Do you have a strong interest in art and find yourself imagining what it would be like to invest in works of art for pleasure or profit? The idea of investing in art might seem very daunting but this is no reason to give up. You have to start somewhere! Artalistic will give you some valuable insider tips on how to invest in fine art and open the gateway into the fascinating and lucrative world of art investment.



How to invest in fine art – A guide for beginners



1. Define your financial means and set a budget

Even though you might be tempted to invest in a piece of fine art simply because you have fallen in love with it, it is advisable to take a look at the financial resources at your disposal before you start investing in art. It is important to set a maximum amount you are willing to invest so that you can direct your research towards works that are in line with your budget.

Start small when making an art investment

Do not feel restricted if your funds are limited! You don’t need millions to invest in art. On the contrary, you can focus your research on emerging artists and make a few smaller investments on pieces that cost a hundred or thousand euros, slowly building a small collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, prints, engravings or lithographs. Another interesting solution for increasing the worth and prestige of your mini-museum is to purchase limited edition prints or certified reproductions by well-known artists at more affordable prices.

 

2. Gain experience and make connections

One of the best tips for how to invest in fine art so that the pieces you purchase will increase in value over time is to gain experience! That means going to museums, exhibitions and contemporary art fairs. It helps if you make connections with people at these art-specific locations. Read specialized magazines to gather information. You will quickly gain knowledge and refine your taste by looking at examples of different artistic techniques. Your knowledge about subjects and trends will steadily increase. This will allow you to recognize which artists will become influential in the art market. Gaining knowledge is key to knowing which art investment will be a smart one.



3. Trusting in your taste and instincts

Investing in art should never be a necessity or a burden. It should be enjoyable and you should let your taste in art guide you in your purchases. Buying a work of art can be a significant investment, but once you fall in love with an artist's work, you are on the right track.

How to invest in art and keep it fun: follow your heart

It is important not to put too much weight on making immediate profits from a resale. It is best to continue familiarizing yourself with an area of interest and to improve on your ability to tell the difference between "good pieces and bad pieces." Your instinct will be your best ally. Take the time to look at the piece in detail and trust yourself!



4. Diversify investments

Never forget that the art market is constantly changing and that an artist who is popular now may become unpopular overnight. That is why it is important to invest in art by several artists, even if you really love a certain artist’s work. This is a common mistake that many novice art investors make. Similarly, do not buy a piece just because it is by a well-known artist. Be sure to check the quality because the slightest defect devalues it considerably.



5. Determining the best price for a piece of art

Figuring out the real price of a piece that you have fallen in love with can be difficult at first. This is a crucial factor when you are new to investing in art.

The art market features pieces at wide price ranges and it is sometimes hard to know how much a piece should be worth. The most important thing is to avoid paying excessive prices. You will gain experience and expertise over time. When determining price, certain criteria must be taken into account such as the piece’s size, the technique used, the amount of time the artist says it took to create, etc.



6. Only purchase quality prints when investing in fine art

This advice may seem obvious but purchasing very high-quality art without any defects is very important. The average individual does not have the funds at hand to purchase very large pieces by renowned artists. The solution is to invest in high-quality numbered and limited edition prints from famous artists. This is a great way to start building your own mini art gallery that will grow over time. Prints and reproductions by eminent artists such as, Matisse, Renoir or Degas are available for sale. These are true collector's items, which can be sold for 1,500 or even 2,000 euros.



7. Require a certificate of authenticity

In order to prove that a work of art is an original, it must be accompanied by a document called a certificate of authenticity. It is usually provided when you purchase a piece of art. If this is not the case, be careful and seek expert advice. The art market is full of fakes and counterfeits.



8. Enhance your artwork

Your collection will grow in no time and investing in fine art will become a true passion. Now comes the fun part - deciding on how to showcase your pieces in order to give them even more depth and interest. Think of a place where they will look good together and finishing touches that will enhance their beauty. For example, carefully select a room in your home where you can showcase them together, creating your own personal museum.



9. How to invest in art without making mistakes - Know how to take advice!

When investing in art it is very important to ask individuals and experts who have experience. You can have them confirm a piece’s price and potential for resale. Support during the final decision making process is key. An art dealer can give you advice and help you select the right piece or refer you to other possible pieces of art to invest in.



10. Maintain a relationship with a professional or gallery

When you start investing in art, it is very important to try and develop a long-term relationship with a reliable gallery or trustworthy professional working in the art world. Many passionate professionals will be happy to guide you and help you through the process.

Artalistic employs professionals that are eager to help you start making smart investments in art.