Whether you’re a novice art collector or you’ve been in the game for ages, there’s always something to be learned. With the help of these tips for collecting art, you’ll find pieces that speak to you.

Acquaint Yourself with What You Like

This advice may seem redundant, but it’s easy to forget what you truly love when you get entrenched in the world of art collecting.

With endless options and conflicting opinions on what’s in vogue, you can easily lose sight of what sparks your inherent interest.

Avoid this pitfall by ruminating on the styles and artists that speak to you. Art is an investment, so you don’t want an in-the-moment feeling to sway you toward an impulse purchase. Rather, really focus on what makes you feel good.

Network Within the Art World

As in many ‘worlds,’ art is all about making connections. Art collectors are social with each other, with gallery owners and with the artists themselves, so make sure you’re not out of the loop.

Reach out to curators and galleries in your area, send artists your meaningful insights on their work, and get to know your fellow collectors. Just like that, you’ll have a community of art lovers passionate about bringing the best art to you.

Understand Art’s Monetary Value

The art market is always changing, so staying up-to-date is crucial.

Determining what a ‘fair’ price means is difficult, but with the right research, you’ll start to understand where numbers should line up. To get a feel for what’s out there and how much a piece might be worth, peek through auction catalogs and gallery websites, or even go chat with a curator.

There’s a wealth of information out there if you know where to look for it.

Remember There Are Costs Beyond the Artwork

Beyond the cost of the art itself, you’ll want to consider some other areas where you’ll need to shell out cash. Once you’ve purchased a print or a painting, you might need to invest in a custom frame, or you may choose to purchase insurance for the art piece. You may even need it shipped to you with care.

When factoring a purchase into your budget, be sure to keep those variables in mind — this is one tip for collecting art that will help your wallet out immensely.