Have you thought about starting an art collection but felt held back by certain preconceived notions on what makes up an art collector? 

Today we’re going to de-bunk 5 common myths about starting an art collection so you can feel free to start building your own.

1. You Need An Art Degree To Start Collecting

Sure, it’s nice to know the history of important art pieces but it’s not necessary for all. One of the beauties of art collecting is that you don’t need to know anything about art.

The details on style, medium, technique or even who created it all come second. What matters most is how it makes you feel. You don’t need knowledge on how to feel mournful, joyful or nostalgic towards an art piece, you already do that automatically. The question is, do you want to take it home with you?

For example, how does this abstract piece called ENCHANTMENT by Irini Karpikioti make you feel? 

2. You Need Deep Pockets To Be Able To Afford It

For pieces by famous artists like Picasso or Van Goh, yes, those will be reserved for the 1% of the population who can afford it. However, many emerging artists have work to sell sometimes under $100. After all, this is where famous artists have started and could you imagine if you bought a piece from an artist that made it big? 

For example, this gorgeous acrylic painting called Water Lilies on the Pond by Soos Roxana Gabriela is being sold for just $81. 

3. All The Art You Buy Has To Be An Investment

If your entire reason for wanting to start an art collection is purely because you want to make a financial investment, you may be disappointed. Buying art for the sake of making a profit is similar to investing in stocks. There are degrees of risks and unpredictability, especially since the art market goes by its own rules and prices fluctuate regularly. 

Even if you take into consideration market trends, find the most promising new artists, the history of art pieces, and keep an eye on prestigious auctions like Sotheby’s, there is no formula that’ll guarantee significant returns on an art piece. 

Buy it because you love it. It’s as simple as that. 

You may love this contemporary/cubism mix called Aesthetics Chaotic by Marcos Inácio. 

4. You Must Have A Big Collection To Qualify As An Art Collector

You don’t need to have a collection of 50+ art pieces or even a large space to put them in to be considered a collector. All you need is a big sense of passion. Even if you only own one piece of art and are carefully considering your next one, it just makes you a more conscious collector. 

No matter how big your collection is, you are a crucial part of the art world as you support the artist’s careers and encourage them to create more.

Even if an oil painting like NYC Empire State Building night I by Martin Köster is all you want for a while, it still makes you an art collector. 

5. You Have To See It In An Art Gallery

With the power of new technology like AI, virtual viewing rooms and great cameras, we can see art pieces in all their glory without having to be there in person. In light of COVID, art has become more accessible than ever. 

You can see art online on places like Instagram, YouTube and online art galleries (like Zatista!). There are even options to see how every art piece will look like in different types of rooms before you buy.   

For instance, you can see how this watercolor painting called Fall River at Estes Park by Leslie White would look in different rooms by clicking through the photo carousel. 

Ready to start your collection? Our gallery has a variety of one-of-a-kind art added to it every day by artists all over the world. In addition, we have an art advisory to help you find your perfect piece if you start to feel overwhelmed. Start your journey here.