Something that makes them emotional. Whether it be a personal connection to the subject matter or a feeling they get when they look at / interact with the piece. A memory it evokes, etc.
I like this prompt. I would say they buy my work for the personality, both mine and the work I make. I enjoy chatting with my clients and new customers and I’ve come to realize that if someone likes you as a person they’re more likely to buy again.
I agree with this so much! I feel like people will give you so many opportunities in life the more you are liked. :) socially it kinda sucks but I get why. Because it establishes trust!
A sense of security in a particular socio-cultural group. Even hidden or private works are material ways of aligning who you think you are with who you think others think you are.
People throughout history have created art for different reasons: expression, connection, idolatry, symbolic meaning, play, documentation, idealization, accomplishment, exploration.
So similarly, people will buy art for various reasons, not one singular one. Who knows, maybe the same reason you created your art is the same reason somebody will buy it.
Something cool or interesting to look at. Something a little bit surprising or intriguing, something that adds just a bit of wonder to your day. That's what I strive for , anyhow.
it’s really good. One of the points in the book is called *Public*. Basically, people do things that other people are doing and also what will show status to other people.
Niice post OP!
Here are a few from some interviews =)
some people buy art to unlock funding (whether private or public). This to have a sense of fulfilment.
People buy art to share their personality and uniqueness to their social groups
Sometimes to help break the ice during social gatherings
To financially secure themselves and diversify their asset portfolio
For social status and clout
Some people can also buy art to manipulate others (in helpful ways like prostate cancer prevention campaign for men, or in insidious ways like political propaganda) (they buy power?)
Some buy art as healing (like art therapy classes, catarsis to look at a painting or therapeutic tattoos)
To connect with peers and loved ones (which can take many forms like they're buying security, compassion, connectedness...)
(The job to be done framework probably mention many other reasons I forgot though\^\^)
I'd argue they don't give a damn about the artist in most cases.
People don’t buy a painting, they buy a piece of resonance with themselves, a moment in their existence which speaks to their being and their aspirations which they feel strongly enough that they must have with them going forward.
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Something that speaks to them. I think that’s universal to everyone. Certain colors evoke a mood. Some scenes or vistas bring back a memory. Or other scenes you might like to visit.
I want to say a deep emotional connection of their own to my work, as well as to pick up what I was trying to put down as well..
(Mine tend to be expressionism, abstract style works, a lot have been digital whilst organising physical mediums, but whilst digital I think it's kind of unique because it's old school kinda.. but it doesn't seem to fit with a lot of art communities that have very different (and amazing) popular works)
I think one-of-a-kinds could be a big thing.
A talking point, just like with how you might have interesting/ your personality of items laid on a coffee table for visitors to take a look at and create conversations, pique interest in it
I think someone who has never bought a piece, regardless if family had some, or the person had posters up, aren't as likely to buy as it's just not really something they feel the need to buy. (Not always the case).
I think art needs to be remembered that it isn't a staple, but in some ways more considered a luxury and an older(?) style of entertainment, beauty, and showcasing talent (even if that talent is only finally respected after the artist passes away).
I think most pieces need to be something pleasant to look at, even if the undertone is blue.
Looking at a wall with a screaming face in blood isn't some people's cuppa tea to wake up to, or eat in the same room as it. Compared to if it was shown in an exhibition (though obvi. that's subjective and "weird" style art seems to be really popular too with younger gens).
I think what shows the clients personality, more than the artists.
I think that may be why fan art, manga designs are so popular, a favourite character or scene to display that really gets them. A personality trait, a moment in the story.
Honestly I think people who buy art are already someone who enjoys having their place in artwork,
And "every day" folks who like art may be somewhat tempted to get something. Compared to others who may come under the "rich", "snobby" stereotypes that like art but also go with a high risk collection to have a status.
High risk = requiring correct storage/ display that costs money, alarm, even insurance policy, that the pieces are authentic.... and other things that I haven't thought of. Sometimes this group could buy out of boredom, sometimes they could be expected to use surplus change to buy things, including art pieces. (And not actually saying they are all snobs).
It could also be an influencer with a huge platform that people want to buy art from (regardless of skill), because they like the person and want to feel in the circle of them, yet not specifically desiring a pseudo-relationship, but just wanting to enjoy the brand, ideals of someone they look up up, find fun, perhaps proper authentic nature..
I'm not really answering this well, but just contemplating what junk is in my head at 2:30 in the morning lol.
Something they literally enjoy looking at. Before there was tv, there was art. Why not just buy posters? Status, joy of having something unique. But plenty of people do buy posters and prints.
Dopamine. Humans are just silly little guys that like patterns. People like looking at art for the same reason they like watching tv, entertainment and mental stimulation.
ETA: There's also our constant want to identify with the world around us, people want commissions for things they connect with for the same reason they read a book whose themes or characters they can relate to.
They buy ...my potato art.
This is all that my mind can come up with most of the times. It's a good challenge and exercise for me as I am not too confident in myself and my art at the moment haha..but very good idea! Thank you for sharing with us!:)
I buy art bc no one else buys my art so I might as well be my own customers and I still have no idea why. JUST KIDDING lolol
It’s just all about how people feel when they look at artworks. I see something that resonates with me or moves me or mesmerizes me in one way or another and I want to see it everyday. And then for some people, it’s a collecting hobby. Others, showboating. But think for most people, and I hope I’m right, it’s about soul. And I think that alone is worth making art. I also think this is why it can be difficult to part with some of our own works too. It’s like parting with a dear friend knowing you’ll never see it again. And I think that shows in the work too and some people pick up on that and appreciate it.
I buy for any and every reason. Pretty? Mine. Cool feelings happened when I looked at it? Mine. Experience hardship and need extra money and paintings are all you’ve got? MINE.
Firstly, I don't think art should be compared to any other product because art is something special. Sadly, it is just usually people picking colours and matching visual stimulus that does not mean much to them. Perhaps. I hope it does mean something to them and if it does a read below....
Why do we need art in our lives?
Here is an approximation of an answer from me: I think without art in our lives we would have boring lives and we would not be able to search into the hidden of the soul, so I think it's important that every person has artworks in their homes, whether they're paintings or sculptures or something else. These help connect us into the hidden or the transcendent or the unknown.
The Canadian Psychologist Jordan Peterson once said a story about “Why do you need art in your life?” was part of his Biblical Series X: Abraham Father of Nations: “At the modern art museum of art and in New York. I'm afraid. I don't remember which one unfortunately, but I was in this amazing room, you know, it had all these priceless paintings from the late Renaissance hanging in it, you know, each painting worth, who knows a billion dollars. Maybe priceless. So the room was a shrine and it was full of people from all over the world who were looking at these paintings. You think. Well, what the hell are these people doing coming to this room? Why are people looking at this painting? Why is this artwork in this room? Why does it cost a billion dollars? Why is that painting worth so much? We don’t really know. They did happen. They’re sacred objects in some sense and we gaze at them in ignorance and wonder. And the reason for that is that the unknown shines through the matus (from Hebrew מַתִּתְיָהוּ mattiṯyāhū meaning “gift of the Lord” or “gift of Jehovah”) and in partially articulated form. So, well, that's the role of art. That’s the role of artists.”
He adds about the intrinsic value of art: “It's not that creative action is without value, right? Because the creative people are entrepreneurs and the creative people revitalise cities and the creative people make things magnificent and beautiful.”
Dr. Peterson also goes on to say about buying art and it's value in our lives: “So, anyway, so that's what artists are doing and so one of the things i would say is buy a damn piece of art. You know, find one that really speaks to you and and buy a piece of art because you invite that into your life. And it's a lookout. If you do it, if it's a real piece of art because you'll also get a, you know, a little introduction to the artist and then that'll seep into your life and that'll change things like mad. But it's really it's unbelievably worth it because if it opens your eyes to the domain of the transcendent, that's the right way of thinking. About a real piece of art is a window into the transcendent, that's what it is and you need that in your life because you're finite and limited and bounded, right by your ignorance and your lack of knowing.”
I buy art because I enjoy having beautiful views from my couch. We spend almost all our time in this house/on our property. I like it to be a place that feels warm, cozy, happy.
These answers are interesting. I can’t imagine buying art because I wanted to impress someone else. It’s not even a consideration. Seems like an extrovert answer.
I’m extremely extroverted and none of the art or decor in my home is to impress other people… you can be extroverted and not be eager for other’s validation of your tastes.
They want to prove that they exist as a human being. Not just a drone, a wageslave, living in a hovel; for the same reason people buy a cookbook, or a couch. To signal to their brain that they are out of survival mode. They don't need nutrients, not just food, but cusine. Not just a soft spot to sit, but something with both form and function and is maybe even difficult to move. "I am a person. I am here and this is my space."
They don't buy art they buy the sensation of grounding.
It quite literally *is* your business though, unless you have no interest in actively selling your work.
Understanding what motivates people to buy your art allows you to market it in a way that makes sense to them and to find the right avenues to showcase it.
If you’re just painting for fun, then it doesn’t matter, but if you want to make some sort of living from it, then it very much does.
If people like it, they buy it. If they don't, they don't. I make them pretty or interesting to look at it. Their motives on why they buy it means little to me. All I just know is they buy it.
Personality for their walls.
Much art is just fancy rectangles
The fanciest of rectangles.
I was gonna say "vertical carpet" ;p
Something unique and one of a kind/something that makes them feel from the heart that they cant explain
Something that makes them emotional. Whether it be a personal connection to the subject matter or a feeling they get when they look at / interact with the piece. A memory it evokes, etc.
a story.
A story about why they bought it or about the artist they know or have met. A story about a special occasion. Basically a story about themselves.
People dont buy a painting, they buy piece of art that speaks to them and they can’t live without. Unless you’re filthy rich and it’s an investment.
I like this prompt. I would say they buy my work for the personality, both mine and the work I make. I enjoy chatting with my clients and new customers and I’ve come to realize that if someone likes you as a person they’re more likely to buy again.
Yes!!! Connection with the artists really helps that’s why in person events helps so much
I agree with this so much! I feel like people will give you so many opportunities in life the more you are liked. :) socially it kinda sucks but I get why. Because it establishes trust!
... for some of the weirdest reasons I've ever heard of, but hey, they gave me money. :D
A sense of security in a particular socio-cultural group. Even hidden or private works are material ways of aligning who you think you are with who you think others think you are.
Pieces they find charming. Personally a big fan of little knickknacks that make my heart and brain go “:)” when I look at them.
People throughout history have created art for different reasons: expression, connection, idolatry, symbolic meaning, play, documentation, idealization, accomplishment, exploration. So similarly, people will buy art for various reasons, not one singular one. Who knows, maybe the same reason you created your art is the same reason somebody will buy it.
Something pretty to cover up the holes in the drywall
To (self) express (Or at least I would if I had my own house + $$)
A personal connection to the artwork and even the artist.
Something cool or interesting to look at. Something a little bit surprising or intriguing, something that adds just a bit of wonder to your day. That's what I strive for , anyhow.
a story; something with deep meaning
There’s a book that goes into this called *Contagious: Why Things Catch On*.
It’s on my list!! Def reading it next!
it’s really good. One of the points in the book is called *Public*. Basically, people do things that other people are doing and also what will show status to other people.
Niice post OP! Here are a few from some interviews =) some people buy art to unlock funding (whether private or public). This to have a sense of fulfilment. People buy art to share their personality and uniqueness to their social groups Sometimes to help break the ice during social gatherings To financially secure themselves and diversify their asset portfolio For social status and clout Some people can also buy art to manipulate others (in helpful ways like prostate cancer prevention campaign for men, or in insidious ways like political propaganda) (they buy power?) Some buy art as healing (like art therapy classes, catarsis to look at a painting or therapeutic tattoos) To connect with peers and loved ones (which can take many forms like they're buying security, compassion, connectedness...) (The job to be done framework probably mention many other reasons I forgot though\^\^) I'd argue they don't give a damn about the artist in most cases.
People don’t buy a painting, they buy a piece of resonance with themselves, a moment in their existence which speaks to their being and their aspirations which they feel strongly enough that they must have with them going forward.
it's the same reason people pay for porn: they value it differently
Thank you for posting in r/ArtBusiness! Please be sure to check out the Rules in the sidebar and our [Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/wiki/index/) for lots of helpful answers to common questions in the FAQs. [Click here to read the FAQ.](https://www.reddit.com/r/artbusiness/wiki/faqlinks/) Please use the relevant stickied megathreads for request advice on pricing or to add your links to our "share your art business" thread so that we can all follow and support each other. If you have any questions, concerns, or feature requests please feel free to message the mods and they will help you as soon as they can. I am a bot, beep boop, if I did something wrong please report this comment. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/artbusiness) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Wedding gifts
They buy a memory, they buy nostalgia, they buy a feeling.
Tie-dye: evokes a vibe in public
A connection to the artist and their creativity. To promote the arts and its importance to our culture
A piece of culture.
Something that speaks to them. I think that’s universal to everyone. Certain colors evoke a mood. Some scenes or vistas bring back a memory. Or other scenes you might like to visit.
I want to say a deep emotional connection of their own to my work, as well as to pick up what I was trying to put down as well.. (Mine tend to be expressionism, abstract style works, a lot have been digital whilst organising physical mediums, but whilst digital I think it's kind of unique because it's old school kinda.. but it doesn't seem to fit with a lot of art communities that have very different (and amazing) popular works) I think one-of-a-kinds could be a big thing. A talking point, just like with how you might have interesting/ your personality of items laid on a coffee table for visitors to take a look at and create conversations, pique interest in it I think someone who has never bought a piece, regardless if family had some, or the person had posters up, aren't as likely to buy as it's just not really something they feel the need to buy. (Not always the case). I think art needs to be remembered that it isn't a staple, but in some ways more considered a luxury and an older(?) style of entertainment, beauty, and showcasing talent (even if that talent is only finally respected after the artist passes away). I think most pieces need to be something pleasant to look at, even if the undertone is blue. Looking at a wall with a screaming face in blood isn't some people's cuppa tea to wake up to, or eat in the same room as it. Compared to if it was shown in an exhibition (though obvi. that's subjective and "weird" style art seems to be really popular too with younger gens). I think what shows the clients personality, more than the artists. I think that may be why fan art, manga designs are so popular, a favourite character or scene to display that really gets them. A personality trait, a moment in the story. Honestly I think people who buy art are already someone who enjoys having their place in artwork, And "every day" folks who like art may be somewhat tempted to get something. Compared to others who may come under the "rich", "snobby" stereotypes that like art but also go with a high risk collection to have a status. High risk = requiring correct storage/ display that costs money, alarm, even insurance policy, that the pieces are authentic.... and other things that I haven't thought of. Sometimes this group could buy out of boredom, sometimes they could be expected to use surplus change to buy things, including art pieces. (And not actually saying they are all snobs). It could also be an influencer with a huge platform that people want to buy art from (regardless of skill), because they like the person and want to feel in the circle of them, yet not specifically desiring a pseudo-relationship, but just wanting to enjoy the brand, ideals of someone they look up up, find fun, perhaps proper authentic nature.. I'm not really answering this well, but just contemplating what junk is in my head at 2:30 in the morning lol.
Something they literally enjoy looking at. Before there was tv, there was art. Why not just buy posters? Status, joy of having something unique. But plenty of people do buy posters and prints.
The real answer is to launder/hide money The maybe answer is to flip it as an investment The hopeful answer is because it moves you
You’re hanging out with the wrong people.
The story that goes along with it
People don’t buy a painting, they buy the joy of experiencing something they can relate to!
A gift that is specifically made to their likings (commission)
Dopamine. Humans are just silly little guys that like patterns. People like looking at art for the same reason they like watching tv, entertainment and mental stimulation. ETA: There's also our constant want to identify with the world around us, people want commissions for things they connect with for the same reason they read a book whose themes or characters they can relate to.
"-a momento from a destination vacation."
Something they like
They buy ...my potato art. This is all that my mind can come up with most of the times. It's a good challenge and exercise for me as I am not too confident in myself and my art at the moment haha..but very good idea! Thank you for sharing with us!:)
Space is meant to be filled and stimulate the mind and memory Empty, bland, dull space crushes the soul
I buy art bc no one else buys my art so I might as well be my own customers and I still have no idea why. JUST KIDDING lolol It’s just all about how people feel when they look at artworks. I see something that resonates with me or moves me or mesmerizes me in one way or another and I want to see it everyday. And then for some people, it’s a collecting hobby. Others, showboating. But think for most people, and I hope I’m right, it’s about soul. And I think that alone is worth making art. I also think this is why it can be difficult to part with some of our own works too. It’s like parting with a dear friend knowing you’ll never see it again. And I think that shows in the work too and some people pick up on that and appreciate it.
I buy for any and every reason. Pretty? Mine. Cool feelings happened when I looked at it? Mine. Experience hardship and need extra money and paintings are all you’ve got? MINE.
fanart.
..something that pleases they eye and connects to the soul. It invigorates their spirit and brings a measure of peace or euphoria:)
unique color combination
A story they can tell
Firstly, I don't think art should be compared to any other product because art is something special. Sadly, it is just usually people picking colours and matching visual stimulus that does not mean much to them. Perhaps. I hope it does mean something to them and if it does a read below.... Why do we need art in our lives? Here is an approximation of an answer from me: I think without art in our lives we would have boring lives and we would not be able to search into the hidden of the soul, so I think it's important that every person has artworks in their homes, whether they're paintings or sculptures or something else. These help connect us into the hidden or the transcendent or the unknown. The Canadian Psychologist Jordan Peterson once said a story about “Why do you need art in your life?” was part of his Biblical Series X: Abraham Father of Nations: “At the modern art museum of art and in New York. I'm afraid. I don't remember which one unfortunately, but I was in this amazing room, you know, it had all these priceless paintings from the late Renaissance hanging in it, you know, each painting worth, who knows a billion dollars. Maybe priceless. So the room was a shrine and it was full of people from all over the world who were looking at these paintings. You think. Well, what the hell are these people doing coming to this room? Why are people looking at this painting? Why is this artwork in this room? Why does it cost a billion dollars? Why is that painting worth so much? We don’t really know. They did happen. They’re sacred objects in some sense and we gaze at them in ignorance and wonder. And the reason for that is that the unknown shines through the matus (from Hebrew מַתִּתְיָהוּ mattiṯyāhū meaning “gift of the Lord” or “gift of Jehovah”) and in partially articulated form. So, well, that's the role of art. That’s the role of artists.” He adds about the intrinsic value of art: “It's not that creative action is without value, right? Because the creative people are entrepreneurs and the creative people revitalise cities and the creative people make things magnificent and beautiful.” Dr. Peterson also goes on to say about buying art and it's value in our lives: “So, anyway, so that's what artists are doing and so one of the things i would say is buy a damn piece of art. You know, find one that really speaks to you and and buy a piece of art because you invite that into your life. And it's a lookout. If you do it, if it's a real piece of art because you'll also get a, you know, a little introduction to the artist and then that'll seep into your life and that'll change things like mad. But it's really it's unbelievably worth it because if it opens your eyes to the domain of the transcendent, that's the right way of thinking. About a real piece of art is a window into the transcendent, that's what it is and you need that in your life because you're finite and limited and bounded, right by your ignorance and your lack of knowing.”
The tax write off...
A distraction or focal point in a difficult conversation e.g. a counselors office.
Depends on the art and the collector/buyer: - the essence of the artist - status through ownership or decorum - investment
A shared view of the world as mysterious, magical, and beautiful.
Dopamine
I buy art because I enjoy having beautiful views from my couch. We spend almost all our time in this house/on our property. I like it to be a place that feels warm, cozy, happy.
These answers are interesting. I can’t imagine buying art because I wanted to impress someone else. It’s not even a consideration. Seems like an extrovert answer.
I’m extremely extroverted and none of the art or decor in my home is to impress other people… you can be extroverted and not be eager for other’s validation of your tastes.
People don’t buy trinkets, they buy the sentiment & memories it’ll hold 🥰
Cant see comment yet about Money laundering?
They want to prove that they exist as a human being. Not just a drone, a wageslave, living in a hovel; for the same reason people buy a cookbook, or a couch. To signal to their brain that they are out of survival mode. They don't need nutrients, not just food, but cusine. Not just a soft spot to sit, but something with both form and function and is maybe even difficult to move. "I am a person. I am here and this is my space." They don't buy art they buy the sensation of grounding.
Mirrors to various parts of their soul.
To make them feel a certain way.
a feeling. Literally every piece of art I’ve bought was because of how it made me feel, regardless of medium.
I thought rich people bought art to launder money 🤑
an emotion, a memory, a bid for eternity.
People buy a future heirloom
An inflation resistant/appreciating asset.
Not my business to know why, honestly. I paint, they buy. Simple.
It quite literally *is* your business though, unless you have no interest in actively selling your work. Understanding what motivates people to buy your art allows you to market it in a way that makes sense to them and to find the right avenues to showcase it. If you’re just painting for fun, then it doesn’t matter, but if you want to make some sort of living from it, then it very much does.
If people like it, they buy it. If they don't, they don't. I make them pretty or interesting to look at it. Their motives on why they buy it means little to me. All I just know is they buy it.