Collecting art can be one of the most rewarding investment experiences. At the same time, breaking into the world of art collecting can be daunting, especially since artwork can easily cost millions of dollars. If you are interested in collecting art, don’t let this fact intimidate you. Anyone can collect art they find affordable and beautiful while choosing works likely to gain value in the future. The key is finding art you love and doing your due diligence so you can purchase with confidence.

You may still feel anxious when making your first purchase, but it is important to start somewhere and then refine your approach as you learn more about different artists and the art collecting world. Below are some key tips to keep in mind to boost your confidence.

1. Focus on quality over quantity.

Purchasing art can be addictive. Some people who start to buy become over-zealous and make many purchases at once. A better approach is to take some time between buying and invest strategically. Your taste will change over time, so spacing out your purchases can help your collection evolve along with what you like. Buying for quantity can leave you with a collection you’ll lose interest in just a few years later, whereas focusing on quality helps you build a diverse collection that will appeal to different audiences.

In addition, think about quality over quantity in a literal sense. If you purchase a piece in poor condition that needs restoration, that will significantly drive up the final price. Even if you truly love the piece, purchasing something in better condition may be more prudent.

2. Balance risk with personal preference.

Just as with any investment, you must balance risk with reward as you collect art. You will likely hear stories about collectors who seek out emerging artists and reap huge profits by reselling their works later. While this strategy can be tempting, avoid purchasing art purely for investment purposes—the risk can be quite high and there are more effective ways to invest.

If you purchase works you love and that you enjoy having in your home, you balance the risk by acquiring a piece that speaks to you and by supporting an artist you believe in. Beginning collectors do well to be more conservative with their first acquisitions, since investing in new artists does not always pay off in the long run.

3. Create an Instagram account.

Today’s art world is heavily invested in Instagram. Creating an account is a great way to connect with artists, galleries, and other collectors. Start by following the artists and galleries you know, and let your network grow organically. Many people are also using Instagram to purchase art. While you may use the platform in this way, Instagram still has a lot of value even if you make purchases through the traditional channels.

The real value of Instagram is learning about smaller shows and exhibitions that you may not have otherwise discovered. These events are a great way to build your network and get introduced to new artists whose work you may wish to support. As you build your Instagram network, try to find a good balance of local, national, and international organizations to follow.

4. Keep track of documentation.

While art is meant to be enjoyed, be sure to keep close track of documentation that proves its monetary value. Before you purchase a piece, be sure to ask about certificates of authenticity and provenance. Once you receive these documents, keep them in a secure location. You may also want to create digital copies of the documents as a backup.

Ideally, you should be able to document the ownership of a piece directly back to the artist’s studio. Having this kind of documentation helps prove authenticity and thereby increases value. When you insure art, you will typically need to provide certificates of authenticity. Moreover, you will definitely need these documents should you ever decide to donate or sell a work of art. Losing these documents can significantly reduce the value of a piece.

5. Set and follow an art budget.

Investing in art is exciting, but it is important to stay within your means. The best way to do this is by creating a budget before you even begin to look at different pieces. Also, you should be aware of the true cost of any purchase beyond the piece itself. Think about the costs of shipping, framing, and insurance, as well as restoration, if necessary. If you purchase the piece through an auction, you will likely pay a premium. Some pieces will come with special care instructions that can increase the cost of ownership. Furthermore, you will also likely pay a premium if you purchase through a gallery, with more established organizations charging higher commissions. Buying directly from the artist will save you money.

Collecting art is the pursuit of a lifetime—watching your collection grow over the years can be enormously gratifying. With a bit of luck, patience, and knowledge, your collection might also increase handsomely in value. Keep the tips above in mind, and start buying with confidence.