Collecting Autographs and Pictures

Some people collect ticket stubs from concerts or amusement parks. Others love to collect postcards. Here’s a Mom who has been collecting autographs and pictures with musicians. When I approached Dawn about this 30 Days of Hobbies series, I knew I wanted her to share some of the famous musicians she has gotten to meet, spend a few minutes with and add their autographed memorabilia to her collection.

I’ve personally only talked to a handful of musicians before concerts or at events, so this is quite an impressive collection. Welcome Dawn!

Collecting Autographs and Personal Pictures

How did you get started?

I have always really loved music and I went to my first concert when I was 20 or 21. I have met and gotten autographs from really cool musicians like Carrie Underwood, Sister Hazel, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and so many more I can’t begin to name them all.

Have you turned your hobby into a business?

No, I keep my autographs for me. I also don’t buy autographs. I really only want ones I have collected myself in some manner. However, I was a radio deejay for 8 years, so I made money playing music.

What keeps you motivated with this hobby?

Music just makes you feel great. It can instantly change your mood to however you want to feel. I have just never really understood people who aren’t interested in music. I love collecting musicians autographs because looking at them reminds me of the fun times I had at concerts. They can take you back, just like the music can.

Collecting Memorabilia and Favorites Memories

I currently have my autographs packed away. Most are 8x10s that are either framed or in sleeves in a binder. When we get our basement finished, I want to display them there. I have all kinds of things signed, though, from cd cases to baseball caps. You name it.

The autographs that were the most fun to get were probably TG Sheppard (we got to hang out on his tour bus) and I interviewed him on the radio prior to that and Rockie Lynne. He gave me a smooch as the picture was being taken! And probably the nicest people were Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts.

Any tips for beginners?

I admit, given the job I had, I have had an easier time collecting autographs than many, but I have gotten a lot of my autographs on my own. If you really want a musician’s autograph, I recommend trying to see them in smaller venues or fairs, or maybe when they are attending a non-music related event. I have seen musicians walking around fairs and bars before their set. I have also been able to get autographs by hanging around after shows, too. But wait inside the venue. Don’t be a stalker outside someone’s bus. That’s just creepy. And no one likes a creeper.

About Dawn

Dawn writes about music, her opinions and experiences on her entertainment blog, Eat Play Rock. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, Jay, and daughter, Amber.

Connect with Dawn on Facebook and Twitter.

*Featured image is Dawn with Eric Church

Have you ever taken your picture with a celebrity? Did you get their autograph? Got a great story? Who would you want your picture taken with? I’d love to hear!