5 Practical Tips for Starting a Career in NFT Development
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

  1. Learn the basics of blockchain technology
  2. Get familiar with NFT standards and platforms
  3. Start building your own NFTs
  4. Join communities and networks
  5. Keep learning and staying updated

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have taken the digital world by storm. And with this surge of popularity, careers in NFT development have become a trending topic. But how do you get started? This blog will offer you five practical steps to kickstart your career in NFT development. Let's start at the very beginning: understanding the backbone of NFTs - blockchain technology.

Learn the Basics of Blockchain Technology

Before you can start developing NFTs, it's important to wrap your head around blockchain technology. Think of it as the stage where the NFT show takes place.

Understanding Blockchain

Blockchain, in its simplest form, is a chain of blocks — but not in the traditional sense of those words. Imagine it more like a public digital ledger, where each block represents a record of transactions. It's secure, transparent, and decentralized, meaning it's not controlled by any single entity.

Types of Blockchain Networks

There are three main types of blockchain networks:

  • Public Blockchains: Open to anyone and fully decentralized. Bitcoin and Ethereum are examples of this.
  • Private Blockchains: Controlled by a single organization. They offer more efficiency but less transparency.
  • Consortium Blockchains: A middle-ground solution, controlled by a group of organizations.

The Role of Cryptography

One thing that makes blockchain technology secure is cryptography. This is a method of protecting information by transforming it into an unreadable format. Only those with a special key can decode it. It’s like the secret decoder ring you always wanted as a kid, but for really important digital stuff!

Smart Contracts

Last but not least, let's talk about smart contracts. They’re self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. They live on the blockchain and ensure that all parties do what they've agreed to do. They're the glue that holds the NFT world together.

That's your first step toward careers in NFT development. Once you've got a solid understanding of blockchain, you're ready to move on to the next stage: getting familiar with NFT standards and platforms.

Get Familiar with NFT Standards and Platforms

With a solid understanding of blockchain technology under your belt, it's time to dip your toes into the specifics of NFTs. Remember, not all NFTs are created equally, and each platform has its own unique features and standards.

Understanding NFT Standards

There are two mainstream standards for NFTs on the Ethereum network: ERC-721 and ERC-1155. These are like the rule books that dictate how an NFT should work.

  • ERC-721: This was the first standard for representing non-fungible digital assets. Each token is unique and can have different values.
  • ERC-1155: This is a more modern standard that allows for both fungible (identical) and non-fungible tokens. It's like a swiss army knife for NFTs!

NFT Platforms

Now let's talk about the platforms where you can create, buy, and sell NFTs. There are many out there, but here are a few of the big players:

  • OpenSea: Known as the largest NFT marketplace, OpenSea offers a wide range of NFTs from art to virtual real estate.
  • Rarible: An open marketplace that allows anyone to create and sell NFTs.
  • Mintable: This platform is user-friendly and great for beginners looking to create and sell their NFTs.

It's worth taking the time to explore these platforms and get a feel for their features, benefits and limitations. Which platform you choose can greatly influence your career in NFT development.

Creating Your First NFT

Once you're familiar with the standards and platforms, it's time to create your first NFT. Don't worry if it seems daunting — remember, even the greatest artists started with a blank canvas. Experiment, learn, and most importantly, have fun with it!

So, you've got your blockchain basics down and you're familiar with NFT platforms and standards. You're well on your way in your journey towards a successful career in NFT development. What's next? It's time to start connecting with others in the field.

Start Building Your Own NFTs

So, you're now familiar with NFT standards and platforms. What's next in your career in NFT development? It's time to roll up your sleeves and start crafting your own NFTs. Let's dive into how you can kick-start this process.

Try Out Different Ideas

Don't box yourself into one concept or theme. The beauty of NFTs is in their uniqueness and diversity. Try out different ideas. Maybe you're into digital art, or perhaps you have a knack for creating catchy tunes. The sky's the limit when it comes to NFTs!

Get Your Hands Dirty with Coding

While some platforms allow you to create NFTs without touching code, understanding how to code your own NFTs can give you a significant edge in your career. If you're new to coding, consider learning JavaScript and Solidity, the programming language used for creating smart contracts on the Ethereum network.

Test and Refine Your NFTs

Once you've created your NFT, it's time to put it to the test. Make sure it works as intended. Ask for feedback from friends or online communities. Don't be discouraged by criticism — use it as a stepping stone to refine and improve your NFTs.

Finally, remember that success in creating NFTs, like any creative endeavor, often comes down to persistence and passion. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and you'll be well on your way to making a mark in your career in NFT development.

Now that you've started building your own NFTs, it's time to connect with others who share your interest and can provide you with support and inspiration.

Join Communities and Networks

Now that you've dipped your toes into creating your own NFTs, the next step in your NFT development career journey is connecting with others in the field. Joining communities and networks is a great way to do this. Let's explore how to go about it.

Engage in NFT Forums

Forums such as Reddit's r/NFT or the NFT section of Bitcointalk can be a treasure trove of knowledge and connections. Here, you can ask questions, share your own experiences, and learn from others who are also pursuing careers in NFT development.

Participate in Online Groups

Online platforms like Discord and Telegram host various groups dedicated to NFTs. These groups can provide you with real-time discussions and insights into the latest trends and developments in the NFT world.

Attend NFT Events

Keep an eye out for NFT events, both online and in-person. These can range from small meetups to large conferences like NFT NYC. Participating in these events can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities.

As you deepen your involvement in these communities and networks, you'll not only establish valuable connections but also stay abreast of the latest trends and opportunities in NFT development. This can be incredibly beneficial as you continue to shape your career in NFT development.

With a growing network and hands-on experience in creating NFTs, it's crucial to keep learning and staying updated with the ever-evolving NFT landscape. So, let's move on to our final tip.

Keep Learning and Staying Updated

Just when you think you've got a handle on things, the NFT world takes a turn and surprises you, right? Well, welcome to the club! Pursuing a career in NFT development means signing up for a lifelong learning journey. So, how do you keep up with this fast-paced field?

Follow NFT Thought Leaders

You may ask, how can I stay ahead in my career in NFT development? One way is to follow thought leaders in the field. People like Beeple, the artist behind the $69 million NFT, and Roham Gharegozlou, CEO of the NFT platform Dapper Labs, often share valuable insights on their social media platforms.

Stay Informed with Newsletters

Newsletters can be a great source of up-to-date information. Consider subscribing to ones like "NFT Review" or "The Defiant" for a weekly roundup of NFT news and trends.

Take Advantage of Online Courses

There's a wealth of online courses that offer in-depth training in blockchain and NFT development. Websites like Coursera or Udemy often have courses specifically tailored for careers in NFT development.

Remember, the key to a successful career in NFT development is being adaptable and constantly learning. Stay curious, my friend, and you'll always be ready for whatever the NFT world throws at you. Now go out there and make your mark in the NFT universe!

If you're excited about starting a career in NFT development and want to learn more about selling your creations as NFTs, don't miss the workshop, 'Sell Your Creations As NFTs,' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will provide valuable insights into the world of NFTs and help you take the first step towards monetizing your digital art.