The Grammys, the Oscars, the SAG Awards – oh my! The world of celebrity is all around us. They line our magazine racks, flash across our televisions, and graces our mighty silver screens. The fact is, celebrities are everywhere, entertaining us both with their private lives and their public lives whether we like it or not. And most of us do like it – quite a lot! From Stevie Ray Vaughn’s guitar pick to Britney Spears’ empty Starbucks frapacchino cup, the celebrity memorabilia market is a hot one, and it is growing in popularity every day.
Being a collector of celebrity memorabilia can be a very lucrative and exciting hobby. For those of you who are ready to jump into the thrilling, star-studded (more paparazzi please!) world of collecting celebrity memorabilia, you might need a few helpers on starting your very own celebrity memorabilia collection.
* Choose a type of celebrity, particular celebrity, or category of celebrity memorabilia that you plan to build you collection around. If Marilyn Monroe is your favorite celebrity icon, only collect Marilyn Monroe items. If you are interested in collecting items relate to old Hollywood, browse the market to see what is out there related to early motion picture stars. Some even narrow their collections down to only include, for example, early vintage concert/ movie posters of the 30s. Whatever interests you the most, go for it!
* Do a little research to see what is out there. When you are choosing a theme as a foundation for your soon to be incredible celebrity memorabilia collection, it is important to do a little online browsing to see what you have to work with. This will help you avoid choosing a category that is too rare or too expensive to build a collection on. It can also give you good insight as to what things are worth in a particular category. For example, a free promotional watch given out at the opening of “A Nightmare Before Christmas” recently sold for $200! You never know what you might have thrown in the back of your storage closet that might be worth hundreds of dollars. Check out websites such as eBay.com, the iTaggit Listings, and craigslist.org to get a feel for what is out there. Also, you can use iTaggit’s ValueRange It tool to find today’s market value of any item by typing in a short description and clicking GO! It is THAT easy!
* Set a budget. We would all love to go out and spend an entire paycheck on an Audrey Hepburn worn pearl necklace or an original autographed Elvis record, but this is not the way to maintain a collection. This may seem like a ridiculous and obvious piece of advice but trust me, when you really get into collecting and you come across something that would be the absolutely perfect “cherry on top” for your collection, it is really hard to say no. Our brains process the “I want” before the “Do I really need this?” It is a fact! Set yourself a budget for how much you are willing to spend on each item or how much you are willing to spend a month will help you to stay on track financially.
* Know where to shop. If you are shopping online for your celebrity memorabilia, search for website that guarantee authenticity. eBay is also a great place to shop, as you will find many rare and interesting items. If you prefer shopping for your collectible in person, I would suggest auction houses (you can find incredible items here), antique stores, and specialty memorabilia stores. If you are shopping for autographs, make sure you get a certificate of authenticity if possible. This will greatly affect the value of your autograph.
* Keep an eye on the value and potential value of your celebrity memorabilia. Monitor the market and stay on top of the latest in pop culture news at all time. Things like celebrity scandals, deaths, and fads affect the market in a big way. Staying current on your celebrity trivia will keep you keen on what is hot, what is not, and what could be in the future. For example, I bet even one year ago you didn’t think that a signed Micheal Jackson Biography would be going for $10,000,000 dollars on eBay in 2009. You never know what you already own that could pay all of your bills for the rest of your life. Also, it is important to keep your eyes and ears out there for tomorrow’s next big star.
* Learn what makes celebrity memorabilia valuable. There are certain things that greatly affect the value of your items. As I said above, some of the obvious factors affecting value include celebrity feuds, scandals, deaths, births, etc. Anything that propels your star to the top of the headlines means an increase in value of your collectibles. Some other factors that affect the value of your memorabilia include the condition of your items, authenticity, the level of interest in the theme of you collection, and rarity. Some of the most popular celebrity items sold online are costumes, props, autographs and posters. Items relating to famous early movie stars, such as Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Greta Garbo, are some of the most popular of celebrity memorabilia.
Collecting Celebrity Autographs
How to Successfully Snag an Autograph in Person
Although this method of autograph collecting is the most difficult and labor intensive, it is guaranteed that your autograph will be an authentic one. You also get to come face-to-face with the actual celebrity, providing a fun and exciting experience!
Here is what you need to know about collecting autographs in person:
* Be prepared. You may have to endure some less than desirable conditions to get that signature from Brad Pitt that you have always dreamed of. If you know you will be waiting outside at a premiere in Canada in January for your celebrity’s John Hancock, you better bring along a jacket, some warm shoes, and maybe some water to get you through the night. You never know how long you may have to wait for your chance to push your way to the front and get your autograph, and it makes it a lot less uncomfortable when you have come prepared to wait.
* Don’t leave home without the necessary supplies. The last thing you want to do is come face-to-face with your celebrity and lose the opportunity to get a signature because you forgot your supplies. Bring along a camera (in case you have the opportunity to snag a photo with your celeb), blue felt tip pen (this is the best type of pen to use to reduce autograph fading), and something for the celebrity to sign. You can bring a photo of the celebrity, an index card (boring!), or an object to be signed. I would recommend getting creative with what you want autographed. If you are trying to get an autograph from Tom Colicchio (Top Chef judge and famous chef), for example, you might want to bring along a chef’s hat or even a knife. The more interesting and creative the item that is signed, the more fun it will be to display it in your house later!
* Be respectful. Sure, you have been waiting three hours in the shivering cold for Alex Rodriguez to leave Yankee Stadium, but it’s not the staff or security’s fault that he has yet to appear. Try not to shout at the staff. It is pretty hard to get an autograph when you have been thrown out of the venue!
* Know something about the celebrity you are trying to meet. This one might sound a little obvious, but it would be really embarrassing to be called out by Leonardo DiCaprio for not knowing that he played the lead in Titanic. Also, you could use something you know about the celebrity to get their attention. Everyone knows that celebrities LOVE to be complimented on their work!
* Decide when and where you are going to try and catch your celebrity. Check out local events to see who will be coming in town and if they would be a good autograph to pursue. You may be surprised as to what big-name celebrities will be coming to a town near you! Check newspapers and other local publications for event listings. Also, try pollstar.com, ticketmaster.com, imdb.com, and celebritybooksigningsandevents.com to see if your idol will be in town.
* Show up early. Wake up, eat your breakfast of champions (Wheaties, or in my case, cold pizza), and put your autograph collecting face on! It is good to show up to the venue about 2 or 3 hours early. This may sound like a long time to wait but if you are serious about getting that autograph, you need to stake out your position before the crowd of people arrive. If it is a singer you are targeting, going early for the sound check may be a great opportunity to get your autograph. If you are attending a movie premiere, you must secure a good spot right at the rope to increase your chances. Getting there before the rush allows you to put yourself in the best position to get your signature.
* Don’t get star-struck! You have been waiting for this moment all day. The doors open and out walks your celebrity. Now, smile and politely ask for an autograph! Chances are, if you have prepared for this moment and followed my advice, you will get your very own signature from your favorite famous celebrity! If you are lucky, they might even ask for your name and personalize the autograph. Congratulations, you have survived the process of getting an authentic autograph in person! Enjoy it, treasure it, and maybe in a few years, sell it for a pretty penny!
Snagging Autographs by Mail
Obtaining your autographs through he mail is a quick and easy way to expand your ever-growing autograph collection. Here are a few tips about how to successfully get that [insert favorite celebrity name here] autograph you have always wanted by simply sending them a letter!
* Start by making a list of the autographs you will pursue. If you are having trouble putting together a list of your favorite celebrities, keep the list out and add to it whenever a good candidate pops into your mind. This is a good way to stay organized and to keep yourself from missing out on a good chance to get a signature. It is also a great way to set goals for yourself and your collection.
* Find a good address and stay informed on your celebrities signing habits. The bigger a celebrity becomes, the less accessible they will be. This being said, there is always a way to get a signature from them. Remember – without fans, a celebrity is no longer a celebrity! Part of their duty as a public figure is to reach out to fans. A great way to contact your favorite star is writing to a venue. If it is Madonna you are trying to write to, for example, check out her tour schedule. Write to the venue where she is set to perform in the next week to two weeks (this allows time for the letter to reach the venue before she does). You could even call the venue to obtain the best possible address to give yourself a better chance of reaching the celebrity. The same goes for actors and professional athletes. If you have learned where Kate Hudson is filming her most recent film, try writing to the production office.
Here is a list of valuable autograph resources when it comes to successfully obtaining working addresses:
* Imdb.com
* Startiger.com – This one is a GREAT source for addresses if you don’t mind spending a little money to be a member
* http://www.fanmail.biz/
* Keep tabs on all of your requests. Start a spreadsheet on your computer or make a list on paper of everyone you have written to, which address you wrote to, and the date you sent the request. This will allow you to keep track of who you have written, how long it has been, and whether or not the address was successful one. If you haven’t received a response, you can do a little more research and write the celebrity at a different address.
* Do not write a request longer than one page. Chances are, if you send your celebrity your autobiography or a list of 101 reasons why they should run for president, your letter will not be read. Celebrities are busy people and don’t have time to take an hour out of their day to read a mini-novel about how much you adore them! Also, make sure that your handwriting is legible if you decide to hand-write your request. Handwritten letters are always more personal and sincere – as long as the recipient can read the writing!
* Be creative and genuine. The content of your letter should focus on why an autograph from them would mean the world to you. Be polite in your request and let them know why you admire them as an entertainer. Be specific and to the point (remember – no longer than a page in length!) but also don’t forget to tell them why you want their autograph.
* Always include a SASE! SASE stands for “self-addressed stamped envelope.” Sending your celebrity a SASE will increase your chances of receiving a response. The easier you make it for them, the more likely it will be that you will get an autograph!
* Decide what you want autographed. Never, ever send something that is special to you. You never know what could be lost in the mail or tossed aside by a fan club director or venue employee. Photographs of your favorite actor or inexpensive sports cards/programs are good examples of autographing materials.
* Educate yourself on spotting a fake. When receiving autographs through the mail, you always run the risk of receiving a fake. Learn how to spot a fake autograph by doing a little research online to ensure that you are not being fooled! Check out http://www.geocities.com/szarelli/identifying_fakes.htm to learn what determines autograph authenticity.
For those of you ready to start your red-carpet worthy collections, here is a list of the most popular celebrity memorabilia items out there on the market right now:
Celebrity Memorabilia
JERRY LEWIS CELEBRITY MEMORABILIA AMERICANA WORN RELIC
CELEBRITY CUTS JOHN WAYNE MEMORABILIA RELIC 71 / 100 !
7 - CELEBRITY MEMORABILIA cards (CRUISE, CARREY, +)
CELEBRITY CUTS GRETA GARBO MEMORABILIA RELIC 23/100 !
NBC TV GAME SHOW MEMORABILIA"CELEBRITY SWEEPSTAKES"
WILLIE NELSON Celebrity Cuts Memorabilia Card #50
mellon mario lemieux celebrity golf outing memorabilia
MARLON BRANDO BOOK 3Old Mysteries CELEBRITY MEMORABILIA
Celebrity Photo-Movie Memorabilia-Sylvester Stallone
Celebrity Photo- Movie Memorabilia- Robert DeNiro
CELEBRITY MEMORABILIA Catalog Vintage Clothing STARS!!
MUSIC MEMORABILIA CELEBRITY STARS RESORTS HOTEL AC NJ
KATIE SAGAL Celebrity Cuts Memorabilia Card #50
MARLON BRANDO BOOK 3Old Mysteries CELEBRITY MEMORABILIA
CELEBRITY MEMORABILIA Catalog Vintage Clothing STARS!!
2008 Celebrity Cuts Ricardo Montalban Memorabilia
Celebrity memorabilia cards from Goodwin, Americana +
MARLON BRANDO BOOK 3Old Mysteries CELEBRITY MEMORABILIA
MARLON BRANDO BOOK 3Old Mysteries CELEBRITY MEMORABILIA
EDDIE MURPHY Celebrity WEDDING Invitation - Memorabilia
Celebrity Autographs
HUGE LOT OF RARE CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS
EDGEWOOD TAHOE CELEBRITY GOLF FLAG WITH 21 AUTOGRAPHS
(45)Historical Celebrity Autographs Nobel, Politics,etc
SET OF ORIGINAL AUTOGRAPHS "CELEBRITY"
MULTIPLE HAND SIGNED WESTERN CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS
Signed Poster.com RARE CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS DOMAIN NAME
1992 Poster With Multiple Celebrity Autographs
1000 Signed Celebrity Photographs Autographs / Valuable
Jim Weavers All Kinds of Celebrity Addresses Autographs
Lot of 10 Original Celebrity Autographs Photos SALE!
1000 Signed Celebrity Photographs Autographs / Valuable
Lot of 12 Original Celebrity Autographs Photos SALE!
5 PC LOT Authentic Celebrity Autographs. Nice names
CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS - YOUR PICK ONLY $5.00 EACH!
Collect Autographs! / Get 230,000+ Celebrity Addresses
Sports Celebrity Autographs Football Baseball Hockey
Collector's Guide to Celebrity Autographs
6 PHOTOGRAPHS OF VARIOUS CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS - EX++
Lot (50) Celebrity Movie Photos Black White Autographs
Collector's Guide to Celebrity Autographs, Mark Allen B
How to Get Celebrity Autographs eBooks CD
5 PC LOT Authentic Celebrity Autographs. Nice names
Lot (40) Celebrity Movie Photos Black White Autographs
TARITA VIRTUE -2 CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS 8X10 PHOTO-OH248
TOM BODETT CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS 2 5 X 7 PHOTOS - OH 381
Jim Weavers Music Celebrity #5 Address List Autographs
CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS - YOUR PICK ONLY $5.00 EACH!
Collect Autographs! / Get 230,000+ Celebrity Addresses
Collector Guide To Celebrity autographs Book Mark Baker
Lot of Celebrity Autographs
Lot of Celebrity Autographs
IMPORTANT CELEBRITY GOLF AUTOGRAPHS 1988
Old Celebrity & Musicians Photo Album With Autographs
IMPORTANT CELEBRITY GOLF AUTOGRAPHS 1988
Lot 15 Celebrity Autographs & Autographed Pictures!
5 NFL & 3 celebrity autographs legends golf classic
VINTAGE LOT 6 CELEBRITY PHOTOS & AUTOGRAPHS
VINTAGE LOT 6 CELEBRITY PHOTOS & AUTOGRAPHS
Exquisite Collection of Celebrity Photos and Autographs
Autographs Reference Price Guide for Sports/CELEBRITY
