How to Buy Art on Instagram & Facebook Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Money)
Let’s get one thing straight: buying art online isn’t just for fancy collectors with trust funds. It’s for YOU. Yes, YOU—the one scrolling Instagram at 2 a.m., falling in love with a painting of a neon cactus or a moody abstract that feels like it was made just for your living room. But before you hit “DM for price,” let’s talk about how to do this right. Because buying art online can be magical—or a total disaster. Here’s how to make sure it’s the former.
1. Start with the Stalk (But Make It Classy)
You’re not just buying a piece of art; you’re buying into an artist’s world. So, stalk them. But not in a creepy way. Start with their Instagram or Facebook page. Scroll through their feed. Do they post consistently? Are they engaging with their followers? Do they share behind-the-scenes glimpses of their process? This isn’t just about liking their work—it’s about understanding who they are as an artist. If their feed feels alive, vibrant, and authentic, that’s a good sign.
2. Hashtags Are Your Best Friend
Don’t just search for “art.” Get specific. Looking for a bold abstract painting? Try #AbstractArtForSale. Want something local? Search #MiamiArtist or #BrooklynArt. Hashtags are like breadcrumbs leading you to the art (and artists) you’ll love. And don’t stop at one—click through related hashtags to discover hidden gems.
3. Dive Into Their Website (If They Have One)
An artist’s website is like their resume, portfolio, and diary all in one. Look for:
- Their artist statement: What’s their vibe? Are they into exploring identity, nature, or just making stuff that looks cool? If their words resonate with you, that’s a win.
- Their portfolio: Don’t just look at one piece. Scroll through everything. Do they have a consistent style? Or are they all over the place? (Hint: Consistency is good. Chaos can be exciting, but it’s risky.)
- Their pricing: If prices aren’t listed, don’t panic. But if they are, it saves you the awkward “DM for price” dance.
4. Check Their Resume (Yes, Artists Have Resumes)
An artist’s resume tells you how serious they are. Have they shown their work in galleries? Won awards? Been featured in publications? These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re clues. A strong resume means they’re committed to their craft—and that’s a good sign for you as a buyer.
5. Look for the Story
Great art tells a story. And so do great artists. When you’re scrolling their feed or website, ask yourself:
- What’s their vision?
- What inspires them?
- How do they talk about their work? (If they just post “New piece 🎨” with no context, that’s a red flag. If they share insights, emotions, or even just a funny anecdote, that’s gold.)
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Found a piece you love? Great. Now, ask questions. How big is it? What’s it made of? How will it be shipped? Can you return it if it doesn’t work in your space? A good artist will be happy to answer. If they’re evasive or rude, walk away. There’s plenty of art (and artists) out there.
7. Trust Your Gut (But Do Your Homework)
Buying art is emotional. It’s about falling in love. But don’t let your heart do all the work. Do your homework. Research the artist. Read reviews. Check out their past work. And then, when you’re ready, trust your gut. If a piece speaks to you, if it makes you feel something, that’s what matters.
8. Support the Artist (Not Just Their Art)
When you buy art online, you’re not just buying a product. You’re supporting a person. So, be kind. Be respectful. And if you love their work, tell them. Share it on your social media. Leave a glowing comment. Artists thrive on connection, and your support means more than you know.
9. Know What You’re Getting Into
Before you hit “buy,” make sure you understand:
- Shipping: How will it get to you? Is it framed? Will it arrive in one piece?
- Payment: Is it secure? Are there hidden fees?
- Returns: What if it doesn’t look right in your space? Can you send it back?
10. Remember: Art Is for Everyone
You don’t need to be a millionaire to buy art. You don’t need to know the difference between Impressionism and Expressionism. All you need is an open heart and a little curiosity. So, go forth. Explore. Discover. And when you find that piece that feels like it was made just for you, buy it. Because art isn’t just decoration. It’s magic. And you deserve a little magic in your life.
If you’re interested, AMM offers consulting and advisory services for art buyers and collectors on all aspects of buying and selling art. To schedule an appointment or inquire about how we can assist you, call (786) 286-3748 or email us at info (@) artmiamimagazine.com.
