The Original Art Bug

I've talked about my habit of buying (way too much) original comics art in the past, and how I prefer collecting original art to collecting, say, back issues.

Collecting original art is rewarding for several reasons, not the least of which being the connection I get to make with the comic(s) that I love. Knowing that there's quite literally only one of each page I buy is pretty cool.

What's more, there's also a connection to the artists whose work I'm purchasing.

In the case of the more independent artists, especially--whom I tend to gravitate towards--they typically sell their own work, either through a website or just at conventions.
And that's a pretty cool thing to be able to exchange emails with people you admire, and really, is there another fandom outside of comics that allows for that?

There are also plenty of art dealers out there, and at this point, I've worked with pretty much all of them. The vast majority of dealers and, maybe surprisingly to those not in the know, fellow collectors, in the original art marketplace are incredibly friendly.
Just head over to Comic Art Fans--the place for collectors and dealers to show off their stuff--and check out some of the comments left by collectors to other collectors about the art they've purchased or commissioned.

For the most part, collectors are supportive of each other and, sure, there's some friendly jealousy, but there's never that negative vibe that permeates so many fandoms. Comics fandom, in particular. Somehow, that's managed to stay out of the original art community.
And that's really what Comic Art Fans, or CAF, provides--a community for fans of original art.

A warning, though.

CAF is the main reason why my little side hobby of buying pages and sketches became more of a...um...not side hobby. I check the site on an hourly basis, and it's where I find leads to new art, and it's where I buy quite a bit of art.

So if you have no interest in possibly being sucked in to an expensive, addictive hobby (that's also incredibly fun and interesting), I'd stay away. If not, though. Check it out. And have fun. But don't say I didn't warn you.