Have you ever wondered what art collectors look for?

I recently went to a panel discussion on art collecting. This blog article covers what I heard and how it led me to question how I am selling my art. As I listened, I felt that the panelists were in a different world from how regular people think about art. I thought about how I sell my own art and possibly pursuing a different path.

The New York City Armory Show

On September 10, 2023, I attended the Armory Show at the Javitz Center in New York City. By its name, the Armory Show is not immediately recognizable as an art exhibition. I happened to be there for the Photo Fairs, an art show dedicated to photography, when I stumble upon it.

Art Collecting Panel Discussion

Aside from viewing the artwork, there was a panel discussion about collecting art. It had three collectors and a moderator.

There was a strong emphasis on exploring new artists, engaging in discussions about getting to know them better. Surprisingly, little attention was given to the actual artwork itself. The discussion revolved around the artists, rather than the specific medium they worked in, such as painting, sculpture, or photography. It seemed as though the focus was more on cultivating a sense of coolness by “discovering” these artists.

There was a desire to be patrons for artists. One of the participants mentioned that they seek out disadvantaged individuals or visit schools with art programs to provide support. It appears that they look for artists who engage with social issues to some extent. The allure of the “starving artist” persona seems to hold great appeal.

I don’t quite remember the specific prices mentioned by the panelists, but they were in the range of approximately $15,000 to $20,000.

The Every Day Person’s View of Art

While I believe that every panelist has good intentions and a desire to help, it was somewhat unsettling to detect the element of ego at play, and they may be somewhat disconnected from the experiences of everyday people. Their desire to be perceived as important and influential was quite apparent.

It became evident that I wasn’t alone in experiencing this sentiment when an audience member raised a question about the value of art.

The question was, “does the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating a piece contribute to its worth?”

This audience member was just like many of the other members, everyday individuals who may encounter collectible art only through events like this. They want to venture into purchasing more expensive artwork, but does the quality of craftsmanship factor into the price?

The panelists grew uneasy, avoiding a definitive response to the craftsmanship inquiry. They essentially stated that valuing art is a challenging task. The simple answer for the average person was to acquire what they like. This is often the go-to response in the art world, serving as a convenient way out.

Art Marketing

This has sparked thoughts about my own artwork. I aspire to sell my photography, and for this purpose, I utilize Art Storefronts as my sales website (https://dreams.exit-h.com). Like the panelists, they emphasize that “people buy the artist, not just the art.”

The key to selling artwork lies in effective marketing. Simply having a website is insufficient; it is crucial for people to discover you and become familiar with your story before they are inclined to purchase your art. It all comes down to the power of marketing.

However, I am far from being a struggling artist, and my photography does not revolve around social causes. Additionally, I am not particularly enthusiastic about the ego-driven nature of collectors.

I am passionate about photography as it allows me to capture beautiful moments and create stunning visuals. I am not going for anything more than this.

Decorative Art Market

If I don’t sell my artwork to collectors, what alternatives do I have? It got me pondering about decorative art. Decorative art encompasses the creation of artwork that is made to enhance the ambiance of spaces like living rooms or bedrooms.

Those who purchase decorative art are often less concerned with the artist and more focused on the aesthetic appeal, craftsmanship, how it complements the space, and the emotions it evokes.

The crucial question is, should I transition from “people buying the artist” in the collector market to “people buying pretty pictures” in the decorative art market?

Is There Something Else?

However, there is a significant gap in this analysis. The discussion at The Armory Show panel was focused on the high-end collecting market, taking into account the affluent art market of New York City. Conversely, the decorative art market, such as an Etsy shop, can cater to a lower-end market.

But what about the artists who fall somewhere in between? What about those artists residing in small cities and towns? Consider the individuals who showcase their talent at local art shows and flea markets.

As I contemplate my place in the art world, one of my goals is to dig into this gap.