Things You'll Need:
- Knowledge of American Folk History
- What to look for in quality American collectibles
- Pick a specific time period to start your collection
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Step 1
What are your interests?Pick a subject matter that you would like to collect. This sounds so easy to do on paper, when in reality, it can be very difficult to choose. Some people choose a object because it represents themselves as a person. Someone who is a Hunter might collect folk art paintings of dogs or hounds. While someone who is a musician might choose to collect musical instruments. The choice is the owner who is doing the collecting. Lastly there are collectors that are purely into the hobby because of their return on their initial investment. So, it really takes all types of people to collect Folk Art.
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Step 2
Posters are your thing?Once you have chosen what you are going to collect, it is time to pick out a time period that you are going to focus on. This can be quite challenging since some time periods are a little, how would you say, unique in style and design. It is best to research this out before you begin so that it fits with your home decor. For example some people love a Victorian era of design while others love the Post Modern era of design and taste.
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Step 3
Research your subject.Research the object that you are collecting. In this world we are so interconnected with the invention of smart phones and the Internet that if you have a specific item that you collect, chances are there is someone else out there collecting that same item. So take the time to go to the library, Internet, and talk to people who collect the same thing that you do and you will know what other people are looking for in quality items.
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Step 4
Can you tell?Once you have narrowed down your subject matter, researched some history, it is time to go shopping. This can be done in many ways, with the internet, live auctions, internet auctions, flea markets and or antique shops. One thing that I should caution you about is that condition is key when you are buying a specific object. Always look for chips, cracks, manufacturing flaws, or wear damage before you purchase an item. This seems like "common sense" but what the Novice Collector doesn't realize is that many repairs that are done out on the market are so well done that you can not tell with the naked eye. This is why when you do your initial research be sure to study the fakes that are out on the market because if you know what they look like first, you will be able to spot them easily and not be taken for a fool.
