Autograph Collecting

"Building the Autograph Collection of YOUR Dreams is an Exciting Journey, and One You Can Begin Today"

Autograph collecting is a fun and fascinating hobby that you can enjoy for a lifetime. You don't need to live in Beverly Hills or New York in order to contact celebrities, movie stars, and famous athletes to get free autographs.

Depending on the person and sometimes their level of celebrity, many people are more than happy to sign autographs through the mail for you by writing to fan mail addresses, or in person at celebrity appearances.

Whether you decide to collect celebrity signatures in autograph books or you are interested in signed pictures, signed sports memorabilia, autographed movie posters, etc. this site will help.

"Finding the hobby of autograph collecting has been so much fun!"

Many people new to the autograph collecting hobby want to know the best ways of how to get autographs. The good news is with the continued growth and interest in the hobby has made opportunities to get autographs easier than ever before.

Many people are turning towards investing in autographs in recent years with impressive results, another reason collecting autographs is one of the cool hobbies around.

Did you know that collectors have their own language? Well, not really - but click here for important autograph terms that you need to know to get started autograph collecting.

How to get Autographs and Start Building Your Autograph Collection Today

Many people new to the autograph collecting hobby want to know the best ways of how to get autographs. The good news is with the continued growth and interest in the hobby has made opportunities to get autographs easier than ever before.

There are 4 main "rules to live by" when it comes to building your collection! These rules will help you build your collection over time as thousand of other collectors around the world have done.

Over 25 years of experience have led to the development and refinement of the following insights that will help you jump-start your way into this fascinating hobby and become an expert in no time. You will also learn the essential details of buying authentic autographs and how to sell autographs and stay away from fakes.

Rob's Autograph Collecting Tips

Be Polite!

Never forget that athletes and celebrities are people just like you and me, and they will usually respond to a polite and courteous request for their autograph in kind.

Can you imagine being interrupted during dinner with your family by someone wanting something from you? Or while in the bathroom??

Unfortunately for you and I and fellow autograph collectors, this happens every day. Respect people's privacy and always be polite when requesting (not demanding) their signature.

Whether you are collecting in-person or want to collect autographs through the mail, being courteous and respectful of the individual will pay you and your autograph collection dividends!

Be Prepared!

This rule comes in many forms. Did you send a self-addressed-stamped-envelope (SASE) along with your request? Do you have a good pen or Sharpie? How about a backup or three?

When attending events where athletes or celebrities are appearing, you want to have the specific items you would like to have signed, along with 3x5 index cards just in case someone is there who you weren't expecting.

I've also started bringing a camera with me to capture the moment when possible. It's easier when you have a friend with you to take a photo, but you can still take good action shots by yourself.

Always have something to protect your autographs, especially if you are outside.

Be Patient!

Seasoned collectors know, and maybe you have heard somewhere before, that "patience is a virtue"! You need to be able to enjoy the thrill of the chase and embrace the challenge of collecting autographs, whether in-person or through the mail.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to stand in line waiting for your chance. There are also situations, such as at a sporting event or movie premiere, there is no line! There isn't even a guarantee you will have the chance to get the autograph you came for.

Celebrities are notorious for stalling a while, it seems in an attempt for the crowd to thin out before they will sign. Curiously, this ploy is effective, and thus becoming increasingly common. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they would sign later - and didn't - I would be very rich by now!

It is equally important to be patient with through the mail TTM autographs. Celebrities have extremely busy schedules, and it may take a long time for them to respond. In a way, the longer the response time, possibly the greater likelihood the signature you receive is authentic?!

Be Persistent!

Wait a minute Rob, you ask, "How can I be patient and persistent at the same time??" There is a magic in finding the right balance of patience and persistence in autograph collecting. In life too, I suppose.

Think of it this way - all you can control is your approach and methods of collecting autographs - you can't control whether you will get a signature or not.

I have waited all day for one autograph from a person, even after being ignored, dismissed, and blown off earlier in the day. I have also waited all day only to come away empty handed. It happens.

Athletes and celebrities deal with collectors and fans every day. They notice and are able to discern true collectors and fans and many make a point to sign for them.

How to Contact Celebrities to Get Autographs

Many people who are just starting their autograph collection ask "How do I contact celebrities?".

While there has always been a challenge in contacting famous people, the internet and other tools have made it easier to find information on celebrity contacts and fan mail addresses.

Unless you live in Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY, you probably don't see famous people strolling the streets of your town or in the airport terminal!

Interestingly enough, before the security enhancements following September 11th, airports used to be a favorite target for autograph collectors.

Below are my preferred and most successful avenues to contacting celebrities and famous athletes.

Collect Autographs Through the Mail TTM Collecting autographs through the mail is still one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to contact celebrities and build your collection.

This has been the tried and true method for collectors through the years. It's cost-effective, with just the price of postage. The downside is you never know for absolutely certain the autograph is 100% authentic. Depending on the celebrity though and with good research, you can be fairly confident what celebrities are good signers through the mail. What's more, finding mailing addresses has become a lot easier with the Internet.


In-Person at Celebrity Book Signings Celebrity book signing events offer collectors a great opportunity to meet famous celebrity and athlete's that are promoting a book release. I have had great success at celebrity book signing events over the years.

These events provide access to many celebrities that would otherwise be very difficult. Think former US Presidents, and presidential candidates. Other A-List celebrities such as Madonna, and Paul McCartney have participated in these events - tough signers who would be very tough to get otherwise!


Autograph Shows Many current and former athletes attend the autograph events and sign for a fee. Depending on the person, expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $200 for their signature.


Golf Pro-Ams: This has been my preferred way of collecting golf autographs and those of notable athletes and celebrities. The popularity of these events have made it more challenging, however.

The tournaments don't seem to announce the full list of celebrities and athletes that are scheduled to appear until right before, or even the day of the event.

My advice, take plenty of blank 3x5 cards, as you never know who might be there.


Email Celebrities: I'll be honest, email is my least preferred way of contacting celebrities. It goes against my philosophy of collecting, especially the fact you are requesting an autograph and expecting them to furnish the picture, and pay the postage.

That being said, depending on who's autograph you are seeking, it might make sense. A well-known news personality for instance, likely has a department and budget that is equipped for these requests.

Autograph Collecting Hobby Resources

 Get Access to 240,000+ Celebrity Addresses The website I use to find celebrity mailing addresses.

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