How Art Collectors Really Use Social Media

The first question is why do people collect art? A few months ago I wrote a short blog post about this: (https://jmgalleries.com/fieldnotes/thoughts-about-why-people-collect-art). It would be worth a quick glance for a touch of background about this subject and please leave your comments if you have any.

However, I don't think collectors use social media in the way a lot of artists assume they do: directly find and purchase art online. The simple reason is because browsing and purchasing are two very different consumer behaviors. And, if collector's are thinking about spending anywhere from $100 to $10,000 on art, I think that many of them enjoy seeing the art in person.

This provides an opportunity to inspect the quality of the print, the frame, and overall build of the piece beyond an image posted online that can easily be distorted by the screen and not truly represent the art as seen by a collectors own eyes. Being present with the art may also encourage the collector to ask questions about the materials used, the process, or talk about how the picture inspires them.

Collecting art isn't always for financial investment but a choice based around emotion and human connection; where social media naturally pops your colors.

This is why social media is a valuable tool for a collector. It allows them to connect with the artist, opening a window into the creators life and aspirations. It is a place where your style, personality, passions and causes are publicly exhibited. And in between all the noise in social media: video, images, text, likes and retweets there becomes a space of authenticity where the artist themselves become the work that the collector inspires to collect because they connect with both the art and artist.

The art, whether a fine-art photograph, painting or sculpture isn't just something pretty to them with a price tag or is #1 of 950 Limited Editions. It's a Monet, a Lik, Nano Lopez, Ansel Adams or (fill in your name here).

As a fine-art photographer (or artist) how are you using social media to help your collector desire your work and build a connection with you? Please post your thoughts by clicking the comments icon below.

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