Thursday, December 21, 2023

Alternative Investments Went On a Wild Ride During the Pandemic


Alternative Investments Went On a Wild Ride During the Pandemic


About 13 years ago, Nate Tobik was helping his parents move out of their old house. He and his wife were about to have their first kid, so he pulled some of his old Lego sets out of the attic. Over the next few years, Tobik and his family started putting those sets together.

“[We] started to look up missing pieces on eBay, and realized these things were going for a lot of money,” Tobik said.

Some of them were going for hundreds of dollars. Tobik said he saw a Lego train set with a crane on it that was going for over $1,000. He started buying up cheap Lego sets from local garage sales and thrift stores, and he’d sell them online — typically for double what he paid, at minimum.

But then, the pandemic happened, and a lot of people started selling their old Legos.

“I think it was people who were sitting around at home, started to look at what they had in the attic, and they said, ‘Wow, maybe I can do this, too,'” Tobik said.

People also realized how valuable their Legos were, and as they saw prices go up, they started selling their Legos for more, too. Suddenly, Tobik’s buy-low and sell-high investment strategy no longer worked.

“We couldn’t find anything at a deep enough discount to where we could sell it again, and lock in a profit,” Tobik said.

The same thing happened with the fantasy card game Magic: The Gathering, which has a strong secondary market for individual cards.

Seth Robertson has been playing the game for years, and he’d often buy up one or two extra boxes of cards hoping they’d appreciate in value. When the pandemic hit, card values skyrocketed.

“I remember seeing cards worth dollars going up to tens of dollars,” Robertson said. “It’s like the penny stocks of the collectible world.”

Robertson said that was great for anyone like him, who already owned lots of cards. But it wasn’t great for anyone who wanted to build up a deck to actually play the game.

“You don’t want every card you need for a 60-card deck costing tens of dollars, because people don’t have $500 to $1,000 to throw at a deck,” Robertson said. “That’s kind of crazy.”

Then, last year, Hasbro, the company that makes Magic cards, released more cards than usual. Later that year, a report from Bank of America accused Hasbro of overproducing cards, and diluting their value on the secondary market.

Robertson said he noticed.

“The cards that I bought mid to late pandemic have all come down in value,” Robertson said.

Hasbro didn’t comment for this story, but the company has denied over-printing cards. Hasbro has said it simply prints enough to meet demand.

Robertson said he’s no longer buying those extra boxes of cards as an investment.

“I’ve started to question that purchase because I know that that box is most likely not going to appreciate in value, and if anything, just decline the second I buy it,” Robertson said.

The pandemic also created some opportunities for people to pile in to other types of investments.

“If you’re interested in artwork, it’s the time to buy right now,” said Mike Kraus, an artist in Rochester, New York who’s been investing in art for around 25 years.

Kraus said galleries and art fairs basically shut down when the pandemic started, and many have struggled ever since. That’s meant that a lot of art just isn’t selling.

“There’s a glut of artwork to be had,” Kraus said. “I’ve been able to buy some pieces at very reasonable rates.”

Kraus said he typically spends between $100 to $500 on a piece of art. He said he’s bought anywhere between one and two hundred pieces over the last couple years, including drawings, paintings, jewelry and clothing.

Kraus said some of them will probably appreciate in value. But not all of them.

“If you group them up, build up a collection, it’s almost more like a mutual fund in that way,” Kraus said. “You spread the risk over all the pieces.”

But unlike a mutual fund, this is art we’re talking about. Kraus has to find a place to store it. But he said that’s a feature, not a bug.

“That’s the best part about it,” Kraus said. “I’m not looking at a ticker number. It’s on my wall. I get to see it, other people get to enjoy it.”

Kraus said he plans on holding on to most of his art for at least 10 years. If he doesn’t sell it, it’ll be a nice nest egg to pass on.


Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Diner French Toast

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Diner French Toast
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202312082
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your kitchen, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/206373707

LAST DAY OF THE
❄☃❄ LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL! ❄☃❄
It's the place to find and buy amazing art from over 1,000 artists. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!

UPSTATE NEW YORKERS!  Did you forget someone and need a gift now?  See what local artisans have to offer at the Upstate New York (NY) Holiday Art Festival: https://www.facebook.com/events/326606876456686

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
🍹 Little Taste of Grandpa’s Cough Syrup 🍹
& Interview With Mike Kraus

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, December 18, 2023

❄⛄❄ HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ❄⛄❄

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


With appreciation, I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and prosperity.  Your collaboration and support is so cherished.  And I hope you have many happy days ahead.

Your friend, 
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

❄☃ WHO WANTS TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN?!?! ☃❄ 

You're invited to the LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL.  It's the place to find and buy amazing art from local artists. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!

We're going to have a good time at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595


UPSTATE NEW YORKERS!  Did you forget someone and need a gift now?  See what local artisans have to offer at the Upstate New York (NY) Holiday Art Festival: https://www.facebook.com/events/326606876456686


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, December 15, 2023

On a New York City Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a New York City Street
acrylic paint on canvas
48" x 60" (121.92 cm x 152.4 cm) 
202311078
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
For custom art for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/186507940

This is what a love looks like in paint.  They wanted a "family portrait," but something more fun and emotional than a standard photograph.  After some discussion, we decided on a cityscape with graffiti that symbolizes what they enjoy and value in life.  

They and their five children created an extensive list of their beloved people, places, and things.  That inspired every detail of this large piece.  It's like a collage of experiences in their family's life.  Most are original and unique.  Others are from pop culture and other communities.  All of it is about their love of each other.   

See the how the piece was made at: 

Don't forget to sign up for the
❄☃❄ LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL! ❄☃❄
It's the place to find and buy amazing art from over 1,000 artists. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!

This large piece started with small sketches

On a New York City Street #562
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202311079
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
For custom art for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/186507940



On a New York City Street #563
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202311080
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
For custom art for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/186507940

& Interview With Mike Kraus

Details from On a New York City Street











Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Brown Bear

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Brown Bear #564
pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202312081
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase as a stocking stuffer, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/244397805

Don't forget to sign up for the
❄☃❄ LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL! ❄☃❄
It's the place to find and buy amazing art from over 1,000 artists. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
🏭 Warehouse 🏭: 
& Interview With Mike Kraus

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, November 6, 2023

🍂🦃🍁 How Does Autumn Make You Feel? 🍁🦃🍂 

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


My dog runs toward the orchard as we emerge from our hike in the brightly colored forest.  Everything is vibrant as the sun's rays pass through the red, orange, and yellow leaves.  And it continues as we walk through the countless rows of apple trees.  We select the best fruit for cakes, tarts, and other treats on chilly nights.  Something that will pair perfectly with cocoa and movies.

How does autumn make you feel?  It's a season of transformation and reflection.  A time to break out our sweaters and absorb every bit of warm sunlight before winter arrives.  

Let's find ways to enjoy this fall season.  To make our home a special place for the people we love. 


Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


Come to the 
🍂🦃🍁
GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL! 🍁🦃🍂 
https://www.facebook.com/events/1043451673463521

The Grateful Art Festival is the place to find and buy amazing art from over 1,000 artists. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

If you like this, you might like...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...