The Data on What Collectors Actually Want Just Dropped. Here Are Five Trends Every Artist Should Know.
If you've ever wondered what people are actually searching for when they go looking for art to buy, this episode from Sergio Gomez is the one to watch. He breaks down the 2025 Artsy Buyer Trends Report and translates the data into real, actionable insights that any working artist can use heading into 2026.
Table of Contents
0:00 Why artists need to track collector data
3:51 Trend #1: Into the Blue
8:04 Trend #2: Small Works
14:22 Trend #3: Domestic Themes & Connection
16:18 Trend #4: Nature
18:47 Next Steps: Art Business Challenge
Collectors Are Paying Attention to Color in a Whole New Way
One of the biggest surprises in the report is how much blue is dominating collector searches right now. Not just any blue, but specific shades that signal calm and sophistication. Sergio walks through why this matters and how artists can think about color not as a trend to chase, but as a conversation to join. His framing makes you realize that paying attention to what collectors respond to isn't selling out. It's just paying attention.
Small Works Are Having a Huge Moment
This one really caught my ear. Collectors are gravitating toward smaller, more affordable pieces in a big way. Sergio explains that this isn't about the market shrinking. It's about accessibility. New collectors especially are looking for entry points, and small works give them a way in without the intimidation factor of a $5,000 purchase. For artists, that means there might be a real opportunity in offering a range of sizes rather than only focusing on large statement pieces.
People Want Art That Feels Like Home
The domestic themes trend was the one that stuck with me the most. Collectors are looking for work that connects to daily life, to comfort, to the feeling of being somewhere safe. Sergio ties this back to the broader cultural moment we're in, where people are nesting and investing in their personal spaces more than ever. If your work already speaks to those themes, you might be sitting on something more valuable than you realize.
Nature Still Wins
It probably won't surprise anyone that nature continues to be one of the strongest categories for collectors. But what Sergio points out is that it's not just landscapes. Collectors are responding to abstracted natural forms, botanicals, and organic textures in ways that go beyond the traditional scenic painting. The appetite for nature in art seems to grow every year, and the data backs that up.
The thing that makes this episode worth your time is that Sergio isn't telling anyone to change their art. He's showing you what the market looks like so you can make smarter decisions about how you present and price the work you're already making. If you've been wondering whether the business side of art is worth paying attention to, this is a great place to start. What trends are you noticing in your own sales or conversations with collectors?
This I very informative. I paint mini’s and I am trying to learn how to market them. Thank you for this article.