How To Start 2025 As An Art Collector–Part 1: The Mindset Shift
How to move from interested to active
Image: Alex Gardner, Chaos Bloom, 2024
Only rocket science and brain surgery are rocket science and brain surgery.
That is, those two areas require years of training and knowledge to do them. Art collecting, on the other hand, should not be confused with either of these two endeavors. Most people can collect art, whereas most of us will never be able to perform brain surgery or get a rocket into orbit without a propensity for anatomy, math, and years of study.
Yes, there are things you’ll need to learn in order to collect art. To do it, you’ll just to shift your thinking. Of course, everyone’s not going to make this shift. And that’s okay. Art collecting might not be your thing.
The art world has an image as an opaque, exclusive domain of monied elites, people who eat and breathe art, crisscrossing the globe to attend art fairs, gallery openings, and museum galas. And, yes, there are levels to it, just as there are in any other industry. But that shouldn’t stop people with an interest in art from getting involved in collecting. Art collecting is for everyone.
In the beginning, art collecting is like any new endeavor: At first, you won’t know what’s going on, what the rules this world operates on, who the people are, and what roles they may play. But you can learn it: It ain’t that deep.
The first question to ask yourself, then, is this: Does art matter to me? Am I really interested in it? If the answer is yes, then you need to put on your big boy/girl pants and get over your discomfort. The discomfort won’t last forever. Remember when you showed up at your book club for the first time? Or started pledging that fraternity or sorority? Years later, these are your people. See? Art’s like that. Just a bunch of people who love art, talking about it, and being around it and those who create it.
That said, here are some ways to reframe your thinking that will set you up for long-term collecting success.
Commit to spending time
Most of us have more time than money (my dad used to say that). To better understand art, you’ve got to spend time seeing art. It doesn’t mean you have to go to galleries every day. It does mean you have to go see art regularly. Maybe that’s once a week. In a city like NYC, Chicago, LA, or Paris, you could take two hours on a Saturday, hit a few galleries, and then grab some lunch. It’s about setting aside some time. If you can, try to make the openings. It’s here you’ll have opportunities to talk to fellow art lovers, artists, curators, and other art professionals.
Train your eyes
One of the benefits of seeing art regularly is that your eyes will get better. What do I mean by this? You’ll become more discerning about details, approaches, and what you’re seeing in various pieces of art. There’s no shortcut to this.
It’s through this consistent exposure that you figure out what you like and–of equal importance–what you don’t like. This clarity about your personal preferences is crucial, especially when you’re about to spend hard-earned dollars on a piece of art. Don’t worry about what everyone else says about an artist or an artwork: If it resonates with you, then that’s a piece you should get. It sounds a little woo-woo, but you should only collect art that brings you joy. When you walk through your home, you want to be surrounded by pieces that have meaning for you. And feel free to invite anyone who doesn’t like your art to go kick rocks.
One caveat that I always share with couples: Talk to your partner about what you’re collecting. Remember that your home is a shared space. Make sure they are aligned with you on the types of art and artists you’re bringing into your home. Trust me when I say it’s absolutely worth the conversation.
Don’t think about “building a collection”
The phrase “building a collection” or “building an art collection” has certain connotations attached to it. Most of them can seem weighty and important, which can be off-putting. Rather, think of what you’re doing in the early stages as “buying a few pieces of art”. Doesn’t that feel less deep? Maybe more like shopping?
The key point here: Before you commit to “building an art collection,” see if you like the process of buying art. Is seeing art regularly more than just a one-off activity? Are you comfortable walking into galleries? How do you like initiating conversations with gallerists and artists? Do you find the process draining or energizing?
But what if I don’t know anything about art?
Don’t worry about it. This goes back to the discussion about time. I’m assuming you’ve learned how to learn. Again, you’re not embarking on years of training to become a brain surgeon. You can read (you’re reading this!) so find books and publications on art. Get a basic understanding of the art world. Also, don’t dismiss the value of talking to others. Gallerists love talking to folks who are genuinely interested in the work they’re showing. At openings, ask artists about their work and their influences. Attend artist talks between artists and curators because often those conversations will prompt further research or provide names of books you should read.
One of the best curator-artist conversations I attended in 2024 was between Kalia Brooks, the director of programs & exhibitions at artist residency NXTHVN, and artist Todd Gray, whose lens-based work was on exhibit at The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation. I took pages of notes as Todd talked about his influences and the ideas he was exploring in his work.
And it was because I attended an artist talk led by curator Ajay Kurian that I was able to chat with artist Steve Locke after the event. When I asked him for a recommendation on an art history book, he suggested James Elkins’ What Painting Is, and it changed the way I look at paintings.
Humility goes a long way
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus reminds us: “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” What keeps us from learning is our ego. When we’re new at something, we sometimes feel “less than” around people who’ve been doing that thing for a while. But you’ve got nothing to prove. You’ll get further by being upfront with the people you meet in the art world. Don’t be afraid to let gallerists, artists, and other collectors know you’re just starting. Lead with genuine curiosity. Ask questions, and ask for advice (folks generally love giving advice). This will speed your progress. And remember, there’s no rush: Collecting can be a lifelong activity, and art collections are built over years and decades.
Parting thoughts
No rule says as soon as you decide to get into art, you must buy a piece right away. Take your time until you see something that captures your imagination. Enjoy the discovery of walking into a gallery and being floored by what’s on the walls. Figure which artists, curators, and galleries appeal to you, and follow them. Meet other collectors. Become part of a community. Take your time to set yourself up for long-term collecting success.
Next Up: Part 2: Budgeting & Investing in Art