Can you tell us about your journey as an artist, from your early experiences in the publishing and film industries to your current exploration of NFTs and web3?

I had always wanted to be an illustrator, for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until 2008 (in my late 20s) that I quit a media career in London to move back home to Ireland and try to make the dream a reality. 

My work in publishing and film came later, as for the first few years you will do any job that pays you to draw! But books & films are among my primary passions and so a combination of gearing my work towards those industries (I’ve always enjoyed typography as well as art, and so naturally fell into poster & cover design) & plenty of luck & perseverance eventually lead to them becoming my main source of commissions. 

Alongside the dream of making art for a living was always a love of storytelling & writing. In 2015 that bucket list item was ticked with the publication of my debut novel (A Cage of Roots) which was followed up by two more to complete the trilogy (2016’s Storm Weaver & 2017’s The Spiral Path).  

In 2017 A Cage of Roots won a children’s book award here in Ireland & I knew I wanted to tell more stories. But I didn’t want to limit it to novels. I wanted to try and break new ground for myself, using all of the media I could learn & combining all my passions (not just art & writing, but music, animation etc). I had no idea how I could deliver a project like this until I learned about web3 and digital ownership. I found the perfect home for it.

The result is theendlingsaga.io .

How did you first discover NFTs, and what drew you to the world of blockchain technology and digital art?

I’ve always been into digital art and multimedia creation. I love to draw, but just as much I love to experiment with 3D, animation – anything I can possibly learn. I’m slow but I enjoy it!

I have a brother who works in the tech industry. One day we were having a few beers and he suggested I use blockchain tech to authenticate & create provenance for my digital art. I thought it was interesting, but I couldn’t get my head around it so forgot about it. 

That was around 2017. So I could have been very early had I listened to him…

Eventually in 2020 a couple of artist friends (James White aka Signalnoise & Gavin Strange aka Jamfactory) got involved and when I saw their tweets about ‘crypto art’ (no one really called them NFTs then) I DM’d to ask what it was all about. James told me I should get involved, put me in touch with David at KnownOrigin and on October 8 2020 I minted my genesis. I haven’t looked back since…

Your body of work spans various mediums, including illustration, writing, and animation. How do these different forms of expression influence and inspire each other in your creative process?

Yes as mentioned I love to create in anything I can get my hands on. I’m just as happy noodling on the guitar as I am splashing ink and water on a page or messing around in Blender. Some of it comes more naturally to me, like drawing and writing, while some of it is a battle. But I love it all… 

How they influence & inspire each other is a really interesting question. I think for me it all comes down to storytelling. So I use the medium that best informs whatever story I’m trying to tell, if that makes sense. 

Nostalgia plays a huge part in my work too. My main project (The Endling Saga) is very much a love letter to all of the things that have inspired me as a creative person, not just visually but philosophically, personally.. everything. This is the result of 4 decades of life-input getting churned up in my brain and coming back out through what I believe is the one unique thing I have – my filter. 

So I try to reconstitute these loves and inspirations and life-experiences, putting them back out into the world in any way that feels right. I create illustrations and music and animation so the output takes all of these forms. 

Could you share with us some of your favourite projects or collaborations you’ve had the opportunity to work on with renowned clients such as Disney, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros, and Universal?

Yes I’ve been very lucky to work with clients like that. I’ve done a couple of jobs for Lucasfilm publishing and seeing the Star Wars logo on something you’ve drawn is very special. I recently made it into a Star Wars ‘Art of’ book so that’s another bucket list item ticked. 

My work for Disney was also for their publishing wing, while for Warner Bros I did the merchandising art for 2017’s remake of ‘It’ (although I have to admit I don’t like the art I made!) and some poster work.

I’ve had some crazy experiences, like finding out Steven Spielberg & Robert Zemeckis approved (& loved) my poster for ‘Back to the Future’ (made for the 40th anniversary), meeting Brad Bird (he insisted I get in a tiny lift with him and his entourage.. my butt kept hitting the emergency button.. thankfully he didn’t mind too much) and seeing people like Kyle MacLachlan, Guillermo Del Toro & Rebecca Ferguson share my work. 

The work I’m probably best known for now though is on the Deluxe Editions of Frank Herbert’s Dune series (Penguin / Ace Roc Books). I also do the covers for the new books by Brian Herbert & Kevin Anderson so Dune has become a huge part of my career (another lifelong dream fulfilled). 

What motivated you to shift your focus toward world-building and storytelling through NFTs? How does this new medium allow you to explore and expand upon your creative vision?

Well as mentioned, I had this urge to find a new way of telling a story long before I got into NFTs. 

The idea was inspired by ‘Sandbox IPs’ – like Star Wars. The premise of Star Wars – ‘long ago in a galaxy far, far away… cool stuff happened’ – means that limitless stories can be extracted from it (it’s a whole galaxy after all, over eons of time) and delivered in any medium. It can be told to you in films, cartoons & books or told with your input (games) or told by you (eg toys). 

I found this idea of a inexhaustible well of stories, consumed in a multitude of ways, very exciting. 

However, I also needed to express myself artistically. I didn’t just want to create an IP with the potential for traditional output. I needed to express these passions and ideas in a kind of abstract way too.

As the great OgiWorlds put it, this is ‘IP-as-an-art-project’. 

As a side-note, I love reading about physics. I don’t understand it, I definitely can’t retain any knowledge of it. But I find it very inspiring & can definitely mine it for a good story. 

That love helped my come up with a premise for my story and I got to work. As for the subject – I thought what better subject than stories themselves. 

My first idea was to combine traditional storytelling with experiential art. So I might host an exhibition of backlit* art in a room where part of the story is also delivered via music and a short film playing on old 4:3 tv’s and viewers could also pick up a novella and a graphic novel. The central thing was the more they consumed (eg listened to the music, looked at the art, read the books) the more of the story was revealed to them. Those who consumed it all would see how it all connects more & be rewarded with a more complete view of the whole. 

*backlit! I hadn’t even thought of screens back then. Kinda embarrassing  

It was a pipe-dream and I put it mostly to one side in favour of earning a living with commercial art. Creating art for the project was what I did in my own time, purely out of passion. 

Then crypto art came into my life. A suite of tools and an eco-system where multimedia experiences are totally natural. I wouldn’t have to rent a gallery out – I could create this experience virtually. I could play with ownership, gamification and most of all: explore and experiment with the warm feeling that I hadn’t even scratched the surface of possibilities for the project. Ways of doing it I hadn’t come close to thinking of were out there.

I could also fund it. Selling NFTs meant I could forgo commercial commissions & focus on what I see as fulfilling my true potential as a creator. 

I felt like I had found my home. 

So, nearly 3 years later, this is where I am. Everything I’ve created so far is now neatly ordered on theendlingsga.io . But I feel I’m still just getting started, and there is so much undiscovered country out there to wander through. 

Sorry that was a long answer. Clearly this kind of question gets my blood flowing  

As an artist who has successfully established yourself in traditional industries, what challenges or exciting possibilities do you find in the emerging NFT space? How do you navigate the transition from physical to digital art?

Well the transition from physical to digital was easy for me in a technical sense as I’ve nearly always worked digitally. From a selling-art perspective though, it was certainly an adjustment. Despite working digitally I come from a world of physical results (posters, prints, books etc) so that took some getting used to. But like I say, it felt like home so it didn’t take me long to embrace it. 

In terms of establishing, that initially was a rude awakening. I’ll be totally honest and say that there may have been some ego coming into the scene. I will admit that I thought my past work and client list would have a positive effect on my standing in crypto art. 

No one gave a f***. 

And that was definitely a net positive, both for me and the wider scene in general. 

For me – I had to learn to abandon any ego I had (and I don’t have a large one!). The climb to a decent freelance career was incredibly gruelling & the thought of doing it all over again was unnerving. But it did me the world of good from a personal pov. I am not full of myself! But maybe I needed a bit of a kick in the arse. 

For the wider scene, to me it simply means a level playing field. It didn’t matter whether you came from an established career or from no where – all that mattered was the art. 

Now.. that’s the utopian view. We all know there are so many factors at play and often art (or maybe craft) is the least of them. But aside from all the issues the scene (that any burgeoning scene) is suffering from, leaving ego at the door is definitely a good one. 

It should only be about the work, imo. 

Who are some of your favorite artists, both within the NFT community and from other disciplines, who have inspired you or influenced your artistic style?

There are so many. 

As mentioned, nostalgia is a big part of my work. Artists like Roger Dean, John Harris, Moebius, Druillet, Syd Mead, Ralph Bakshi… I could go on and on. 

Within the scene, there are just as many. I don’t like making lists though, because I’ve become friends with so many and hate the thought of leaving anyone out. 

The inspiration may not just be in a style sense but also in the ways they are using these new tools. I am always full of awe at those artists who use coding, contracts etc as part of the art piece. I’d love to weave that kind of thing into my project. 

Can you tell us about your creative process when conceptualizing and creating NFT artworks? How do you balance the technical aspects of digital art with your artistic vision and storytelling goals?

Well regardless of whether they’ll end up as NFTs, my process tends to be like this:

An idea pops into my head. I set about trying to make the idea. The end result bears no resemblance whatsoever to the original idea. 

I’ve learned over the years just to go with the flow. In fact, my best work always tends to come when I abandon any hopes of making something good and just make. 

Technically I don’t have any issues finding balance. The two things (concept and technicality) are interwoven. But, often I don’t actually have the ability to create what I want to (eg a complex 3D scene that’s beyond my skillset) .. so I try to learn how to do it, fail, and end up with something different based on what I did actually learn how to do  

Collaborations help with this. If you can, work with people who can actually do the stuff you can’t…

Many of your projects showcase a fusion of genres and media. What drives your interest in combining different artistic elements, and how does this contribute to the unique storytelling experiences you aim to create?

The answer is almost in the question! I want to create unique storytelling experiences, and using combinations of different artistic elements helps to achieve this. 

As mentioned, this is (like all art) a jumbled up reconstruction of a lifetime’s worth of input. This is all the books and anime and movies I consumed to escape reality (reality has never been my strong suit).. this is growing up in a country where the ancient is all around you, where folklore is woven into our shared consciousness, where church and state were inextricably linked and in a family that loves conversation around matters of theology and philosophy. This is a passion for making music and processing a fear of sharing it publicly. This is all of me, moulded into a love-letter to pop-culture and prog-rock…

So it comes out in all media, just like it went in  

Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations as an NFT artist? Are there any specific themes, narratives, or collaborations you hope to explore in your upcoming projects?

My aspirations are mostly about bringing more people to the project, hoping that they find some of it interesting at one end of the scale, and getting completely lost in the rabbit-hole at the other. 

I would like to use the tools and the tech to try and really break new ground. I haven’t done anything particularly new yet, but the fact that I’m here in the space and exploring is part of the process and part of the art. I’m in the right place for it (it’s just a tough time! :D) 

The themes and narratives so far have been limited to fantasy and sci-fi. But the project allows for any genre, so it won’t always be specific to those. Sometimes, in weaker moments, I worry that people see a comic-style image of a knight with a sword & think of it as lacking depth. Or see an unfinished story and see the entire thing as incomplete and therefore some kind of failure. This is what my inner voice tells me when it’s being as asshole. 

When I think like this though, I always remind myself that this is an art project. That themes and styles and subjects are there for a reason and are not a limitation. They are an expression of my inner-life. 

The project is unfinished because – I am unfinished (thankfully)! And actually I hope that it’s the type of project that has life after I’ve shaken this mortal coil and becomes someone else’s story. 

I’ve made some amazing friends in the space and been lucky to collaborate with them – incredible artists all. Artists like Eclectic Method on a couple of pieces, including ‘A Walk with War Dog’ [SuperRare]), and in-the-works with Victor Duarte, The Hiena and more. Watch this space  

The post Interview with Griff: Exploring the Intersection of Art, Storytelling, and NFTs appeared first on NFT CULTURE.

SPIRITUAL BEINGS HAVING A HUMAN EXPERIENCE: A PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT BY BRIAN CATTELLE

Capturing the beauty of the human spirit through long exposure street photography. 

Delray Beach FL – 4/24/2023 – Brian Cattelle, a photographer with over 10 years of experience in the field and 2 years of experience working with NFTs, has announced the launch of his latest project, “Spiritual Beings Having a Human Experience.” This marks his 4th major NFT release to date, and the project is now available to collect on Foundation.

The project features candid street photography from cities around the world, all captured in a single, 1/4 of a second exposure. The long exposure technique creates an image that speaks to the narrative of being spiritual beings having a human experience, questioning the very nature of time and the existence of the physical world.

Through this project, Cattelle explores the concept of what having a soul implies in relation to a physical form. The long exposure captures more than one instance in a single image, highlighting the fleeting yet always meaningful moments in which we pass each other. This visual representation of the soul and the connection we share in the human experience is what makes this project so impactful.

This technique also creates an image that speaks to the narrative that questions the very nature of time and the existence of the physical world.

“It’s in the long exposure that you can actually see that something is there, the single moment has passed, but it’s clear there is more than just a single moment and thus our existence extends beyond a series of single moments. With that in mind, the moments in which we pass each other are fleeting yet meaningful because the connection we share in the human experience which extends beyond a singular moment.”

“I have always been fascinated by the idea that we are all spiritual beings having a human experience,” Brian shares. “Through this project, I hope to encourage others to see the true beauty in their own existence. I want to encourage others to stay open-minded in light of the fact that we know very little of how the universe actually works”. Brian points out that According to NASA, Everything on Earth, everything ever observed with all of our instruments, all normal matter – adds up to less than 5% of the universe. The project is minted in a manifold ERC-721 contract and is currently listed on Foundation.

For more information on the project and to purchase the NFT, please visit follow Brian Cattelle on @briancattelle Twitter or visit his page on Foundation at https://foundation.app/@briancattelle.

Contact: Brian Cattelle brian.cattelle@gmail.com

The post Artist Feature: BRIAN CATTELLE appeared first on NFT CULTURE.

In this interview, we have the pleasure of hearing from stuz0r, a talented digital artist who has made a name for themselves in the NFT space with their stunning 3D renders and animations. They share their experiences with their first Nifty Gateway drop and how NFTs have impacted their art career. The interviewee also provides insights into their creative process, inspirations, and influences, as well as upcoming drops and projects. Join us in learning more about stuz0r and their unique approach to digital art in the NFT market.

I keep returning to this style of my work over the years expanding on the lore and universe. I wanted to call back to the previous “Temples” series and continue building on that reality. In this new series, this civilization has several temples that help to keep the overall “self” in full balance. The Body, the Mind, the Heart, the Spirit, and one that is a throwback to my previous series, the Sol or Sun.

Can you talk about your first drop on Nifty Gateway, and what it was like to see your art sold as an NFT for the first time?

My first drop on NiftyGateway was pretty surreal! I wasn’t sure what to expect to be honest. I had a few friends at the time that were doing incredible sales through NG. I had a few pieces that I did as open editions. They were only open for 10 minutes but did a pretty incredible amount of sales in that small amount of time! It was pretty life changing for me and my family. I made in 10 minutes what I would usually make in 1 year.

I made in 10 minutes what I would usually make in 1 year.

How did you first become interested in the world of NFTs, and what drew you to the medium as a way to showcase your art?

Back in late 2020 I had started hearing things about NFTs from Beeple and FvckRender. I knew that it had something to do with crypto, but wasn’t sure what exactly. Then I saw Beeple’s drop and the absolutely massive response he got from it. I had some experience with Punks and BitCoin prior to this. What I mean by that is my friend at my old job had mention how BC was at like $1700 and people were buying this things called CryptoPunks, which I thought was hilarious because they just looked like 8 bit profile pics. 

Are there any other NFT artists or collections that you admire or draw inspiration from?

I would say that I still am a fan of Beeple’s original collection he dropped on NiftyGateway! That was really the game changer for all of us digital artists (and all artists really). I’ve enjoyed watching some of my other friends like NessGraphics, FvckRender, and Ryan Talbot do their things on here!

Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming drops or projects that you’re currently working on?

At the moment I don’t really have any upcoming plans for immediate drops. However, I always try to call back to previous drops and reward collectors and holders. For example, this series “Temples of Light” is in the same world as my previous “Temples” series that came out almost 2 years ago. Holders from that drop will be gifted with a $1 drop this time around. It pays to hold your works if you’re able! I also reward my 1/1 holders with additional 1/1 works over time.

Your next drop on Nifty Gateway is coming up soon. Can you tell us a bit about what collectors can expect from this release, and what inspired the pieces in the collection?

This series, “Temples of Light” is a continuation of my previous “Temples” series that I put out around April of 2021 on NiftyGateway. It builds on the lore surrounding this world. It focuses more on their spiritual aspects of the civiliazation. This time around all pieces are animated works for a more immersive experience. It will feature 4 works at $99 with an additional work that will be $1 for former “Temples” holders. 

How do you approach creating pieces specifically for the NFT market, as opposed to traditional art sales? Are there any unique challenges or considerations that you take into account?

To be honest I’ve never really created work for selling in the traditional art world. It has always been strictly freelance work. I had a Society6 page a few years back for people that wanted to buy prints, but never really promoted it. When NFTs came around, that was the first time I started actually selling my work. I liked the way it could show it was my work as it had a digital footprint. Not only that, but you could see who was buying and where it was going, but could always be traced back to me!

As someone who has been creating art for several years, how has the emergence of NFTs changed the way you think about the value and ownership of digital art?

I think it’s a really great way to actually prove that the work you own is from the actual artist. The digital certificate is what really draws people in the artworld to this space I think. Can you screenshot an image and says it’s yours? Can you take a picture of the Monalisa and call it yours because you took the picture? You need that certificate that proves you are the owner. I wouldn’t walk into a art museum, show them the picture of the Monlisa on my phone and say, “How much do you want to buy this for?” Hopefully people can understand that.

Can you talk about any future plans or goals you have for your art career, both in the NFT space and beyond?

I would say to just keep doing what I’ve been doing really. I enjoy what I do. If I won the lottery and didn’t have to actually “work” another day in my life I would still do this because I love it.

Who are your biggest influences?

I would say that my biggest influence is Beeple. He is the reason I got started in all of this back in 2016. Along the way though there are several artists that I’ve found that do incredible work. Some I listed previously on here, but a few others would be Victor Duarte, Xsullo, Ash Thorp, Kidmograph, EyeDesyn, Jon Winbush, and several others I know I’m forgetting. 

How do you incorporate spirituality into your artwork, and what themes or messages do you hope to convey through your religious imagery?

That’s interesting because I don’t really try to incorporate and type of spiritual aspects into my work. They just kind of end up looking that way haha But I hope that all people groups, regardless of their religions and beliefs can draw something from my works when they look at it.

How do you balance the technical aspects of 3D rendering with the artistic elements of your work?

Through doing my daily works I have been able to figure out a way to incorporate all different types of processes into my work. It’s not only the 3D aspects but also includes photos, video, and other elements in my post work. I have found that learning different programs allows me to conceptualize pieces differently each time. I use Cinema4D with Octane render, Blender3D with Cycles render and Unreal Engine. Each of these have both strengths and weaknesses.

Can you describe your creative process from start to finish, and how do you measure the success of a piece?

I have had pieces that take me an hour or 2 that do incredibly well on social channels. People absolutely love it. Then I have a piece that takes several days to finish and it won’t get as good of a response. You just never know what will resonate with people. I usually just open up a program, start playing with shape layouts. Then when I find a good look I continue with lighting a scene. It just kind of snowballs from there and hopefully something good comes out of it. 

What do you hope viewers take away from your artwork, and how do you measure its impact?

I hope they are able to connect to it. When I used to make music, we would play shows and the crowd would be singing along to your music. That was an absolutely wild experience. They cared enough to learn the lyrics to the music YOU made. It’s kind of the same way with the artwork I create. I create it from my heart and hopefully that comes through to the viewer. I get a lot of comments on how my works look like something from their dreams or like they’ve been to that place before. Those are pretty incredible reponses to me!

Lastly, can you share with our readers any links to your website or social media profiles, as well as any other information or projects that you’d like to promote?

I really appreciate you taking the time to interview me. 

The NiftyGateway page is https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/templesoflight

"Temples of Light" @niftygateway
Thursday 4/27
Open Editions and "Temples" holders reward. pic.twitter.com/DDzOvufuoj

— Stuz0r (@Stuz0r) April 20, 2023

The post Unlocking the Secrets of NFT Art with stuz0r: An Interview with a Digital Visionary appeared first on NFT CULTURE.

Violet Bond is an artist from the Indigenous Community of Maningrida in the Northern Territory, Australia. Her interest in ephemeral art led her to experiment with NFTs, where she found a new way to sell her work. She is also an advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australians. Her style is guided by authenticity and a desire for the audience to feel like they are experiencing the work with her. She creates ephemeral sculptures out of found objects and ceramics from wild clay. Violet Bond plans to travel back home to make a body of work focused on fire, involve Indigenous dancers and other artists from her hometown, and create a new body of work for SuperRare. She regularly mints on Objkt and has sold her artwork on Foundation.

Where are you from?

I grew up in the Indigenous Community of Maningrida in the Northern Territory, Australia. A wild place a long way away from anywhere – closer to Indonesia than Sydney.Where seeing crocodiles is as common as seeing cows and where there is just hot and wet or hot and dry and people live their lives by the wild sea.

Hi I'm Violet
I'm a performance artist and photographer living in remote Australia. My work focuses on the human connection to the natural word and the cycle of life and death in the wild places

Here are a few of my works and a bit about how I made them pic.twitter.com/6ppR6ERC5x

— Violet Bond.tez (@VioletBondArt) September 22, 2022

Can you tell us about your background and what lead you down the path to becoming an artist and ultimately experimenting with NFTs?

I have always been interested in Ephemeral Art after discovering Andy Goldsworthy in high school. It was the first time I realised you could make beautiful things and send them back to dust and it could still be called art.

I loved the idea that these impermanent artworks could be made permanent by the blockchain and wanted to experiment more with that idea.

When did you mint your first NFT? What platform did you choose and why?

Although the first platform I ever read about was Kalamint (On Tezos) I ultimately minted on Open Sea because my friend Aslan Ruby was minting on there at the time and was able to walk me through the crazy NFT world in those early days.

Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without? (and why)

The wild places (and coffee)
Honestly the longer I spend in cities the more I realise our control and domination over the natural world. We contain it and constrain it everywhere – once you see the control you can’t unsee it and I yearn for the places that are wild and raw and authentic in all their lack of control.

Who is your favorite artist(s) (Non NFT)? What about their style resonates with you

Ana Mendieta
Everything, her constant want to “”go back to the source of life”” in all her work and how she places herself in the landscape in a momentary ephemeral way is magical to me. If I ever make anything half as good as her I’ll die happy.

Who is your favourite NFT artist? What makes this artist unique?

I think at the moment I am deeply in love with the stop motion animation made by @ainslie7 who’s masterful works capture my whole heart.

What made you pursue NFT art?

Lots of things but the main one being that it meant I could actually sell ephemeral art in a meaningful way. Not have to make post cards or photobooks like other ephemeral artist but I could actually sell my work in a completely new way.

I remember in my early 20ies going to an exhibition where an artist was selling a video loop of birds flying as a limited edition of 10. He was selling the work on CDs.
I never forgot it, I wonder if he is in NFTs now…

What is the one NFT you wish you had purchased but missed out on

Without a doubt the Ben Zank I wanted in Jan 2022.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Why this location?

I would take my father back to the Antarctic. He spent a year there in the 60ies and it’s an adventure I would love to do with my sons.

What are your other passions besides art? Why?

Advocacy for the rights of Indigenous Australians.
Australia has a completely fucked up history when it comes to it’s First Nations people. There is so much work to do to change that going into our future.

Do you make other forms of art?

I make ephemeral sculpture out of found objects and ceramics from wild clay.

Are you self taught or trained?

Both.
I studied graphic design and photography but learnt ceramics and sculpture through trial and error (an lots of late nights on youtube)

How did you come up with your specific style?

I tried very hard to always lean into what was authentic, what was real, the things that were the most unfiltered – mess and dirt and all of it.
I always want my audience to feel like they were standing there with me. That has been my guiding light to this point.

I also always let the environment dictate the work and try to go out into the wild places and let the work just ‘happen’.
Lots of planning is usually my enemy.

How has your style evolved over the years?

There are threads that have always held true. I used to play with bones and shells and a child and I have always been inspired by the mastery that Indigenous Australians have over nature and natural objects. I have watched people walk into the bush with nothing but their hands and come out with masterpieces – it was an endless fascination to me.

What is coming in the near future?

This year I hope to travel back home to make a body of work focused on fire that will involve Indigenous dancers and other artists from my home town.

I’m hoping to create a new body of work for SuperRare and a solo physical exhibition in 2024.

If you could collaborate with one artist who would it be? (and why)

Living it would be @AngelikaKollin I would love her to photograph some of my body art with me.

What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?

Not pursuing Tezos sooner – I wish I had been part of those very early days.

What is your biggest piece sold

“”Come to me”” – a performance work made with discarded buffalo horns.

Do you have any upcoming drops?

I mint nearly every week so I’d say best thing is to follow me on Objkt.

Link to Website

https://www.violetbond.com/

Social links and NFT marketplace links

• https://twitter.com/VioletBondArt
• https://www.instagram.com/violetbond/
• https://objkt.com/profile/violetbond/created
• https://foundation.app/@VioletBondArt

The post From Ephemeral to Eternal: The Artistic Journey of Violet Bond appeared first on NFT CULTURE.

New York | Spanish technology, fashion, and decor firm, MÄKELISMOS, inspired by the works of renowned artist René Mäkelä, is set to launch a groundbreaking strategy dubbed #FINDINGLITTLEBEEPLE in New York. As part of the strategy, the firm seeks to pay homage to digital artist Beeple by delivering, through René Mäkelä, the painting, “Little Beeple,” which reflects a baby Beeple surrounded by elements of his creativity. The work is part of the firm’s Every Child is an Artist series, which pays tribute to icons represented as children on canvas, followed by their 3D evolution in NFTs, resulting in sold-out collections.

MÄKELISMOS will attend NFT NYC as a prominent firm and speaker and will launch its new child icon, Little Beeple, in an open edition on Nifty Gateway, in partnership with The Crypt Gallery. The previous icons, including Little Basquiat, Little Dalí, Little Frida, and Little Warhol, have been highly successful, with sold-out collections. The physical work, already owned by Beeple, will continue in an exclusive NFT NYC release of NFT Every Child is An Artist: Little Beeple. The collection will be available first to collectors of The Crypt Gallery, and then to the general public for a few hours around NFT NYC.

MÄKELISMOS has become a benchmark in the NFT scene, with an extensive collection of highly valued works. The artist René Mäkelä has exhibited in some of the most relevant international galleries, with collectors that include top athletes such as Manny Machado, Cam Newton, Vinicius Jr., Austin Rivers, Antoine Griezmann, Patrick Peterson, Matt Kemp, as well as celebrities like Cara Delevingne, Madonna, and even Pope Francis.

Visit the MÄKELISMOS website at www.makelismos.es, and follow them on Instagram at @makelismos_brand.

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In this interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joanne Hollings, an NFT artist, photographer, and model. Originally from New Zealand, Joanne moved to the United States to study engineering and play tennis, but soon discovered her passion for the creative arts. She began creating stunning, emotional pieces, often featuring self-portraits in natural settings, and in 2021, she delved into the world of NFTs. In our conversation, Joanne shares her creative process, her upcoming NFT drop, and her hopes for the future of the art world. Read on to learn more about Joanne Hazel and her unique perspective on NFT art.

Links

• Joanne Holilngs
• Twitter
• Superrare

Can you tell us about your background and how you got into creating NFT art?

So just a little bit about myself. I grew up in New Zealand but took a leap of faith and moved to the United States to study engineering and play tennis. I always had a creative side though growing up. I got into modelling while I was in college and I realised how much I love the whole creative process so in 2019 I picked up a camera and started documenting moments. When the pandemic hit in 2020 I ended up going back to New Zealand and I lost my potential engineering job, I felt so lost and ended up finishing my degree online in New Zealand whilst doing photography and tennis coaching on the side. I discovered NFTS in august 2021 when New Zealand was in a lock down, I met so many cool creatives and after a couple months of figuring out the space I decided to mint my first nft collection.

Who are favorite artists, both in the traditional and NFT space?

That’s a hard one because there’s so much talent. Id say I really look up to artists like Cath Simard, Reuben Wu, Summer Wagner, Jason Charles Hill and Chelsea Kauai

What themes or subjects do you find yourself drawn to in your artwork?

I really enjoy provoking emotion in my work, I think that’s why I’ve found myself drawn to shooting more self portraiture in nature where I can tell more of a story. Being outdoors makes me happy so I will always be drawn to landscapes and how I can create a scene out of my surroundings.

Can you talk about a specific piece of NFT art that you created that you are particularly proud of?

Warrior is a standout favourite for me due to the amount of emotional energy it took to even bring out. It is a story of a woman overcoming shame and insecurity to embrace all that she is.

How do you stay inspired and keep coming up with new ideas for your art?

I never let myself stay stagnant and let my creativity sit in a box. Always trying to expand and find ways to challenge my mind. I find writing notes really helps me put ideas and visions to life.

Can you tell us about your creative process and how you go about bringing your ideas to life?

my creative process is pretty simple for the most part, I start with an idea or a feeling I want to bring to life. From there ill come up with ideas by writing in my journal and creating a moodboard. Then I’ll come up with the look I want, how I want to shoot it and a location. Some shoots are very impromptu and in the moment, and some I have methodical steps put in place to achieving an idea.

How do you think NFTs have changed the art world and what impact do you think it will have in the long term?

NFTS have given artists a voice and opportunity to really showcase who they are. NFTS eliminate the middle man for artists and allows artists to sell their art on their terms rather than through an art dealer or agent. I hope long term this allows artists to truly be able to make a living off their own art.

Where do you see yourself and your work headed in the future and what goals do you have for your NFT art career?

As a full time photographer I just want to keep building towards working with my dream clients, such as tourism companies and outdoor brands. I also want to start doing little short films during my travels and take my self portraiture to the next level. I think where I can stand out is my ability to both model in my photos and photograph them. Not enough credit is given to models as there is such an art to it.

Can you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming NFT drop?

Currently working on building on my current series “Beauty in pain”. “Beauty in Pain” is a phrase that can refer to the idea that there is beauty to be found even in difficult or painful experiences. The phrase suggests that there can be a certain allure or aesthetic to the scars, struggles, and hardships that people face in life, and that these experiences can shape and strengthen a person in ways that ultimately add to their overall beauty and value. The next piece to follow on from Warrior will be a piece quite fiery and dramatic, I can’t say too much yet but its amazing.

What was the inspiration behind the concept for this drop?

This series was born from my own experience with struggling to meet societal standards of beauty and battling with the effects of athletes triad. But, I have realised that my body is a work of art, a testament to my strength and resilience, and a source of pride. This series is not just about me, but also for all the women out there who have been made to feel inadequate in their own skin. It’s time for me to embrace who I am and celebrate my body, scars, and all. Through this series, I hope to inspire and encourage others to do the same.

How do you think this drop stands out from your previous work or other NFT drops in the market?

It is truly unique in that I am combining my love for conceptual art with landscape photography. Previously I mainly focused on landscapes but soon realised that there is so much more to me that just landscape photos. My ability to create thought provoking imagery through my modelling is where I think i’ll stand out moving forward.

We want to extend our sincerest thanks to Joanne Hazel for taking the time to share her insights and creative process with us. Her ability to combine landscape photography with conceptual art and modelling is truly unique and inspiring, and we can’t wait to see where her NFT art career takes her next. Thank you, Joanne, for your generosity and for sharing your passion for creating thought-provoking and emotional art.

The post Joanne Hollings NFT Artist Interview appeared first on NFT CULTURE.

In this interview, we get to know Richard Masa, a multimedia artist who creates abstract-surrealistic art using various mediums, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, and 3D animations. He shares his experience of being inspired by HR. Giger’s dark biomechanical world and how he found his artistic home in the dark art genre. Richard also talks about his journey into the world of NFTs, how he minted his first NFT, and his reasons for pursuing NFT art. He shares his artistic style, which is all about movement and gesture, and how his Process Sculptures have evolved rapidly in the past two years. Richard also discusses his upcoming drops, including his 10-piece Rorschach Sculpt collection for Superrare, and his plans to start a secret NFT-based project. Finally, he shares his other passions, such as martial arts and movies, and how he draws inspiration from them.

Can you share a bit about your background?

My father took me to the cinema when I was 7 and we watched Alien in 1979. The shock that I had then was a life defining experience. I don’t remember fear, only a tremendous curiosity about what the creature exactly looks like!? I thought I understood where the legs and arms are but then it turned out that it was the head of the creature!? This was my first Abstract experience.
In 1991 from Yugoslavia I went to Germany because of the Balkan war, where I found Giger’s art books which gave me the answer to all my questions about the creature. This opened a new world of Dark Art where I found myself home. Later at the academy I learned abstract Art from Master Sandor Molnar, a brilliant mind who invented and created a new approach to spiritual growth for artists, called Painter Yoga. It’s a unique implementation of ancient Occult teachings into a modern life of an artist.
After graduating at the academy in 2000 I started to work in the Game industry. It was an exciting new world where I could learn and express my visions in a 3D virtual world.
My art was always about movement. From the gesture of the brush when painting or my body making a performance sculpture. I am constantly moving from land to land, my mind is never resting and moving from idea to idea. I am moving and evolving with the creations I make. When my drawings and paintings are not enough, I want to break into 3Dimensional sculptures, when that is not enough I make them alive, sometimes as a huge kinetic sculpture but mostly as digital animations.
At the moment I’m an animation director and a creature designer on an Alien franchise game which was one of my big dreams.

Process Sculpture
Beginning of 2018 I have developed a technique called Process Sculptures that are recorded with my own body movements in a motion capture studio. At the beginning I did not know what to start with these video artworks but then in 2021 I jumped in the NFT world and all was clear to me.

When did you mint your first NFT? What platform did you choose and why?

My first NFT was minted in 2021 May on Mintable.com (because it was free) that was an experimentation.

Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without? (and why)

Well that is certain that making Art is one of the most important things in my life after my family.

Who is your favorite artist(s) (Non NFT)? What about their style resonates with you

My favorite artist is HR. Giger. His dark biomechanical world is the biggest inspiration for me. The surreal polysemantic forms are filled with sexual energy and beauty. I see Art Deco and Ancient Egyptian art combined in his work set in a dark monochromatic universe.

Who is your favourite NFT artist? What makes this artist unique?

My favorite NFT Artist is Peter Gric who was the one who got me in the NFTs. His art is very detailed and technically advanced in a way that it stays artistically traditional. His themes, lines and forms are coming from the same principles as Giger, and Beksinski, filled with actuality consciously and unconsciously.

What made you pursue NFT art?

1. The opportunity to finally monetize my Process Sculpture animations and oil paintings
2. To find my community
3. To find a channel where I can showcase my artistic life-plan
4. The possibility to be a full time independent artist

What is the one NFT you wish you had purchased but missed out on

Asymmetry – The Root from @The_Kid_Icarus

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Why this location?

Indonesia Bali. Get inspired by the traditional sculptures.

What are your other passions besides art? Why?

Martial arts, Movies. I draw inspiration from Movies, sometimes I cannot watch a movie till the end because I have an idea and need to write it down… And Martial art is coming from the family, my father and oncle were big Fencing champions back in the 70-80-s so I have continued this passion and learned other more martial art then sports like Kung fu, Aikudo, Kickbox. I am also a fight choreographer fro motion capture recordings for movies and video games.

Do you make other forms of art?

Yes I am a Mulimedia artist, I make Drawings, Paintings, Sculptures, 3D Animations

Are you self taught or trained?

I have graduated at the Hungarian Art Academy in the year 2000

How did you come up with your specific style?

I am coming from a traditional art world and make Abstract-Surrealistic Art.
I am also an Animation Director on Video Games, and have developed a technique called Process-Sculptures that are made with my own body movements.
The movement recorded in the motion capture studio is implemented on a 3D Sculpted virtual character and I create an imprint of the body on every frame of the animation. It looks as if the ghosting film effect would take on a 3 dimensional form. The sculptures are usually printed out with a 3D printer and can be exhibited on site too.
The Process-Sculptures have philosophical meaning and provide subconscious revelations.
During this process the shapes are transforming into polysemantic abstract artwork.

A dynamic gesture is the start of a Painting, a Sculpture or a Performance. All this is connected in an organic visual language. The forms are not concrete but Polysemantic and can provide subconscious revelations.
With my Process-Sculptures I am exploring the “we are all one” spiritual concept through the ideas of the Process philosophy. Being is becoming as Process philosophy says. Reality is a process and only the mind labels some objects and tries to give them names, isolating them, abstracting them from reality.
My art tries to put back the individual human body into the process. If I would compress many moments in time we would recognise the process and not the single body.
All this in order to free our minds from suffering.

How has your style evolved over the years?

Well in my childhood I wanted to create so I started drawing, after that I wanted that the entities I draw come out in 3D so I have learned to sculpt, it was not enough I wanted them to move I learned the basics of animation and started to work as an animator in videogames.
In between I have met my master at the academy and learned allot about spirituality in the art.
My style at the moment is about movement and gesture. All my paintings, sculptures and animations are movements in time. I have 5 stages in my artistic life plan and I am at the stage 2. My style will not change through time only the temes. My Process Sculptures have ben evolved rapidly in the past 2 years because of the NFT world. I got inspiration, help to get the quality of my renders higher.

What is coming in the near future?

Near future is the year 2023. I am founding a Digital Art Organization, working on my 10 piece Rorschach Sculpt collection for Superrare, and working on some other platforms too. From March I will be a full time artist and start a secret NFT based project.

If you could collaborate with one artist who would it be? (and why)

I am onboarding few fried artists that are a secret for now and I am planning a colab with them, but at the moment I think I would like a Collab NFT with Peter Gric to learn from him and make and artwork more dynamic with his details and message.

What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?

I dont really consider anything in my life as a big failure, I only regret that I have not heard from NFTs sooner. At least 1 year earlier

What is your biggest piece sold

Rorschach Sculpt #1 on Superrare for 0.870 $ETH

Link to Website

https://www.richardmasa.com/

Social links and NFT marketplace links

https://superrare.com/richardmasaart
https://foundation.app/0xDE545ea984C2fC30e2B558e1C6233105e3ABadEE
https://objkt.com/profile/richardmasaart/created
https://async.market/u/richardmasaart/collection
https://twitter.com/RichardMasaArt
https://www.instagram.com/richardmasaart/

The post Richard Masa NFT Artist Interview appeared first on NFT CULTURE.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have taken the art world by storm, offering a new way for artists to monetize their digital creations. By creating unique digital assets that can be bought and sold on blockchain platforms, artists are able to tap into a growing market of collectors and enthusiasts. However, with the rise in popularity of NFT art, the competition is fierce, and it can be difficult to stand out and sell your work. In this article, we’ll provide 20 tips for NFT artists looking to boost their sales, build their audience, and establish themselves in the NFT art market. Whether you’re a seasoned NFT artist or just getting started, these tips can help you increase your exposure and sell more art.

1. Build a strong online presence: Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Discord are great places to share your work and interact with potential buyers.
2. Collaborate with other artists: Collaborating with other artists can help you expand your audience and reach new potential buyers.
3. Create high-quality artwork: Ensure that your art is of high quality, and that it stands out from other NFTs on the market.
4. Be consistent with your style: Consistency in style can help you establish a brand, which can help build trust and loyalty among your audience.
5. Price your NFTs competitively: Do your research and set reasonable prices for your NFTs based on similar works in the market.
6. Create scarcity: By limiting the number of NFTs you create, you can create a sense of urgency among buyers, which can drive up demand and prices.
7. Offer perks to buyers: Consider offering exclusive access to future works, or personalized experiences for buyers.
8. Engage with your audience: Be approachable and interact with potential buyers to build trust and establish a loyal fanbase.
9. Participate in online communities: Join online communities and participate in discussions to build connections and gain exposure.
10. Attend conferences and events: Attend conferences and events to network with other artists, collectors, and industry experts.
11. Use metadata to enhance discoverability: Properly tagging and categorizing your NFTs can help them appear in relevant searches and increase discoverability.
12. Tell a story: Create a compelling story or concept around your NFTs to make them more memorable and meaningful to buyers.
13. Leverage the power of influencers: (NOT THOSE INFLUENCERS, BUT ARTISTS) Reach out to influencers and collaborate with them to get your NFTs in front of new audiences.
14. Offer different formats: Consider offering different file formats or sizes to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
15. Utilize auctions: Host auctions for your NFTs to create competition and drive up demand and prices.
16. Create collections: Group your NFTs into collections to help buyers discover and purchase multiple works at once.
17. Use email marketing: Build an email list and use it to keep your audience updated on your latest works, sales, and promotions.
18. Host giveaways: Host giveaways to reward loyal fans and attract new ones.
19. Use the right platforms: Choose the platforms that are most relevant to your target audience and offer the features and functionality you need to succeed.
20. Stay up to date: Stay informed about the latest trends and changes in the NFT market, and be willing to adapt and experiment to stay ahead of the curve.
21. BONUS: Subscribe to our newsletter and social media 

By following these tips, NFT artists can increase their exposure, build their audience, and sell more art. Good luck!

The post 20 Tips for NFT Artist Success in 2023 appeared first on NFT CULTURE.

Marc Whitelaw is a rising star in the world of NFT art, known for his unique perspective and approach to creating digital masterpieces. With a background in both 3D and 2D art, Whitelaw has developed a style that sits at the intersection of realism and surrealism, resulting in artworks that are both familiar and otherworldly.

Born with a passion for the natural world, Whitelaw became particularly interested in clouds, and the ideas of impermanence, mortality, and the nature of reality. With this inspiration, he has created a body of work that explores these themes in a captivating and thought-provoking way.

With a portfolio of digital art that showcases his technical skill and imaginative vision, Whitelaw has quickly established himself as a sought-after artist. His work has been exhibited in galleries and online spaces around the world, attracting the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Currently, Whitelaw is a senior artist at Industrial Light & Magic, a subsidiary of Lucasfilm and Disney. This position allows him to continue honing his craft, as well as collaborate with other talented artists and technicians in the field. With his skill and experience, Whitelaw is sure to be a major player in the NFT art world for years to come.

Where are you from? (Provide a little bit of your background, have you moved etc)

I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2011 I moved to the west coast of Canada to study and work as a digital artist in the film industry.

Can you tell us about your background and what lead you down the path to becoming an artist and ultimately experimenting with NFTs?

I’ve had a camera in my hand ever since I could remember. I got into the film industry when I was a teenager which ultimately led me to film school in Cape Town. I then moved to Canada to further my education and graduated from a 3D Animation & Visual Effects program with Honors. I majored in Compositing which was my foundation in learning how to work with CG in post production. To this day I’m constantly working on my 3d knowledge & skills. Over the years, I posted my work to Instagram. A few years ago I connected with my friend @NoCreative. Even though I had no idea what discord was, I joined his server after he asked me to. This is where my exposure and love for Web3 & NFTs grew exponentially. I’ve been looking for opportunities to be a full time artist for more than half my life. Now thanks to NFTs that dream is more accessible than ever.

When did you mint your first NFT? What platform did you choose and why?

I minted my first NFT in December 2021 on Makersplace. NoCreative curated me to the platform and the piece I minted was actually a collaboration we did together.

Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without? (and why)

Music. A lot of my inspiration comes from music. It has the uncanny ability to change your mood, evoke an emotion & speak to you on a level the spoken word could never do. It can move you and in the case of the art I create, it moves that too.

Who is your favorite artist(s) (Non NFT)? What about their style resonates with you

At the top of my list is Olafur Eliasson. I love how his work changes your perspective on things and forces you to see the world in a different way. ‘The Weather Project’ as well as ‘Beauty’ really resonated with me. He was able to present these familiar elements in a fairly unfamiliar way which further implores you to stop and take a second look. Right now I’m hugely inspired by Berndnaut Smilde. He creates physical clouds in indoor locations. Another nod to presenting an element of nature in an unnatural environment. His Nimbus project has had a huge influence on me and my work.

Who is your favourite NFT artist? What makes this artist unique?

There are so many amazing artists out there but if I had to choose one right now it would be Reuben Wu. He has been exploring his craft for years, his knowledge and creative eye reflects this.The quality of his work is world class and the themes of time and space he explores resonates with me and many others. There is a bold narrative in his art and he is able to communicate his ideas with a high sense of style and grace.

What made you pursue NFT art?

I have been exploring how to be a full time artist for more than half my life but since my work is all digital, I didn’t quite know how to approach it. Because of this NFTs and the technology behind them was a no brainer.

What is the one NFT you wish you had purchased but missed out on

Should have bought a CryptoDickButt when I had the chance…

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Why this location?

Indonesia. I grew up surfing the south coast of Africa. Indonesia is a surfers paradise and a place I am itching to go back to.

What are your other passions besides art? Why?

Besides philosophy, I really love fishing. It was one of my favourite pastimes and now it’s a great excuse for my son and I to get outdoors and spend time together. It’s also a great lesson in patience.

Do you make other forms of art?

Music. I’ve been playing the piano on and off since I was a kid and have spent a solid number of years learning electronic music production. I now combine my love for music and incorporate it into my NFT work. I love how the two art forms have come full circle for me.

Are you self taught or trained?

This is an interesting question. I’d probably say self taught? But I feel this answer is a bit one sided. I’ve been working with cameras for more than half my life but never took any lessons. I studied VFX for 1 year but the result of that was to land a studio job, not to become an artist.

The real lessons I learned were from the countless colleagues and friends of mine who share similar passions. I am constantly learning through online tutorials and trail and error but I would be where I am today without the help from my friends and digital artists who have been doing this a lot longer than I have. I have been working at Lucasfilm for 4 years now and because of this my artist eye and skill has multiplied tenfold. Its been a real blessing to work with such talented individuals.

How did you come up with your specific style?

My work over the years has always been in a surreal nature. After creating a few clouds and posting them to discord, NoCreative suggested we do a collaboration.

The quality of his work inspired me to make the best possible cloud I could ever make. Instead of doing a still artwork I decided to try dynamically simulate a cloud that looked and moved as realistically as possible.

From that point I started studying clouds and I really fell in love with the process of understanding how to create, simulate and render them accurately.

This gave birth to my ‘Passage Of Time’ series. Clouds throughout art history have touched on the ideas of impermanence, mortality, time & the nature of our reality.

All things I love exploring in philosophy.

How has your style evolved over the years?

My early years were all about discovery and experimentation. I drifted through exploring compositions and creating work inspired by techniques I learned from watching tutorials.

Once I got my hands on redshift renderer, It allowed me to work much faster and visualize different ideas much quicker. My preference switched to environments and landscapes and I really started to enjoy the process of building compositions in a real world scale.

I have always been enamoured with the stars and the skies. With the emphasis I put on the landscapes I create, I plan to put just as much emphasis on the sky.

What is coming in the near future?

Most importantly for me, there is a machine upgrade in my near future. I have a bunch of projects in the backlog that are waiting for more machine power to tackle. I have started work on a new body of artwork I am currently calling ‘Larger than Life’. My work aims to portray our connection to nature and I hope to shed light on the fact that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. I plan to release one animated artwork every 3 months for the remainder of the year. I also have some collaborations and gallery exhibitions coming up.

If you could collaborate with one artist who would it be? (and why)

At the moment of writing I would have to say Reuben Wu. I greatly resonate with his style and themes. Since I am a compositor by trade, working with some of Reubens’ high quality photographs would be extremely exciting for me.

Due to the nature of my work it would be awesome to design a sky that would elevate and build upon Reubens’ already incredible art.

To be honest though there are so many amazing artists I would love to collaborate with. I have already spoken to some and have a list of artists who have reached out to me as well. I really look forward to the collaborations I have coming up and see collaboration as one of my core values.

What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?

I started an online travel company in South Africa back in 2009 which I ran for 2 years until we closed the company in 2011. It was a great initiative, I learnt so much and had a lot of fun but it ultimately failed and I lost a lot of money.

Through that process though I learnt how much film and art meant to me. I closed the company and left because I knew for a fact that I needed to pursue what I love. I’ve had a camera in my hands for as long as I could remember. Not having that anymore only left me feeling empty and the only way to grow and hone my craft was to accept failure and take a step back. I’m extremely grateful to have failed as hard as I did.

What is your biggest piece sold

My piece ‘Ephemeral’ in the NEAL Digital Gallery space on SuperRare sold for 5 ETH.

How much did it sell for

5 ETH

Do you have any upcoming drops?

I have one available piece open to offer on Foundation. My next piece will be minted near the end of March 2023.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Just wanted to say thank you for everything NFT Culture is doing to promote, preserve and push our community forward. Big shout out to everyone I have connected with in this space. Really looking forward to seeing the NFT space excel and change the way we have done things in not only the art market but globally as well. Cheers!

Link to Website

https://breakyourcrayons.com/

Social links and NFT marketplace links

• twitter.com/byccollective
• https://foundation.app/@breakyourcrayons
• https://superrare.com/breakyourcrayons
• https://makersplace.com/breakyourcrayons/

The post Break Your Crayons: NFT Artist Interview appeared first on NFT CULTURE.

Yanis Georges, a French 3D artist and art director, is renowned for his sleek abstract designs and organic animations. His work often explores the concept of the future and features shimmering, multicolored worlds that suggest alternate realities. Born in Grenoble, Southeastern France, Yanis fell in love with illustration, film, and photography before moving on to 3d work.  Today, he lives in the UK with his beautiful wife and little boy.  We were lucky enough to sit down with Yanis and learn more about his amazing craft.

Can you tell us about your background and what lead you down the path to  becoming an artist and ultimately experimenting with NFTs?  

My passion is for the more graphic forms of art. I love illustration, film, photography  and all visual aspects of urban culture. Graffiti art in the 90’s had a direct influence on  my decision to become an artist. I studied art & graphic design and then worked for  various design studios and music labels in France. In early 2008, I created  ethikdesign©, a Design & Creative Studio based in my home town where I’ve worked  with many different clients, nationally and internationally. I’ve collaborated on music  videos, commercial design and artworks and have been lucky to work with some of  the most famous brands and leading artists in the creative industry.  

Aside from my more commercial work at ethikdesign, I’ve also been involved in  personal work including, ‘Everyday Project’ (2014-2016) and ‘Never Stop  Exploring’ (2016 – and ongoing ). Working on new ideas on a daily basis is great  exercise for my creative muscle and technical skills. It helps me to be disciplined but  also keeps me creatively agile.  

In March 2021, two dear friends and amazing artists in their own right, Archan Nair  and Onyro, invited me into the NFT space. It was, for me, a game changer. Today, I  am a full-time NFT artist.  

When did you mint your first NFT Collection ? What platform did you choose  and why?  

I minted my Genesis Collection “MONDRIAN 3.0” on SuperRare in April 2021. It’s a  series of 5 abstract figurative works exploring the human form. I deliberately used  quite specific tints and tones, as a nod to the Dutch pioneer of 20th century abstract  art and one of my favorite Artist, Piet Mondrian.  

I worked on this collection while my application to be approved by the SuperRare  Team was being processed. For me, tokenizing my art as a crypto-collectible on a  curated platform is very special. It allows me access to collectors who appreciate the  value of individual and limited artworks of high quality. SuperRare is a unique digital  art platform where extraordinary artists meet sophisticated, keen-eyed collectors. I  always feel SuperRare is where my journey began

Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without? (and why)  

Ha! Good question! I’ve got two answers. As an artist embedded in 21st century  digital art I could not be without my computer and graphics tablets. But as a person,  the only thing that truly matters is my family. They are the centre of my world, they  ground me and give me meaning. 

What is the one piece of NFT art you wish you had purchased but missed out  on?  

Im a big fan of Alessio De Vecchi. His motion pieces are absolutely outstanding.  Technogenic is one of my favorite.  

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Why this  location?  

Definitely, Canada ! Back in 2013, I travelled the globe with WorldRiderZ, filming and  creating 3D content for their TV Show on TLC . WorldRiderZ strive to raise  awareness of chronic kidney disease and organ transplant. It was an amazing time. I  got to be on the road everyday for over three months traveling across Canada and  the USA. The astonishing scenery, the vast, uninhabited landscapes of lakes, rivers  and incredible wild life are things I will never forget. What a privilege. 

What are your other passions besides art? Why?  

I love to dance. Well, it’s more fun than the gym! I also love to go snowboarding  when I can. And wherever I am in the world I always have to check out the local  graffiti. There’s so much inspiration out there. 

How did you come up with your specific style? How has your style evolved  over the years?  

I have spent the last decade experimenting with dramatic, living forms, bringing  simple shapes to life. I’ve been fascinated by the ambiguity of the organic and the  inorganic and how these two seemingly distinct domains, sometimes overlap. Both of  my projects, ‘Everyday’ and ‘Never Stop Exploring’ have helped me evolve my  aesthetic style. It’s also been fascinating how the evolution of digital technology has  impacted on how I create work over the years, unlocking new ideas and new designs  that would not have been technically possible just a few years ago. 

What is coming in the near future?  

I think 2023 will be another year for experimentation. Maybe combining 3D & AI,  Dynamic NFT and Motion Graphics animation. So much to explore ! I cannot wait. 

If you could collaborate with one artist who would it be?  

Any artists from the Bloom Collective ! They’re all incredible. 

Bloom is a collective of some of the worlds brightest creative talents from the NFT  industry . A design led collective that stands for the absolute highest levels of quality,  integrity, and diversity. 

Do you have any upcoming drops?  

I have just released the most significant compilation of my work on my own smart  contract, The 203 Collection. A passing and a birth from Web.2 to Web.3. A Collection of 203 1/1s 3D Artworks with an Exclusive Interactive Art Book – 

203 pieces representing over 8 years of digital creativity from my own personal  portfolio and curated by the legends ROB MOIR (Chevy_Pop) and ArchanNair.  The collection is named “203” in reference to the transition from Web2 to Web3, and  as part of this project, the original artworks will be erased from the web. This adds an  extra layer of rarity and exclusivity to the collection. 

Where can collectors find your work?  

Link to Website:  

• Linktree
• The 203 Collection 
• Website 
• Discord 

Social links: 

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Behance

NFT marketplace links: 

SuperRare 

The 203 Collection  

• Website
• OpenSea

CWS X ethikdesign 

OpenSea

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