There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering art pieces that resonate with your soul and bring a unique character to your home. However, starting your journey as a collector of contemporary art prints isn’t just about buying posters and decorating your walls. It’s about building a collection that inspires, uplifts, and celebrates you.
So, how do you ensure your collection is both personally resonant and thoughtfully curated? Building a meaningful art print collection isn’t always straightforward and mistakes can happen. The good news? With a bit of guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls and dive into collecting with confidence and flair. Here are six missteps to sidestep, along with tips to keep your journey smooth and thoughtful.
1) Overlooking a Personal Connection
One of the biggest missteps is choosing art that doesn’t speak to you. It’s all too easy to be swayed by trends, focusing only on famous artists or following a friend’s suggestion.
At its core, art is deeply personal. A piece should make your heart skip a beat or stir something within—a memory, a feeling, or just pure joy. So, take a moment. Ask yourself: what about this piece draws me in? Is it the dreamy colours, the bold lines, the cheeky humour, or the story behind the work?
2) Skipping Research
Think of research as your secret weapon. Understanding the story behind an artwork or its creator doesn’t just deepen your appreciation—it helps you make informed decisions. Who’s the artist? What inspires their work? How does this piece fit within their broader portfolio?
Dive into the technical details too. For instance, DROOL uses giclée printing, a high-quality digital technique that sprays archival pigment inks onto acid-free paper. The result? Gallery-quality prints with vibrant colours and a longevity of over 100 years. The heavyweight matte paper and precision printing deliver stunning sharpness, tonal depth, and detail.
And don’t forget the practical side: think about your display space and the print’s size. An oversized print might overwhelm a small room, while a tiny piece can feel lost on a large wall. Striking the right balance is key.
3) Overcomplicating the Buying Process
Knowledge is power, and in the art world, it’s the foundation of a collection you’ll treasure for years to come. But you also don’t want to dive into a rabbit hole—spending endless hours comparing prints, second-guessing choices, or trying to find the “perfect” piece.
Here’s the secret: perfection doesn’t exist, but the right piece for you does. Trust your instincts. If a piece speaks to you, it’s worth considering. Simplify the process by narrowing down your options—focus on a few trusted platforms like DROOL, where curated collections make decision-making easier.
4) Prioritising Quantity Over Quality
When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to snap up as many art prints as possible. But here’s the thing: a carefully curated collection will always shine brighter than a sprawling, unfocused one.
Prioritise quality over quantity. Every piece should feel intentional. And, as one popular professional organizer likes to say, it should “spark joy” each time you see it. High-quality prints stand the test of time, and your collection will feel more meaningful if it grows slowly and deliberately.
5) Sticking to One Style
Art is a boundless playground of creativity, so why limit yourself to one corner of it? While it’s natural to have a preferred style, a diverse collection adds richness and depth to your space. Try experimenting with abstract pieces, minimalist designs, or calming landscapes. Each style brings its own energy and keeps your collection fresh and exciting.
Not sure where to begin? Explore online art platforms, visit galleries, or browse curated collections like those here at DROOL. From bold, colourful illustrations to understated monochrome designs, you’ll find something in our shop to suit every taste. Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines of graphic design, the emotion of photography, or the timeless charm of traditional painting, the possibilities are endless.
6) Disregarding a Budget
Let’s be real: collecting art can get pricey. Without a budget, it’s easy to go overboard. But setting a budget doesn’t mean settling for less. It’s about making thoughtful choices that work for you.
Affordable art doesn’t have to mean dull or uninspired either. You’ll find plenty of beautiful, high-quality pieces at accessible prices at DROOL. With reasonable prices and regular sales, you’re sure to find high-quality, unique pieces that fit your budget.
7) Neglecting Preservation
Imagine finding the perfect print, only to see it fade or warp over time. Heartbreaking, isn’t it? Preservation is key to keeping your collection looking stunning even after 100 years.
At DROOL, we prioritise premium materials using FSC-approved wood frames finished with high-quality Perspex glazes, as well as archival-grade paper. These protect your prints from harmful light, humidity, and pollutants, ensuring they remain as vibrant as the day you got them.
Adding the Final Touch
Building a collection of unique art prints is more than a hobby—it’s a journey of discovery, joy, and personal expression. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a collection that reflects your taste and brings happiness for years to come.
Ready to start? Check out DROOL’s prints and posters, and start a curated collection today.
