Buying Art Online: Top Tips and Red Flags
Buying art online can be a whole lot of fun but let's be honest, it can also be pretty overwhelming. The digital world is a treasure trove of art, featuring pieces from artists at every stage of their careers. While it’s super convenient to scroll through galleries from your couch, there are a few potential hiccups that can make the process more anxiety-inducing than it should be. Let’s walk through some tips to make sure your online art buying is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
First off, when I stumble upon an artist whose work catches my eye, I dive deep. I’m not just skimming through their Instagram or a quick gallery on their website. I’m checking out their full social media presence, their official website, and I’m on the hunt for their CV. Understanding the artist’s complete body of work is crucial for me—it helps me get a sense of their vision and evolution. And their CV? Well, it shows me their dedication to their work. Are they serious about their career? Are they involved in the art community? These are big questions for me. If they don’t have a CV available, I'll try to get in touch directly. A chat can sometimes tell you more than a document. However, a missing CV might raise a little alarm bell for me.
Quality checks are next—this part gets easier with experience. Remember, the more you look at art, the easier it becomes to tell the difference between great art and mediocre art. Pay attention to how the artist describes their work. If the descriptions are vague or don't really tell the story of the piece, that's a red flag for me.
Once I'm feeling good about an artist, the next step is to reach out. Whether through email or social media, I contact them to ask if they have a catalog of available works. Sometimes, they’ll send it directly; other times, they might direct me to their representing gallery. A quick pro tip: if the artist or gallery takes ages to respond (like over 24 hours without a good reason), I usually take it as a sign they might not be that engaged. For me, trust and responsiveness are key in these exchanges. If something catches my eye in the catalog, I ask for high-definition images or videos. It’s crucial to see the details, especially when you can’t view the piece in person. You want to be sure of what you’re getting.
The payment method is another factor. I always go for secure options—credit card, PayPal, you name it. This protects me and my investment.
When the art piece finally arrives, that’s an event in itself! I document everything. If it goes straight to a framer, I make sure they’re snapping pics and taking notes on the condition as it’s unpacked. And, of course, a certificate of authenticity (COA) is a must. Whether it’s a hard copy or an electronic one, I prefer something tangible that I can attach to the back of the frame for safekeeping.
At the end of the day, trust your gut. If something feels off at any point, don’t hesitate to back out or seek advice from an art professional.
So, there you have it. A little guide to navigating the exciting world of online art purchases. It might seem a bit daunting at first, but with these steps, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Happy art hunting!