Top Five Graphcast Episodes For New Collectors
SWAU has dedicated itself to being the premiere destination for fans who want to both collect Star Wars autographs as well as learn how to better themselves as collectors. With decades of experience chasing and collecting autographs, education and helping our fellow collector is something we pride ourselves on. n this website we’ve created our send-in guide, our marker review, explanations of how to understand different stickers we see, and other excellent tools. But arguably the most valuable educational tool we have is our Graphcast.
The Graphcast started almost three years ago as a way to discuss topics in collecting, hear from experienced collectors, and talk about timely topics in collecting. It has blossomed into an avenue for interviews, discussions with people who worked in and on Star Wars, and continues to be a vehicle to discuss all the recent and upcoming events related to Star Wars autographs.
For new collectors who want to learn about the hobby, the group, or who have questions about certain topics, the Graphcast playlist on YouTube is the place to start. Below I will detail what I consider the top 5 Graphcast episodes that all new (and even experienced!) collectors should be sure to watch as they continue to grow and expand their collections.
Honorable Mentions- All episodes about collecting specific items, including multi-signed items, signed posters, action figures, index cards, and trading cards!
#5: Episodes 31/33, Rare Signers- These episodes I am putting together but at the bottom of this list because they show just how deep of a cut some collectors can go, and how there’s always more out there to strive to collect. The biggest piece of advice many collectors get is “collect what you want/love,” and for some people that will include diving into the deepest, rarest corners of the collecting world. It’s important to hear about who is harder to find, so that collectors put in the proper time, dedication, and resources to find the rare pieces that can complete the collections they work so hard on. Plus, it’s always nice to have a white whale to chase after for the long-term.
#4: Episode 7, Through The Mail Autograph Collecting- Many collectors get their start by collecting autographs through the mail (TTM). By combining a personally written letter with a respectful request, fans are able to add names from across the worlds of cinema, sports, and entertainment to their collections. Actors from all three Star Wars trilogies, as well as contributors behind-the-scenes, sign their mail, and it’s a great low-cost way to start or expand collections.
#3: Episode 56, The Harrison Ford Signing- SWAU was a partner in making the first Harrison Ford send-in signing possible, and new collectors should listen to this episode to get a sense of the full potential of SWAU and Star Wars collecting within our group. We strive for the absolute pinnacle of Star Wars autographs, and helping to make this send-in signing possible has arguably been SWAU’s magnum opus. Since then we have continued to push the boundaries and limits of Star Wars autograph collecting, including our recent run featuring the majority of the cast for The Mandalorian, and just as we did with Ford, we continue to aim for the peak of the mountaintop for the benefit of all collectors.
#2: What To Get Signed, What NOT To Get Signed: While we stand by the mantra of “Collect what you love,” there also has to be the consideration of what is a good investment of your hard-earned money. In this episode the gang talks about what items they see holding value, and what items they see being less valuable over time. Many collectors think they will NEVER SELL but reality is that almost all of our items have a price, and circumstances may dictate a sale when you were not expecting it. So it’s worth considering what you sink your money into before you commit to a purchase, especially if you are new to collecting and may be working with a limited budget. Bottom line: collect what you want, but collect smartly!
#1: Budgeting- The number one pitfall for any new collector, in my opinion, is to spread yourself too thin, or get bit by the collecting bug too much too quickly, causing mismanagement of your finances. Collecting autographs is a privilege, and should never take precedence over bills, rent, food, or family. In this episode the guys get serious as they talk about their personal experiences budgeting for autographs, and give advice to collectors young and old on being financially smart while adding to their collections.
That’s my personal top five for new collectors to watch, I’m sure other members of the team would have their own top five. Collectors new and experienced should check out the Graphcast page for all of our content over the years, as well as the SWAU YouTube channel for all our non-Graphcast material as well!
