Collecting art prints is one of the best ways to acquire works by legendary artists at an affordable price. It's also a very specific type of collecting that requires specific knowledge of editions, years, techniques, papers, and printing processes, making it a fascinating and complex way of collecting art. Precisely because of this complexity, it's easy to make mistakes and lose money if you don't know exactly what you're buying or where you're buying it.
That's why Arte Global offers you five foolproof tips to help you start your art print collection on the right foot without risking your investment.
1. It is better to have a little of something valuable than a lot of something worthless.
Although art prints can be more affordable than other types of prints, such as paintings or sculptures, they also vary widely in price. A Miró print with 30 editions is not the same as one with 300, and its value will also depend on its relevance to the artist's career.
In the art print market , it's sometimes better to save money and purchase pieces that are more unique, special, and a little more expensive... since they're the ones most likely to appreciate in value over time.
2. Buy from the best in their field
As with any artistic technique, there are artists who are particularly skilled at graphic art. The creation of art prints has very specific characteristics that make it the perfect format for the sensibilities and techniques of certain artists.
If you don't know where to start, a good strategy is to opt for artists recognized for their mastery of graphic art, whose prices remain stable. Some key names: Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Ed Ruscha, and David Hockney.
3. The state of conservation is vital
When determining the value of a print, it's not just the edition number or the artist that matters, but also the piece's state of preservation. Most art prints are printed on paper, a fragile material that requires specific care and preservation, something many people underestimate.
Photos can be deceiving, so if you can't see the work in person, always request a condition report . It's no use having a wonderful print if it's on the verge of disintegration.
4. Don't buy from sites like Temu, eBay or similar
There are many ways to buy art these days, and one of the most convenient is online. However, it's important to be very careful about where you purchase the work. Non-specialized platforms like eBay are full of seemingly authentic pieces, but what experts back up these sales?
Buying art from unreputable sites is, in many cases, a waste of money. Always make sure to buy from websites or spaces recommended by art professionals to minimize the risk of being scammed.
5. Make sure they are authentic
Art prints have value because they are authentic and original works. We're not talking about simple prints that copy famous paintings without permission, but rather works created by the artist himself, serialized, signed, and, most importantly, authenticated.
Whenever you buy an art print , ask for an official certificate of authenticity and the exact edition number. Without these elements, your work may look spectacular, but its real value will be practically zero.
