When it comes to an artwork’s value, collectors tend to care most about one thing. Story.
First, let’s level-set. I’m talking about an art collector, not an investor. A collector might be the couple looking for their first “real art” for their first home, just as much as the seasoned pro looking for the next piece in an extensive collection.
Think about the brands you love. I guarantee it’s not just because they save you a few dollars. You love them because of the emotional connection you feel to their narrative.
When a collector looks at your art, what do you think they consider first? Is it the technical execution? The brand of brush you used? Of course not. Once your work catches their eye, they look for a connection with you. Once that connection is established, the story is what helps them decide if the piece is worth the asking price.
Consider this: You decide to hang a shelf. You see you need a drill, so you head to the store and buy the best one you can afford. But are you really buying a drill? Are you even buying the holes in the wall? No. You are buying the satisfaction of a DIY project and the gratitude of your spouse. You are buying the feeling of a finished home and a grateful spouse.
An artwork’s story gives it flavor, but the artist’s story is what gives a collector the feeling of connection. And if you think your story is boring, think again.
On paper, I’m “average.” I’m a middle child from a middle-class family in a Midwest suburb. I got the degree, the job, the marriage, the two kids. But, like you, my real story happened in the details around those milestones.
At the core of your story are the quirks of your personality and the successes you’ve enjoyed. But the most magnetic parts? Those are your failures and your “overcoming.” The dead ends you hit and how you worked to pivot. For us as artists, that story includes our “mad genius” techniques, how we find beauty in the mundane, and the messy process of creating art.
The next time you share your art, don’t just show the finished product. Share the story. Be yourself, make the connection, and let the value follow.