How to invest in emerging art (even if you're not an art expert)

Let’s be honest: the art world can feel a little intimidating. Fancy galleries, high-stakes auctions, and price tags that make your jaw drop. But what if I told you there’s a way to start investing in art that’s affordable, approachable, and actually exciting?

Welcome to the world of emerging art, a space where new voices are rising, creativity is raw and authentic, and you don’t need a degree in art history to get started.

I’m not an expert either. Even today, I don’t fully understand how certain pieces are valued or what goes on behind the scenes in the art world. And maybe that’s part of what makes it interesting, there’s still a bit of mystery in it. But what I do know is this: when a piece speaks to you, it matters. And that’s always a good place to start.

Why emerging art

Think of investing in an emerging artist like backing a startup.

They’re not in museums yet, and maybe they haven’t “gone big” — but they’re putting in the work. They’re experimenting, showing up in small galleries, developing their voice, and building momentum one piece at a time.

And just like with startups, getting in early matters.

Investing in their work means:

• you’re ahead of the curve, before prices rise
• you’re supporting someone real, living, and creating, not just a name
• and yes, you’re taking a smart risk that can reward you both emotionally and financially

Helping an artist grow early in their career means you're not just buying a piece, you're becoming part of a bigger story.

And that has benefits for you, too.
You’re collecting something unique and authentic, with the potential to grow in value. But more than that, you're building cultural capital, taste, vision, and insight that others will notice. When someone walks into your home and sees a piece by an artist you believed in before the world caught on? That says something.

You're not just decorating.
You're curating.

What does that mean? It means you're not filling a wall just to make it look nice, you're choosing something that reflects your taste, your values, your intuition. You're making a personal selection, just like a curator in a museum or gallery does, but for your own space.

You’re investing in what’s next, and showing you’ve got the eye to spot it.
In other words, you’re an early adopter: someone who sees potential before everyone else. You’re not waiting for an artist to be “approved” by the art market or institutions, you’re trusting your own vision.

And that has real benefits:

• the work you buy may grow in value as the artist’s career evolves
• you build a collection that feels personal, ahead of the curve, and full of stories
• and you train your eye — which is the most valuable asset for any future collector

You don’t need to be an expert to do this.
You just need to look, feel, and choose with intention.

How to choose your first artist

Let’s say you find a piece that catches your eye, but how do you know if the artist is “worth investing in”? You’re not a critic, and you don’t want to play art market roulette. So how do you make a smart choice?

Forget trying to predict who’s going to be the next superstar. Instead, ask yourself a few simple, practical questions that anyone can use, no expertise required.

• Do you feel something when you look at their work?
  That matters. Maybe it’s curiosity, maybe it’s calm, maybe it’s “I can’t stop thinking about this.” That’s your instinct talking, and it’s a great place to start.
• Does the artist seem active and committed?
  Take 5 minutes to Google their name or check their Instagram. Are they showing new works, joining exhibitions, collaborating with others? They don’t need to be everywhere, just visibly working and growing.
• Are their works being shown or sold somewhere outside their own feed?
  Even small group shows, art fairs, or being featured on a gallery's site means someone else is also paying attention to their work. That’s a signal of credibility.
• Can you learn something about them?
  Read their bio. Are they exploring a theme, a material, a story that resonates with you? Art doesn’t need to be “understood” to be valuable, but knowing why they make what they make can create a stronger connection.

In short: look for signs of passion, movement, and intention. Not perfection. You’re not buying a stock, you’re backing a voice.

How much should you spend, and why even bother if your budget is limited?

Here’s something most people don’t realize: you don’t need a big budget to start a meaningful art collection.
In fact, starting small is often the smartest move. Why?

• You learn what you really like, not what you think you should like
• You connect with artists and follow their evolution
• And you grow confidence in your own eye and intuition

Here’s what entry points can look like:

• Under $500: limited edition prints, photography, drawings, zines, or small-format works on paper. These are not “less than”, they’re often full of experimentation and raw energy. Perfect for getting started.
• $500–$2,000: small to mid-size original pieces from artists with early exhibition experience. Great if you’re ready to own something unique and follow the artist’s career over time.
• Over $2,000: works from artists who are gaining momentum in galleries, institutions, or the press. Still accessible in many cases, but moving toward more structured markets.

You’re not just spending money, you’re starting a relationship with art. Even a €300 piece you love and live with every day has more impact than a mass-produced poster you picked in five minutes.

So the real question isn’t “how much should I spend?”
It’s “what can I comfortably invest to bring more meaning, beauty, and discovery into my everyday space?”

That’s where collecting truly begins.

Expert voices from the art world

Even respected professionals agree: your first art investment doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should feel personal and intentional.

Jerry Saltz, senior art critic at New York Magazine, has often spoken about making art more approachable. In an interview with The Guardian, he offered this advice:

“Don’t buy what you think you ‘should’ like. Buy what makes you stop scrolling, stop walking, stop thinking for a second. That’s the beginning of a real connection.”

Saltz encourages new collectors to start with emotion, to notice what catches your attention, even before you understand why.

Hans Ulrich Obrist, curator and artistic director of the Serpentine Galleries, adds:

“Supporting artists early on isn’t just good for the artist, it allows the collector to grow alongside the work, to live with a piece of time and thought.”

Your first investment shouldn’t just fill a wall. It should say something about you: who you are, or who you’re becoming.

How to care for your art (without turning your home into a museum)

Once you bring a work of art into your space, you're not just hanging something: you're taking care of it. And no, you don’t need to turn your living room into a climate-controlled gallery. But a few smart choices can make a big difference in how your piece ages, and how it holds its value over time.

Here’s what really matters

1. Know what you bought

Always ask for a certificate of authenticity or, at the very least, written proof of the purchase. This isn’t just for insurance, it proves the work is legit, and that matters if you ever want to resell it or pass it on.

2. Treat your walls with respect

Sunlight is beautiful, but not on your art.
Hang pieces out of direct sunlight, especially if they're works on paper or photographs. Over time, UV rays can fade colors and damage surfaces.
If you’re framing it, use UV-protective glass or acrylic. It costs a little more, but protects a lot more.

3. Think about temperature and humidity

Art doesn’t love extremes. Try to keep your space at a stable, moderate temperature, and avoid hanging pieces over radiators, fireplaces, or in damp bathrooms. Even the most beautiful drawing can warp or mold if exposed to moisture.

4. Digital art counts too

If you buy NFTs or digital pieces, store them like you would any other valuable: securely and backed up. Use a hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor), not just your email or desktop. And screenshot + save any artist statements or related documents, they’re part of the work’s story.

5. If your collection grows, think ahead

Once you start collecting more valuable pieces, it’s worth looking into art insurance. Some home insurance policies may cover art up to a certain value, but check the details. You don’t need a huge collection to make this worthwhile, just a piece or two that really matters to you.

Every now and then, take a moment to really look at the pieces you live with.
Notice how they’ve become part of your space, how your connection to them might have changed. That, too, is part of preserving value, emotional as much as financial.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to be an art expert to start collecting. What you really need is curiosity, a bit of research, and the courage to trust your eye.

Start with something that excites you, a piece that makes you pause, wonder, feel something. Enjoy the process. Discover artists whose work feels genuine, original, or full of potential. Don’t stress about making the “perfect” choice. Focus on the one that feels right for you.

Because the best collections?
They don’t just grow in value, they grow with you.
They reflect your story, your taste, your perspective.
And they always begin with one piece.

If you're ready to take that first step, you can start right here, with my curated selection of original works and fine art prints made for first-time collectors.
Start your collection at silviabardani.art