Today there’s an increasing trend of buying art online. This method is often a great benefit to the artist, as most of the proceeds return to the person creating the art. It’s a great way to build and sustain a connection in art and maker commerce, one that allows artists to earn a living from their creativity, and those who appreciate art make it possible. To help our Beaverton patrons, and anyone who’s looking to start or add to a collection, we’re sharing our tips for selecting the perfect art online.
4 Tips to Help You Choose the Perfect Piece of Art Online
Getting involved in anything new can sometimes be intimidating, and from a certain perspective, it can be true for buying art. For a long time, the concept of “art” was perceived as something that only the wealthy purchased, or could afford in the first place. However, this is far from reality, as the art world is bright, welcoming and inclusive.
One of the benefits of purchasing art online is that it expands accessibility, allowing more people to freely enjoy art in their everyday lives. You can join in the joy of acquiring a beautiful work by buying art online and supporting creators at your own pace with the following tips.
1. Buy What You Enjoy
As you learn more about art, it may be tempting to buy what’s trending (or what seems to have potentially high ROI). When it comes to art, you want to choose something you’ll enjoy. Buy art that speaks to you or sparks something inside you.
2. Get to Know Multiple Artists & Styles
Expose yourself to various artists, media and styles. There are many ways that makers (or the same maker) choose to express themselves. What do they create most comfortably? What do their peers, curators and reviews say about them? Whose portfolios do you seem to come back to repeatedly? These questions will guide you as you discover what you like, and what you want to purchase.
You’ll also want to think about the styles, movements and media that spark your interest (it may be many!). But when you’re looking to purchase art, ask yourself if you want drawings, paintings and digital images, or do you want to purchase 3D, textured, mixed-media pieces? You’ll want to consider these factors as it also affects how the art will live in your home.
3. Prepare and Measure Your Area
Before purchasing art online, make sure you know how much space you have to display your piece(s). This is a key step in making the perfect choice. While viewing pieces online, check the dimensions and weight. If you’re expecting a 5-pound tabletop piece but instead, it weighs 50+ pounds and is made for floor display, that does change things. The weight difference would also affect shipping charges.
4. Start With a Budget
Before you sit down to purchase art online, determine your budget. This is one of the most important tips outside of getting to know makers through artist videos, reviews and portfolios. Your budget is your governor, determining what type of art you can buy and even where you may be able to purchase. This part can be intimidating for some people, but it doesn’t have to be. Depending on your budget to buy art online, it’s really no different from any other purchase, small or large. You research, learn what you like, then initiate the buying process to get what you want.
Whether you’re dealing with the artist directly or an intermediary, always get to know their sales reputation to protect yourself. Also, keep in mind that artists and sellers earn their living through creating and brokering these transactions, so understand their pricing and terms—and a well-planned budget will help you do that.
Buy Art Online & Support Free Art Lessons for Kids
Now that you’re ready to select the perfect piece of art online, check out the incredible Northwest artists on display at Grey Raven Gallery. We are a unique art gallery whose proceeds support artists and the creation of free online art lessons for kids. You can buy art online or if you’re in the Portland Metro area, get directions to stop in for a kid-friendly visit.
