5 Practical Steps to Convert Your Physical Art into NFTs

Published on 27 July 2023 6 min read

Digitize your artwork
Choose the right platform for your NFT
Mint your NFT
List your NFT for sale
Promote your NFT

If you've been wondering, "Should I convert my physical art into NFTs?", you're not alone. As NFTs continue to gain traction in the art world, many artists are exploring how to transform their physical creations into this new digital format. This blog post will guide you through five practical steps to make this transition as smooth as possible. Let's start with the first step: digitizing your artwork.

Digitize Your Artwork

Before you can convert your physical art into an NFT, you need to create a high-quality digital representation of your art piece. This is not as daunting as it may sound, and with the right tools, you can easily digitize your artwork.

Choosing the Right Equipment

You will need a high-resolution scanner or camera. It's crucial that you capture every detail of your artwork to ensure the digital copy is as close as possible to the original. If you're using a camera, a tripod can be quite handy to prevent any shaky hands. Remember, the better the quality of your digital version, the more likely people will consider it when they think, "should I buy this NFT?"

Digitizing the Artwork

Once you've got your equipment set up, it's time to capture your artwork. Here's a quick step-by-step process:

Place your artwork in a well-lit area to ensure all details are clearly visible.
Use your scanner or camera to capture the artwork. Make sure to check the settings for the highest possible resolution.
Save the image in a lossless format like TIFF or PNG to preserve the quality of the artwork.

Editing the Digital Version

After capturing your artwork, you may need to do some minor tweaks to make sure the digital version is a true representation of your physical piece. You can use editing software like Adobe Photoshop for this. Just remember to keep it authentic. Over-editing may stray too far from your original artwork and could prompt potential buyers to question “Is this the same as the physical piece I admired?”

By following these steps, you’re on your way to converting your physical art into NFTs. With your art now digitized, you're ready for the next step in the process: choosing the right platform for your NFT. But we'll save that for the next section.

Choose the Right Platform for Your NFT

After digitizing your artwork, the next step is choosing the right platform to mint and sell your NFT. This might seem overwhelming at first, but don't worry, we're here to help. Let's get into it!

Picking the Perfect Platform

There are a bunch of platforms where you can mint and sell your NFTs. The key is finding one that suits your needs and aligns with your artistic vision. Ethereum-based platforms, like OpenSea and Rarible, are quite popular, but there are also others like Flow and Tezos that are eco-friendly and have lower transaction costs. Take some time to research these platforms and decide which one works best for you.

Understanding the Costs

Before you jump in, you should understand that there are costs associated with minting NFTs. These are called 'gas fees' and they can vary depending on the platform and the congestion on the blockchain. It's important to factor these into your pricing strategy. After all, when people ask "Should I convert my physical art into NFTs?" they probably want to know if it's financially feasible.

Checking for Community

Another factor to consider is the community on the platform. A supportive and active community can be a great resource for new NFT artists. They can provide guidance, support, and even potential buyers for your NFT. So, take a look at the community interaction on your chosen platform before you make your decision.

Choosing the right platform is a crucial step in your NFT journey. Once you've made your choice, you're all set for the next step: minting your NFT. But that's a topic for another section. Stay tuned!

Mint Your NFT

Once you've found the right platform, it's time to mint your NFT. If you're thinking, "Should I convert my physical art into NFTs?" at this point, you're in the right place. Just follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way.

Minting Basics

Minting is the process of turning your digitized artwork into an NFT. Just like minting a coin, it's about making something tangible, but in this case, it's a digital asset. Depending on your platform, the process may look a little different, but essentially, you're uploading your art, giving it a name, and adding other relevant data.

Metadata Matters

Metadata is the information about your art that will go into the blockchain. It includes details like your name as the artist, the artwork's name, and a description. This is your chance to tell the story of your art and why it's special. It's like a digital certificate of authenticity, so make sure you fill it out carefully.

Gas Fees and Minting

Remember those gas fees we talked about earlier? Here's where they come into play. When you mint an NFT, you're paying for the computational power needed to add your NFT to the blockchain. These fees can fluctuate, so be sure to check and factor them into your budget.

Once you've completed these steps, your NFT is minted and ready to be listed for sale. But how exactly do you go about that? Well, that's a topic for another section. Hang in there, we're almost done!

List Your NFT for Sale

With your newly minted NFT, you're probably wondering, "Should I convert my physical art into NFTs and sell them?" The answer is a resounding yes. Let's explore the process of listing your NFT for sale.

Setting the Price

Deciding on a price can be a bit tricky. You want to value your work appropriately, but you also want to make sure it's attractive to potential buyers. Research other similar NFTs and consider your reputation as an artist. You can choose a fixed price or opt for an auction-style listing. Be sure to factor in any platform fees when setting your price.

Listing Your Art

Listing your NFT on the marketplace is the next step. This usually involves filling out a form on the platform. You'll need the details you put into your metadata, like the name and description of your art. Be sure to use clear and engaging language to catch potential buyers' eyes.

Understanding Royalties

One of the perks of NFTs is the ability to earn royalties every time your art is resold. This means you could continue to earn from your art long after the initial sale. Some platforms allow you to set your own royalty percentage, so consider this when listing your NFT.

With your NFT listed, you're officially in the NFT art market. But how do you ensure your art gets seen and sold? That's where promotion comes in — more on that in the next section.

Promote Your NFT

Once you've listed your NFT for sale, don't just sit back and wait. The question "Should I convert my physical art into NFTs?" doesn't stop at the listing process. You need to actively promote your NFT to get it seen by potential buyers. Let's dive into how you can do this effectively.

Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are great places to share your NFTs. Post captivating images of your artwork, use relevant hashtags, and engage with your followers. Social media can help you reach a wider audience and create a buzz around your NFTs.

Join Online Communities

Online communities, like Reddit or Discord channels dedicated to NFTs, can be a goldmine. Share your artwork, ask for feedback, and engage in discussions. It's not just about promoting your work, it's about being part of a community and learning from others. Remember, the more involved you are, the more likely people will take notice of your work.

Collaborate with Other Artists

Another effective strategy to promote your NFT is to collaborate with other artists. This could be a joint project or simply promoting each other's work. Collaboration can increase your visibility and help you reach a new audience.

Remember, promoting your NFT is just as important as creating it. By actively promoting your NFT, you increase the chances of your artwork being seen and, ultimately, sold. So, should you convert your physical art into NFTs? If you're ready to dive into a new world of art exposure and potential income, the answer is yes.

If you're intrigued by the idea of converting your physical art into NFTs and want to learn more about the process, don't miss the workshop 'Sell Your Creations As NFTs' by Tom Glendinning. In this workshop, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tips on how to successfully sell your art as NFTs, making the most of this exciting new digital art market.