Buying Guides
The Easy Way to Choose Art You'll Never Get Tired Of
The best art is art you'll love for years. Here's the easy way to choose art you'll never get tired of—simple rules for timeless art selection.
9 min read
Art buying feels intimidating when you don't know the jargon. Here's how to buy art confidently without needing to understand art terminology or speak the language of galleries.
How to Buy Art When You Don't Speak 'Art Language'
Art buying feels like entering a foreign country where everyone speaks a language you don't understand. "Giclée," "archival," "limited edition," "open edition"—what does it all mean? Here's how to buy art confidently without needing to learn art language.
Art language includes:
The effect: Makes art buying feel exclusive, intimidating, like you need special knowledge.
You don't need to know:
You only need to know:
The reality: Art language is helpful, not required. You can buy great art without it.
Instead of art language, ask:
These questions matter more than terminology.
You can assess quality visually:
No terminology needed: Your eyes can judge quality.
You can measure and calculate:
No art language needed: Math and measurement work.
Giclée: High-quality digital print (just means "good print")
Archival: Will last a long time without fading (means "long-lasting")
Limited edition: Only so many copies made (means "limited quantity")
Open edition: Unlimited copies can be made (means "unlimited quantity")
Pigment-based: Uses high-quality inks (means "good inks")
Substrate: The material it's printed on (means "what it's printed on")
Certificate of authenticity: Paper saying it's real (means "proof it's real")
The translation: Most art language is just fancy ways of saying simple things.
Terms that matter:
Terms that don't matter much:
The rule: If it affects quality, price, or fit, it matters. Otherwise, it's just language.
What to do:
No language needed: Just look and see what speaks to you.
What to check:
No terminology needed: Your eyes can judge.
What to do:
No art language needed: Math works.
What to do:
No gallery knowledge needed: Price is price.
What to do:
No art degree needed: Just buy what you like.
What it means: High-quality digital print
What you need to know: It's a good print. That's it.
Does it matter?: Yes, it means quality. But you can see quality visually.
What it means: Will last a long time without fading
What you need to know: It's long-lasting. Good to have.
Does it matter?: Yes, for longevity. But you can ask "will this last?" instead.
What it means: Only so many copies (e.g., 50, 100, 500)
What you need to know: Limited quantity, often higher price, more exclusive.
Does it matter?: Yes, affects price and exclusivity. But you can ask "how many copies?" instead.
What it means: Unlimited copies can be made
What you need to know: Not limited, often lower price, less exclusive.
Does it matter?: Yes, affects price. But you can ask "is this limited?" instead.
What it means: Uses high-quality, long-lasting inks
What you need to know: Good inks, will last.
Does it matter?: Yes, for quality. But you can ask "will colors last?" instead.
What it means: Paper proving art is authentic
What you need to know: Proof it's real, from artist/source.
Does it matter?: Yes, for peace of mind. But you can ask "is this authentic?" instead.
Ask simple questions:
The seller can translate: They'll understand your questions and answer in plain English.
Your instincts are valid:
Art language doesn't change this: Your preferences matter more than terminology.
You can assess:
No art degree needed: Your eyes and instincts work.
You don't need art language to buy art:
If you want to learn terms:
Questions to ask (plain English):
Remember: Art language is helpful, not required. You can buy great art by looking, checking quality visually, verifying size, and trusting your instincts. Sellers can explain terms in plain English. Your preferences matter more than terminology. Buy what you like, what fits, what you can afford. That's it.
Your art, your language, your confidence.
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