Works on paper or limited editions

✔ Numbered and signed art photographs

The important thing is to buy wisely and not to jump at the first thing that looks ‘artistic’.

2. Develop your taste: visit, observe, discover

Before buying, learn to look.

• Visit galleries and exhibitions to discover new artists
• Follow emerging artists on Instagram and TikTok
• Attend accessibleart fairs
• Browse artbooks and catalogues to sharpen your eye

Collecting art is not just about owning objects, but building a relationship with the art world. The more you expose yourself, the more you will understand what really moves you.

3. Buy directly from artists

One of the best ways to start is to buy directly from artists.

• Instagram and Etsy: many artists sell their work directly on social or online platforms
• Ateliers and artist studios: if you live in an art city, try visiting the studios of young talents
• Art academies and student exhibitions: you can often find original works at affordable prices

In addition, buying directly from an artist allows you to get to know the story behind the work, making your purchase even more special.

4. Beware of prints: signed and numbered are better!

Art prints are a great way to start a collection, but be careful: not all prints are the same.

✔ Limited editions (e.g. ‘10/50’ means 10th copy out of a total of 50)

✔ Signed by the artist (if there is a signature, the value is higher)

✔ Museum quality prints (on premium paper and with durable inks)

Avoid industrial poster prints: they have no collector’s value. Better a silkscreen or lithograph signedby an emerging artist!

5. Watch out for online auctions (and bargains!)

If you are feeling adventurous, you can explore the world of online auctions. Some platforms sell art at affordable prices, and with a little research you can get great bargains.

🎯 Where to look?

Catawiki: contemporary art auctions at variable prices

Artsy: works by emerging artists and galleries

Saatchi Art: one of the largest platforms for buying art online

If you participate in an auction, set a maximum budget and don’t get caught up in the excitement of bidding!

6. Don’t buy for investment (at least in the beginning)

One of the most common mistakes new collectors make is to only think about the future value of the works.

Sure, some emerging artists might become famous and the value of their works might increase. But in the beginning, your priority should be to buy what you love, not what ‘maybe one day will be worth more’.

Art is an emotional investment first and foremost.

7. Look after your collection: framing, conservation and display

Bought your first work of art? Now enhance it!

✔ Use quality frames to protect and highlight the work

✔ Avoid direct sunlight to prevent colours from fading

✔ If you are short of space, rotate works from time to time, as galleries do

Even a small collection deserves to be treated with care.

Become a collector, stress-free!

Becoming a small collector is an exciting adventure, and you don’t need staggering amounts of capital to get started.

All you need is a little curiosity, a keen eye and the desire to discover new artists. And remember: every work you choose to take home tells something about you and your personal taste.

So, are you ready to start your collection? Tell me in the comments what was your first artwork purchased or which artist you would like to collect!