Managing your collection at home can be just as challenging as handling a museum inventory. If you have been collecting or creating art for a while but have not gotten around to organizing your valuables, this is your sign to start. To help you on your journey, we propose these three tips that will hopefully make the collection management process less overwhelming.
Three Tips to Make Your Collection Management Process Easier
Create a system
One of the most efficient ways to manage your collection is to create a system that works for you and stick with it. You can sort your items by size, material, or date and store them accordingly. This will make finding your artwork in storage much easier. We suggest that you start with the latest additions to your collection and work backward. That way, you will be ready if you need to access your new pieces for art events and clients.
Make an inventory
Making an inventory is one of the best things you can do to ensure your collection stays organized and not a single item gets lost. You can use any software you like, from professional art collection management tools to Google Spreadsheets. It is better to keep your collection inventory in digital form for convenience. Once you have chosen a tool that works for you, write down any information about your artwork that you find relevant. Generally, it is recommended that you specify the title of the artwork, the date of its creation, the name of the artist, the mediums that were used to create the piece, and its dimensions. You can also add information about any other features the collectible might have, such as issues related to its condition or special requirements.
Regularly check your collection
Check on your collection every few months to ensure it stays in perfect condition. You must also maintain a stable environment in the space you dedicate to storing your valuables, such as the temperature and humidity levels. In addition, you might want to inspect the walls, floor, and ceiling inside the room for maintenance issues like mold, leakage, or pest infestation. The sooner you notice the problems, the more effective your solutions will be.
All art collections are different, but these basic rules can be a great place to start. You will develop your own unique art collection management process with time, but for now, it is better to start small and not put too much pressure on yourself.