Art advisors spend a lot of time scouring openings, auction previews, and art fairs for the best the market has to offer their clients. But a lot of their advice is, paradoxically, about the value of restraint and discernment (along with a healthy dose of curiosity). In other words: the experts want you to hold your horses.
For those who don’t yet have an art advisor on speed dial, CULTURED pulled together some of their most compelling tips for novice collectors from our 2026 Power Art Advisors List. Take in their commandments below and read the full list of top advisors here.
Accept that collecting probably isn’t a moneymaking endeavor.
“Art is expensive and risky, no matter the budget or timing in the market. No expert or chart can accurately predict the future.” –Candace Worth
“If you think that you can make money out of this, it’s not the way to start.” –Donna Chu
Collect with your heart and eyes, not your ears.
“Following the pack or basing decisions on what others may be buying for themselves. Early on, it’s important for collectors to hone in on which works resonate with them. Taking the time to discover a direction that feels authentic is an invaluable part of building a focused collection.” –Nancy Gamboa
Look back to history for gems.
“Collectors often begin their journey with emerging artists. However, we also encourage them to consider undervalued areas by more established artists. These works tend to hold their value over time and can become anchors for the rest of the collection.” –Beaumont Nathan
Don’t be impulsive.
“When you start collecting, the learning curve is steep in terms of understanding your taste. If new collectors make impulsive purchases before educating themselves and defining what moves them visually and intellectually, it’s easy to view those early acquisitions as vapid or uninspiring in hindsight.” –Alex Glauber
Remember that real-life expertise is more important than Instagram.
“Overvaluing Instagram, undervaluing education and expertise. Or thinking that an art advisor is just a ‘middleman.’ Anyone can access market data about art—and (awesome) apps like Arthur make it easy to look up repeat sales of various works even—but there is much more nuance behind public records.” –Rachel Greene
Look (at a lot of art) before you leap.
“Merely following trends instead of educating themselves. The best thing a new collector can do is look as much as time allows: get to know galleries and artists, build relationships, talk to other collectors, hire an advisor, join a museum committee. Don’t just do what your friends are doing—you’re the one who has to live with the art.” –Anne Bruder
Don’t forget: What you don’t buy is just as important as what you do.
“They think that getting something they like at a discount is a bargain. The discount is irresistible, and then they find that they bought absolute garbage. You know what we are notorious for? Stopping our clients from buying 90 percent of everything they are offered.” –Philip Hoffman
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