PatronageDAO is about to drop a fun new Q&A mini-series called Let’s ReCollect that reveals the collector in each of us by delving into early memories, stories, and experiences with all sorts of collectables — from stickers to masterworks and everything in between.
When you think of collecting what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Some might say it’s the collection in and of itself — the ownership and its display. Others might say it’s a pastime that you need to have some kind of niche, specialist knowledge for. Or maybe it’s something only for those with very deep pockets. But there is so much more to the ins and outs of collecting, and most importantly, things that all of us can enjoy no matter what it is we’re interested in — there’s the seeking, the locating, organising, cataloguing, storing, maintaining, and most of all, the admiring — of treasures untold.
In this short article, we plan to link these aspects of collecting to activities which are downright **soulful **and in doing so, highlight why we should all be making time for our inner collector-selves!
1. Seeking — the thrill of the hunt: It starts with a Panini sticker album and the urge to fill all the blank sticker boxes, but before long we’re in search of a classic football shirt of our favourite team, and on and on until we’ve got the 1930 World Cup Final programme in our hands (probably while wearing protective gloves!) The thrill of the hunt ignites our internal fire and keeps it ablaze indefinitely as there are always more collectables to be discovered.
2. Locating — ahhh the find! There it is, after days, weeks, months or sometimes years, right under our nose, and it can be ours to keep forever. Collectors have wonderful observational skills, because to successfully locate items for our collections, we need to always have our eyes wide open and our finger on the pulse — aware and mindful of the world around us. The pay-off is the deep satisfaction of finding where the treasure is buried and claiming it for ourselves.
3. Organising: Organising collectables for many is relaxing, therapeutic and as joyful as the acquisition. We see it as a form of personal curation, a way of organising our passions and interests so that we can almost see our life through our collection. Spark joy through keeping things orderly!
4. Cataloguing: Collecting is for the curious and often the meticulous — and those of us who have an insatiable appetite for knowledge. Building a collection definitely requires passion, often reading, research, asking questions, and usually meeting with other collectors, and sharing insights. When we catalogue, we can incorporate those details in footnotes and appendices — leaving room for photos, soundbites, links, moving images and more. Catalogues become the bibles of our collections — where all our memories are kept safe — and make a record of our achievements, perhaps for others to enjoy in the future.
5. Storing: For some, the thought of building out their loft to store their football programmes or buying a beautiful and elaborate sideboard in which to display one-of-a-kind dishes is all part of the fun of collecting. For others, who are perhaps shorter on space, there is the question of where to keep all of these precious items? Digital acquisitions of course have no need for sheds or climate-controlled rooms and as a result are a great collectable for the young, the minimalists and the futurists in us all — so look out for PatronageDAO’s NFT drops!
The keeping and owning of our collectables requires us to take care and look after what we have. The duty, custodianship and responsibility that goes with being a collector can bring out a great sense of worth and pride in those who care deeply for the things they collect.
6. Maintaining: Another labour of love for us collectors. Preserving our rare finds so that they stay in pristine condition for us to enjoy for as long as possible. As part of PatronageDAO’s mission, we plan to keep the artworks we acquire in the public domain for all to enjoy in perpetuity. Through partnerships with world-renowned museums and other art venues, we will ensure that each work is handled properly and that our cultural heritage is well looked after.
7. Admiring: The cherry on top of all the other layers of greatness we get to enjoy from collecting — to sit back and admire our collections. What is true for all collectors is the pure enjoyment these prized possessions bring in looking at them, talking about them and spending time with them day to day. Most people choose to live with their collectables so they can gaze lovingly at them — and even show them off to others. Bring on the warm and fuzzies with a sense of pride in yourself and your talents as a collector.
So, you see, passion, relaxation, pride and the desire to always be learning are just a few of the reasons why collecting is good for the soul. Not to mention that it inspires creativity by triggering memories and stimulating new ideas; it helps people build new social connections; it offers social recognition; it can create a legacy to leave behind for others to enjoy; and it just makes people happy!
Stay tuned for the first instalment of Let’s ReCollect — dropping on Monday! If you’d like to learn more about PatronageDAO and join our community, check us out here: