Good collectors plan ahead. And for autograph hunters that means spotting rising celebrities.
We spend much of our time in the past. But the present is a great place to shop too. Not least if you can find young starts to invest in; signatures that in years to come will pay you back many times over.
Future spotting
No-one can predict the future.
But we can make informed decisions.
It's a sad fact that the greatest determinant of the value of memorabilia associated with a star is an early death.
Monroe, James Dean, John Lennon, more recently Kurt Cobain...
That's not a game we want to play here.
What we're looking for is stars we think will have an impact beyond their career and their generation.
Someone who'll manage the tag "historic", because that's what you need if an autograph is going to have legacy value.
If we look at the list of the top grossing stars of 1953 for example we see many names whose legend still burns brightly. And whose signatures are highly sought after and valuable.
Marilyn Monroe, of course, at number 7. Third highest-grossing actor John Wayne too.
But Alan Ladd, at number 4, while a wonderful actor and a great star whose in some of my favourite films is probably not in that category.
Susan Hayward at number 9? An Oscar winner, but not a household name today.
So, who of today's crop of stars has that longevity?
1 - Timothée Chalamet
Chalamet already has limitless appeal. Image by Nine Stars - 티모시 샬라메
This 28-year-old actor has been hailed as one of the most talented of his generation after acclaimed films like Call Me By Your Name and Dune.
He has a huge, swooning fandom and can choose his career path. There's no reason to suppose he won't have a long and storied career that will appeal to generations to come.
2 - Zendaya
Zendaya started as a child star and singer, now she's a bona fide star. Image by MTV International.
At 27, she's become one of the most sought-after actresses after her Emmy-winning role on Euphoria and films like Spiderman.
She models, she sings, she's due in the sequel of Dune alongside Chalamet, and is co-producing other projects. And, she's in a super power couple with the number 3 on this list. What more could a big star name want?
3 - Tom Holland
Currently on a break, Tom Holland looks like he's in the business for the long haul. Image by Gage Skidmore
Having made his mark as Spiderman at just 26, Holland has both blockbuster and indie film chops.
His range is enormous, from costume drama to horror to Marvel. He's on a break right now. The fact that he's very private and hasn't embraced the trappings of stardom mean his signature comes at a premium.
Holland is currently on a break. Even if he decides never to come back, his story has long-term potential for collectors.
4 - Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh's career takes in every genre, and now includes major hit films. Image by Raph_PH
With acclaimed performances in Midsommar and Little Women, this 28-year-old's star is rapidly rising in Hollywood.
The US can't get enough of British actors, and Pugh's role in Oppenheimer last year really pushed her into the big leagues.
She seems likely to stay there, and her autograph could easily have the sort of long-lasting appeal collectors love.
5 - Millie Bobby Brown
At just 20, now is the perfect time to buy Millie Bobby Brown's signature. Image by Laviru Koruwakankanamge.
Only 20 years old, she's already displayed incredible acting range in Stranger Things and Enola Holmes. Her future looks very bright.
She has depth to her too, having written a novel and been named as the youngest ever UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
With two big fantasy roles already lined up, Millie looks set for a long stay in the spotlight.
Autographs with real value
The quickest way to waste money on an autograph is to buy a fake.
All of the names on this list can be found online for tens of pounds.
But, it's very easy to mock up an autograph these days. Make sure - even at the lower end of the market - that you're buying from reputable sources and you take some precautions around authenticity.
We've covered the subject a couple of times:
As these stars are very much alive and with us you can also try to get your hands on their signatures in person. If you are able to do that then make sure you protect the provenance of your piece - get a photo if you meet them, and keep any extra documents, letters, or evidence of postage if you write.
The extras
Look at any list of the most expensive autographs and you'll see that it's rarely just the signature that secures big prices.
For that you need interest. A story.
So, when you buy autographs of today's young stars imagine how you would make the item you have compelling.
Is it on a document related to their current work?
Or with an interesting letter that tells us something about them?
Or on an unusual item that also tells a story?
As a buyer you should think as a seller.
Autograph collecting is as fascinating as the stars we chase and it can be enjoyed for relatively little outlay.
We have a huge array of autographs for sale today.
