Once you have narrowed down the category of work that you would like to acquire, it's time to consider the background of the work and the artist.

Check the provenance of the work and the track record of the artist. Select artists that have been approved by authoritative sources in the art world. While it may be difficult to start your collection by owning a piece of work by blue-chip artists like Picasso, there are many mid-career and emerging artists to choose from. Depending on your budget and the space available for storage or display, you can start your collection easily by having a concrete idea of what to pursue. 

It may be tempting to put all your money into the first piece of work that you like, but it is unwise to do so. Set a budget, so that you will not be carried away by the excitement of starting a collection. Plan carefully and be aware of fees and taxes related to your purchase. You first art purchase may be something more accessible and under US$500, or go above and beyond US$10,000. 

Many collectors start collecting for aesthetic reasons—for example, to enliven their living room. Art can no doubt transform a space and create beautiful interiors, but what happens when their collection outgrows their space? As art collections grow bigger, art collectors need to think about the logistics, installation, insurance, storage and conservation of their works. It is always useful to have a few reliable companies in mind just in case.

For collectors who collect art for investment and wealth management purposes, they may consider enlisting the help of an art advisor. As galleries working in the primary market may have a long waiting list, aspiring collectors may need to consider different ways to obtain the works they desire.

If you are looking to build a corporate collection or select art for your office, art consultancy services are available on the market to provide access to the best works.

When you purchase a work of art, the Certificate of Authenticity is crucial to prove that the work is indeed authentic. The document will come in handy when you need to insure the work. Plus, you never know when in the future your art collection may grow to a point that you decide to donate or sell certain pieces. The loss of the certificates may cause great trouble in the future, which is why you should always keep important documents of your art collection safely.

This article first appeared on The Artling.