Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Art Toy Collecting
Art toy collecting has become a popular hobby and investment opportunity in recent years. However, as with any specialized collecting niche, new collectors often make mistakes that can hinder their progress or result in suboptimal investments. Understanding the common pitfalls and how to avoid them is crucial for anyone starting an art toy collection. This article explores the most frequent mistakes beginners make and offers advice on how to build a successful collection.
1. Overlooking Research
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is diving into art toy collecting without proper research. The art toy market is vast, with many different artists, styles, and trends to consider. Failing to understand the nuances of the market can lead to impulsive purchases that may not hold their value or fit into your collection in the long term.
Before making any purchases, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the artists, limited edition runs, and market trends. Keep track of prices, learn about the history behind each toy, and follow the work of influential creators in the scene. Collecting resources such as Artsy can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and releases.
2. Ignoring Condition and Packaging
Condition is a critical factor in determining the value of art toys. Beginners often overlook this, assuming that any piece will appreciate over time. However, collectors tend to place high value on items that are in mint condition, especially if they come in their original packaging. Deteriorating boxes, damaged toys, or signs of wear can significantly reduce the resale value.
Always aim to store your art toys in a way that protects them from dust, sunlight, and physical damage. Keep them in their original packaging whenever possible and avoid exposing them to harsh environments that could cause fading or deterioration. This preservation will maintain the long-term value of your collection.
3. Not Understanding Artist Reputation
While many art toys are appealing based on aesthetics alone, artist reputation is a key factor in determining a toy’s potential value. New collectors often focus on the toy itself and ignore the artist behind it. However, toys from well-known or influential artists tend to appreciate more over time than those from lesser-known creators.
Famous artists like Kaws, Bearbricks, and Takashi Murakami have built large followings, and their works often become sought-after collectors' items. Researching the artist's background, collaborations, and impact on the art toy community is crucial. Keep track of which artists are generating buzz and have upcoming releases or exhibitions. This will give you insight into which pieces are likely to become more valuable in the future.
For example, Kaws' "Companion" figures have seen significant price increases due to the artist's reputation and his crossover success into mainstream art galleries and auctions.
4. Focusing Too Much on Resale Value
While art toys can certainly be a profitable investment, beginners often make the mistake of focusing too heavily on resale value. They may buy toys solely with the hope of flipping them for a profit later. This mindset can lead to overpaying for items or missing out on pieces that are meaningful to your collection.
Art toys, at their core, are meant to be enjoyed and appreciated for their artistic value. Buying pieces solely for resale can turn a fun hobby into a stressful financial venture. If you love a particular toy or artist, it's often worth investing in the piece for personal enjoyment first, and let the potential for appreciation come second.
5. Neglecting the Community
The art toy community is a vibrant and supportive group of collectors, artists, and enthusiasts. Beginners who neglect to engage with the community miss out on valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and discovering rare releases. Art toy conventions, online forums, and social media platforms are essential for building connections and staying informed about the latest releases.
Engaging with the community allows you to learn about the best places to purchase art toys, connect with like-minded collectors, and even access limited-edition releases before they sell out. Websites like Instagram and online forums like Sgt. Fan Forum are excellent platforms to join conversations and exchange advice with fellow collectors.
6. Not Setting a Budget
Collecting art toys can be an expensive hobby, especially when purchasing limited-edition releases from renowned artists. Beginners often fail to set a clear budget for their collection, which can lead to impulsive buying and overspending. Without a budget, it's easy to get carried away by limited-edition releases or auctions.
Before diving deeper into the market, set a realistic budget for your collection based on your income and interests. Consider allocating funds for both high-value investment pieces and smaller, more affordable items that bring you joy. A clear budget ensures that you enjoy the hobby without financial strain.
7. Relying Too Much on Online Auctions
Online auctions, like those on eBay and other specialized marketplaces, are convenient platforms to purchase art toys. However, beginners often over-rely on these sites without fully understanding the risks. Auction environments can drive prices up quickly, sometimes beyond the fair market value of the toy, due to competition among bidders.
When purchasing from online auctions, always research the value of the item beforehand, check the seller's ratings, and ensure that the item is authentic. Additionally, it’s essential to be patient—wait for the right opportunity instead of impulsively bidding on an item that could end up being overpriced.
Conclusion
Art toy collecting is a rewarding hobby that can offer both personal satisfaction and financial gains. However, avoiding common mistakes is crucial for new collectors. By conducting thorough research, understanding the significance of artist reputation, taking care of your collection, engaging with the community, and setting a budget, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the art toy market and build a collection that grows in value over time.