10 Pieces of Advice for New Art Collectors From Diddy's Art Advisor, Maria Brito

Art advisor, stylist, and overall creative entrepreneur Maria Brito provides advice for those just beginning to collect art.

Sep 21, 2014
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Maria Gabriela Brito is an interior designer, author, curator, tastemaker, and authority on why, where, when and how to display and mix contemporary art and interior design in any environment. She is the CEO and creative force behind Lifestyling® by Maria Gabriela Brito, a company that offers a unique approach to interior design by incorporating art into every interior.

Her first book, Out There: Design, Art, Travel, Shopping, published by Pointed Leaf Press, is available worldwide and is the inspiration for her popular lifestyle blog "Out There NYC.” After learning about Maria through her art advising for Diddy, we asked her if she'd provide her expertise for new art collectors. For more advise and tips for how to make your art fit into your home, follow her on Twitter and Instagram @LifestylingNYC.

Get an education.

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“This means educating the eye by going to galleries, museums and art fairs and understanding what the concept is behind each piece. Ask someone to walk you through the gallery the first time. Aesthetics are very important but contemporary art is all about the ideas supporting the work. Contemporary art is culturally relevant; it could be transformative and it could also be your legacy for future generations.”

Buy what you love (only after the education part has happened).

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“Don't follow hypes or buy things because 'a friend of a friend' says you should.”

Local galleries are the best places to start an art education and to buy for your own collection.

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“Befriend them too—get on their email list, go to their openings, and show your interest and support.”

It's possible to buy great art online, too.

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“Artspace.com, Artsy.net, and Paddle8.com are just a few excellent sources to go that offer a variety of selections at all price points.”

Support and follow the careers of emerging artists.

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“They are easy to acquire and at lower price points than mid-career artists. Plus, it's exciting to see their careers grow and develop.”

Prints and editions are another great way to start collecting at a relatively low price point.

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“This is an excellent way to own work by established artists without having to mortgage your house.”

In every city or close to almost every city, there are art movements happening.

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“Learn about these in your particular area.”

If you have the means and you love a piece of art, try to buy it when intuition and excitement hit you at first sight.

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“Most collectors regret what they didn't buy more than what they did buy.”

If you really want to transform a space and feel that you are really living with art…

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“A large, central piece does wonders to attain that. Be careful of exposing the piece to too much sunlight.”

But if you want to start small, that's valid, too.

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“A wall filled up with smaller pieces hung 'gallery style' can be a very fun way of adding pieces to a collection over time and creating an intimate dialogue among themselves.”

Art Collecting

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