In this article we will lay a path for a new collector to follow for their first year. All new collectors make the same few mistakes in one way or another, so we will talk about how to avoid them. During this time one should focus on becoming as educated about the hobby and art as possible. All collectors should realize collecting is a long process and aim to build the best collection over the long term. Please read this if you have never bought a piece of art before, or are in the early stages. It will without a doubt provide you with a leg up entering this hobby. It is very rare to meet a collector who doesn’t wish he could go back in time and do many things differently. Think of this article as your cheat sheet.

The First 6 Months
     If you are new to this hobby, my first and most important suggestion is not to buy anything, at all, for the first six months. You can watch the auctions and the dealer and artists updates. Talk to other collectors about topics that excite you. Read the books you love and identify the art you enjoy the most, just don’t buy anything!
     A large portion of collectors own few to none of the first pieces they buy, as they are often in a rush to start collecting and make poor buying decisions. They pay too much for art. They buy art they don’t really love, or even like. They buy too much art. Most collectors tastes mature and change significantly over the first few years collecting. Few develop an “eye” for art until having spent some time in the hobby. Not buying art when getting started is your best bet on a building a quality collection over the long term!
     To talk about it another way; the first and most important thing in this hobby, is patience. It is also one of the hardest things to learn and follow. The right art at the right price will simply not appear that often, and the collectors who do best are the ones who can wait for it. There will always be more far art you want then funds to buy it for the vast majority of collectors(over the long term). Not having the money to secure the right piece because you spent it in other you don’t really like is a huge mistake.
     So if you can hold off on buying the first 6 months, what should you do to become a more intelligent collector?
     First shameless plug, follow CAG. We keep collectors up to date in all corners of the market, and regularly post educational articles for collectors, old and new. Watch the various auctions and see what you like, track prices to start to get a feel for value. Create accounts and get a feel for the sites. Bookmark your favorite dealer sites. Follow your favorite artists on social media. Learn the landscape of the art market.
     Read comics! See which art really makes you happy. Sometimes the comic art collecting hobby becomes detached from the comic books themselves. It is shocking sometimes to see how often collectors buy art from books they have never actually even read! If you don’t care about a book enough to read it, the art probably doesn’t belong in your collection. What really interests you is it covers? The idea of owning multiple sequential panel pages? Simply the ownership of something drawn by the all time greats? Think about what really makes you tick as a collector.
Save funds dedicated to purchasing art. Since we aren’t spending, start to set aside money solely for comic art, so when the time comes it is available we have the funds ready. Cash is king in this hobby, so liquid funds are key.
     If you need to buy something pick up a few artists editions. These are full size high quality original art reproduction books that are a blast to go through. You will learn tons about art without even trying. Picking up a few volumes of works from your favorite artists is a great entryway into the hobby.
     Go to conventions. This can be especially important if you have never seen OA in person before(artist editions work well for this as well), or only a few limited pieces. Art can look very different in person than in scans. There are artists whose work pops in person, and the opposite can happen as well.
     There are two important lists I suggest collectors make. At least a file on your computer, even better if you actually make hard copies.
     First, create a list of the examples you would like to add to your collection. Specific Artists/Background/Characters that you feel you must have an example of in your collection. Write as many as you would like.
      Second create a list of your absolutely most desired pieces, your grails. Limit this list to 50 or so max. These should be pieces that are burnt into your brain, so that you don’t even have to reference them to know what they are.
     Decide on how you will store and or frame your art. Figure out what type of portfolios you want and a good place to store art in your home. Find a reputable frame shop in your area if you want to go that route. Expect to pay $200-250 minimum for a quality frame job of an 11×17 piece of art.

Missing Out On Pieces 

     At this point you are probably saying great ideas, but I can do these and buy art at the same time. I don’t want to take the chance of missing out on any pieces. Don’t worry, one thing all collectors learn is there another piece of art will always come along. ALWAYS. Sure, I guess there is that chance that the one piece you covet more than almost anything pops up for sale, but it is pretty unlikely. If a piece does come from your list of grails you made? Sure you can break the rule of waiting. But do this for nothing else! Trust me, 99% of collectors do not having to worry about “missing out” on art. Please just wait!