5 Common Pitfalls of First Time Art Collectors (And What to Do Instead)
by Meghan Geliza Jackson
Starting your art collection is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many choices, styles, and opinions, it’s easy to second-guess yourself or fall into common pitfalls.
The good news? Collecting art doesn’t need to be complicated. By knowing what to avoid, you can focus on choosing art you love and building a collection that feels personal, soulful, and right for your space.
1: Buying for Prestige, Not Emotional Connection
Many new collectors think they need to buy what’s “in” or what critics recommend. But personal, soulful art isn’t about trends or prestige, but about resonance. You don’t need to research art genres, art critique dissertations or feel you have to keep up with fine art jargon.
Avoid it by: Trusting your intuition. Choose paintings you connect with on an emotional or spiritual level, not what others say you “should” like.
Your art should ultimately feel like it mirrors how you always want to feel in your home. Good art that’s right for you evokes the most basic of human emotions: joy, wonder, awe, peace, activation, confusion, or heaviness.
Get in touch with the emotions and feelings a piece evokes in you, and you’ll know what this artwork will bring into your life and space.
2: Not considering your space
It’s easy to fall in love with a piece without imagining how it will live in your home. A painting may be beautiful, but if it feels overwhelming or lost in your space, it won’t feel right long term.
Avoid it by: Visualising. Stand back and imagine the painting on your wall. Does it uplift the energy of the room? Does it complement your home without needing to match every detail?
My studio also offers a visual mock-up service with your chosen original artwork in your space. Contact the studio for this service if you’re considering any of my original pieces. Your first one is free, then 2% of the original painting price for your next ones.
3: Not checking for longevity, rushing the decision
First-time collectors sometimes feel pressure to decide quickly, worried the painting will sell or they’ll miss their chance.
Avoid it by: Pausing. If a painting is truly meant for you, the connection will remain. Take a moment to breathe, notice your emotions, and trust that clarity will follow.
Check the processes the artist used to preserve the piece to ensure its longevity. Fine Art sealing and varnishing in the tradition of the masters, and using high-quality materials will ensure an original painting or Giclée (pronounced zhee-clay) fine art print should last 100+ years.
4: Overlooking the Artist’s Story
Art carries the energy and intention of the artist. When you ignore the story behind a piece, you miss a deeper layer of connection.
Avoid it by: Read about the artist’s inspiration, process, and meaning behind the work. Often, this story makes the piece even more powerful to live with.
5: Thinking Collecting Is Only for Experts
One of the biggest myths is that you need to know about art history, investment, or design to be a “real” collector. This belief stops many people from starting their collection at all.
Avoid it by: Remembering that art is personal. You don’t need expertise, only openness. If a painting makes you feel something, that’s enough. You’re already a collector.
Collecting With Confidence
Starting your art collection doesn’t have to be intimidating. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll make space for intuition, connection, and joy in your choices.
The best collections aren’t built by following rules but by resonance. If a piece lights you up inside and brings joy, inspiration and inner calm when you look at it, that’s your sign that this artwork will bring these same emotions and energy to you for years to come.