We are big supporters of young artists and have put our money where our mouth is; however, these graduating artists are a pretty risky ‘investment’ (if you must use that word). While a few might make it big, I would bet that many go nowhere and there will be a number that give up all together. One day someone will do an in-depth study to determine the correct percentages.
Our best advice has never changed … buy art because you like it and not because you believe it will make you money. Personally, we own a lot of contemporary work that we enjoy looking at and have never bought one for a potential monetary gain. If you are going to buy works by these young/fresh, just out of the gate, artists, do it with the understanding that most will probably not be worth much more than you paid for them … and if one makes it, and you bought their work, congratulations — you got lucky!
Keep in mind that there are many emerging/young artists who are represented by galleries which may make your chances of hitting the lottery a little better, but who knows. At least with an artist who has gallery representation, there is a better chance that they will continue to have some sort of market presence and support.
Source: Picture perfect: how to make an art of your investments | Money | The Guardian