Animation Memorabilia | Collectibles & Collectors Items

If you are interested in animation or even just art in general, then building up a collection of animation art could be perfect for you. They make interesting pieces to hang on the wall or fantastic presents for any ardent fan, so take a look at the following tips to starting and building an animation art collection to be proud of.

What areas should you focus on?
Many collectors decide that they would like to specialise in one particular area of animation so that they can focus their collections. Some people will prefer to collect examples containing famous characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Top Cat etc. Other collectors may be more interested in animation from particular studios such as Disney or Hanna-Barbera. This call is completely up to you and will be dictated by your own interests; just go for what you enjoy! One area to seriously consider is signed examples of animation art as they will often hold their value extremely well, increasing greatly over time.

Types of animation art to collect

Storyboard art-The storyboard was originally invented by the Disney Company, to provide an obvious structure to their cartoons. They plot out entire scenes, providing an idea of what is required for each shot. Storyboards were so successful, that they are still used to this day to plan out many of the current animated films. Collecting storyboard art provides an ardent fan with actual snippets of the animation, and a physical piece of the film history. Examples of storyboard art can vary a great deal, ranging from rough artists' sketches to a final, finished article. In short, an excellent item for all collectors whether a beginner or seasoned veteran.
Background art-Often created in watercolours the original background art is an excellent find if you come across it. The scenes were often fairly generic allowing them to be used in many different sections of the animation, and often across different films. Due to this kind of use, they are much harder to find as less examples were needed to create the finished product. If you do manage to find a good example of this kind of art then snap it up quickly if you have the chance (and can afford the usually high costs).
Animation cells-Collecting animation cells really does provide you with a feeling of owning a real part of the animation history; a unique cell used in the production of the films. Animation cells would originally have been created and painted for every frame of the film, then photographed by a camera creating an image ready for production. The unique nature of these items makes them highly collectable, and often highly priced. Certain cells from classic films have been know to go for many thousands of pounds, with the most expensive of all cells, Mickey Mouse in 'The Band Concert' (the first colour Mickey Mouse cartoon) selling for �200,000 in 1999.

Where to look to build your collection
There are many places you can look to start and maintain your animation art collections. Internet auction and classified sites are an obvious place to start. You can search for art across all kinds of genres, and from sources all over the world. You will often be able to find items at excellent prices, usually coming in lower than some of the more mainstream art dealers. The Internet provides you with the best research tool available, giving you the ability to search for general information and history on your chosen pieces. You can also meet other people that have a similar interest to yourself. Many collectors, especially those of art in general, will be only too happy to offer helpful advice covering al areas of animation art collectables. Be sure to check out the various collectors forums that are available on the net, some quick searches will provide you with many to investigate.

The value of art
Even if you are collecting purely for you personal enjoyment and interest in animation art, you will no doubt be aware of the potential of building an extremely valuable and rewarding collection. As mentioned earlier, some forms of animation art can be worth, not just a small fortune, but many thousands of pounds. In general, the earlier work will be most sought after commanding high costs at auction. As with many examples of art, they will usually increase in value with time, and animation art is no different. Try to look for unique items featuring rare scenes along with well known characters.

Collecting animation art is a fantastic hobby that provides many people with incredibly beautiful and unique artwork and their very own piece of animation history. If you have an interest in all areas of animation then collecting the art that builds the final productions will be very rewarding. You will no doubt create a fantastic collection to enjoy for many years to come.