Has Technology & Social Media Changed the Way We Buy Art?

Why do people buy art? Collectors do it out of pleasure, investors do it to make money down the line. Regardless of which group you belong to, it is undeniable that technology in general, and social media in particular, has had a huge impact on the art community and everyone in it.

As technology and the internet have become more commonplace in society, social media have had a large impact on the way people communicate and interact with each other, and it also explains the abundance of artworks about social media. This is also true for the art world, where social media have changed how artists and buyers interact.

In the past, people interested in buying art would have to physically go to galleries or art shows to find something they liked. This would often involve a lot of time, effort, and expense if the buyer were not local to the gallery or show.

Nowadays, with social media, buyers can easily browse through hundreds of different artists and find pieces they like with just a few clicks. They can also communicate directly with the artists, ask questions about the pieces, and get a sense of what the artist is like before making a purchase.

This has made it easier to buy art and has led to a boom in the number of people buying art online. It has also impacted the prices of art, as more buyers are willing to pay top dollar for a piece they love or that they think might be worth a lot more some day in the future.

What You Can Learn from People Who Buy Art

There are a few things to consider before buying art online. The following are eight things to keep in mind:

• Look at the artist’s website and social media accounts.

When you find an artist interested, take some time to look at their website and social media accounts. This will give you a good sense of their style and what kind of art they create. It’s also a good way to get to know the artist better and see if they’re someone you would like to purchase from. Some of the best social media platforms for artists include Twitch, Discord and TicToc.

• Read reviews from other buyers.

If you’re considering purchasing from a specific artist, read reviews from other buyers first. This will give you an idea of what their experience was like and whether or not they would recommend the artist to others.

• Ask questions about the art.

Before making a purchase, ask any questions about the art. This will help to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you want and that you’re happy with your purchase.

• Consider the shipping costs.

When buying art online, it’s important to consider the shipping costs. Some artists charge a flat rate for shipping, while others charge based on the size and weight of the piece. Be sure to factor in shipping costs when budgeting for your purchase.

• Know your budget.

It’s also important to know your budget before shopping for art. This will help narrow down your options and ensure you don’t overspend on a piece.

• Choose a payment method.

When you’re ready to purchase, you’ll need to choose a payment method. Most artists accept PayPal or credit cards, but other options are also available. Be sure to choose a payment method that you’re comfortable with.

• Review the return policy.

Before making a purchase, review the artist’s return policy. This will help ensure that you can return the piece if you’re unhappy with it.

• Get insurance for your purchase.

When you’re buying art online, it’s a good idea to get insurance for your purchase. This will protect the piece in case it’s damaged during shipping.

Those are just some of the things to keep in mind when you’re buying art online. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find a piece that you love and fits within your budget.

Why Buy Art Online?

There are many benefits to buying art online, including:

• Convenience

An important reason why people buy art online is that is so much easier and much less time-consuming than the conventional way of doing things. Buying art online is much more convenient than travelling to a gallery or art show. You can do it from the comfort of your home, and you don’t have to worry about dealing with traffic or parking.

• Speed

When you buy art online, you can get it delivered to your door, which is much faster than driving to a gallery or art show and then waiting for the piece to be shipped to you.

• Selection

When you shop online, you have a much wider selection of art. You’re not limited to what’s available in your local area.

• Prices

Art prices can vary greatly depending on where you buy them from. You can compare prices and find the best deal when you shop online. It also gives you more time to make decisions.

• Reviews

When buying art online, you can read reviews from other buyers to get an idea of their experience. This can help you choose a reputable artist and avoid any scams.

• Insurance

When you buy art online, you can usually get insurance for your purchase. This will protect the piece in case it’s damaged during shipping.

The Challenges of Buying Art Online

While there are many benefits to buying art, there are also some challenges that you should be aware of. These include:

• It’s easy to overspend.

When you’re shopping online, adding items to your cart is easy without really thinking about it. This can lead to you overspending on art you may not need or want.

• You can’t see the piece in person.

When buying art online, you can’t see it in person before purchasing it. This means that you have to rely on photos and descriptions to make your decision.

• Shipping costs can be high.

Depending on the size and weight of the piece, shipping costs can be quite high. Be sure to factor this into your budget when you’re shopping for art.

• There is always some risk of damage.

When you’re buying art online, there is always a risk that the piece could be damaged during shipping. This is why it’s important to get insurance for your purchase. 

Of course, when buying digital art, most of the risks above can be safely eliminated. Despite the challenges, buying any kind of art online can be a great experience if you keep those things in mind. By following the tips above, you can find a piece that you love without breaking the bank.

The Takeaway

Buying art online has become a popular way to shop for those who appreciate the arts and who want to invest in physical or digital works of art. While there are some challenges that come with buying art online, there are also many benefits, convenience and remoteness being the most important ones. Just take your time, do your research and try to enjoy the experience. It can pay off in the long run.