Starting your collection: Ten easy steps

The online art market is ever expanding, giving you the ability to buy art from all over the world, from hundreds of artists at affordable prices. However, websites can vary in quality - from clean and dynamic sites dedicated to usability and interesting artworks, to sites so convoluted and badly explained that they're akin to being sucked into a black hole... To avoid this confusion, follow these simple steps and we guarantee you'll be a seasoned collector in no time!

1. Decide on a budget and try to stick to it. Rise Art should show you that interesting and collectable artwork doesn't have to break the bank. Offline print fairs such as Multiplied and Pick Me Up are also great places to find great bargains on original art.

2. Editions and prints can be a good starting point for the novice collector, as they're usually cheaper than original works and can be a great chance to buy something from an established artist with a lower price tag.

Original Prints can be quite affordable. This geometrical beauty by Dai Roberts is £149

3. When searching for your perfect work of art, keep the place where you want to display the piece in mind- particularly the room colour and lighting. This could be helpful in narrowing down your selection.

4. Always buy something because you love it. You're the one that's going to have to live with your choice hanging on the wall or sitting on the coffee table.

Sally regretted buying Damian Hirst's 'Butterflies' after remembering she was insect phobic

5. You should attempt to gain as much knowledge as possible about the works you're considering, so read all the contextual information on the work that you can. You can always ring or email for extra information if you feel like you need to.

6. If investment is part of your buying decision, then use websites that have external curators validate the works and pay close attention to their comments. Many collectors go so far as to hire art consultants that help them with larger purchases.

7. Investigate the artist's background by looking at information on collections and galleries that their work is included in.

The work of Rise Art artist Ting Ting Cheng has won multiple awards and is slated for an solo show at MOCA, Taiwan

8. Take stock of all your options before making the final decision. Why not get advice from friends? Buying online has the added advantage of getting feedback from people you trust. Send them images of the artwork you're considering or refer them to the relevant web page.

9. Be sure to find out all you can about the company; ensure that it provides secure online purchasing and offers a fair returns policy; and lastly, that your artwork will come with a certificate of authenticity or other documentation certifying the works provenance. Rise Art offers a minimum 7 day return policy, so you can be sure you love the work before commiting to purchase.

Chris Shaw Hughes  'New Pharaohs- The Great Deceiver'

10. When you feel that you have found the piece you love, go for it and eagerly await the delivery from the postman. Your artwork is now safely in your hands and ready to grace your walls!

 

Trying to discover the next Hirst? Access Great Art around your unique taste, by taking our ART PERSONALITY QUIZ and Becoming a Member. It is Free, and our insiders will send you top new works from the best Artists, Museums and Galleries worldwide!