How to Buy NFT Art: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 24 May 2023 11 min read

So, you've heard about NFT art and want to dive into the world of digital art collecting? You're not alone! With the rise of NFTs, more and more people are looking to buy unique digital art pieces. In this practical guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to buy NFT art and help you understand the basics of NFTs, digital wallets, and how to safely store your new digital art collection. Let's get started!

1. Understanding NFT Art

Before we delve into the process of buying NFT art, it's important to have a clear understanding of what NFTs are and how they work. This section will provide you with a solid foundation of NFT knowledge, so you can confidently navigate the world of digital art.

What are NFTs?

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, NFTs are unique digital assets that cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. In simpler terms, each NFT represents a one-of-a-kind item, whether it's digital art, music, or even virtual real estate. The uniqueness of NFTs is what makes them valuable and appealing to collectors.

These tokens are typically built on blockchain platforms, like Ethereum, which provide a decentralized and secure way to prove the ownership and authenticity of digital assets. This means that when you buy an NFT, you're essentially getting a digital certificate of ownership for the specific piece of art.

NFT Art Ownership

When you own an NFT, you are purchasing the exclusive rights to that specific digital asset. This means you can buy, sell, or trade the NFT just like any other collectible item. The blockchain technology behind NFTs ensures that every transaction is recorded, making it easy to verify the provenance and ownership history of the art piece.

However, it's important to note that owning an NFT does not grant you complete rights to the artwork. The original creator retains the copyright and can still use the artwork for other purposes, such as selling prints or licensing it for commercial use. As the NFT owner, you are mainly purchasing the bragging rights and the ability to resell the digital asset in the future.

NFT Art Marketplaces

Now that you have a better understanding of what NFTs are and how ownership works, it's time to explore where to buy them. NFT art is primarily sold on specialized online platforms called NFT marketplaces. Some of the most popular ones include OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation.

Each marketplace offers a unique selection of digital art and has its own set of features, such as auctions, buy-now options, and creator royalties. As you begin your journey on how to buy NFT art, it's essential to explore various marketplaces to find the one that best suits your preferences and budget.

2. Setting Up Your Digital Wallet

Now that we've covered the basics of NFT art, let's move on to the first step on how to buy NFT art: setting up your digital wallet. A digital wallet is like your virtual bank account for cryptocurrencies and NFTs. It's where you'll store, manage, and use digital assets to buy NFT art. In this section, we'll guide you through choosing a wallet, funding it, and connecting it to NFT marketplaces.

Choosing a Wallet

There are many digital wallets available, so it's important to pick one that will best suit your needs. Some popular options include MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and MyEtherWallet. When selecting a wallet, consider factors like:

Compatibility with the blockchain platform (e.g., Ethereum)
Security features
User interface and ease of use
Integration with NFT marketplaces

For most people, MetaMask is a popular choice as it's an easy-to-use browser extension that's compatible with many NFT marketplaces. Once you've chosen a wallet, follow the provider's instructions to create an account and set up your wallet.

Funding Your Wallet

After setting up your wallet, you'll need to fund it with cryptocurrency to buy NFT art. Most NFT marketplaces use Ethereum (ETH) as their primary currency, so it's a good idea to have some ETH in your wallet. Here's how you can add funds to your wallet:

Create an account on a cryptocurrency exchange, like Coinbase or Binance.
Buy Ethereum using your local currency or by trading other cryptocurrencies.
Send the purchased Ethereum to your digital wallet by entering your wallet's address in the exchange's "Withdraw" or "Send" section.

Remember to double-check your wallet address before sending any funds, as transactions on the blockchain are irreversible.

Connecting to Marketplaces

With your wallet set up and funded, you're almost ready to start exploring the world of NFT art. To buy NFTs, you'll need to connect your wallet to an NFT marketplace. Connecting is usually a straightforward process:

Visit the NFT marketplace of your choice.
Look for a "Connect Wallet" or "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the website.
Select your wallet provider (e.g., MetaMask) and follow the prompts to connect your wallet.

Once connected, your wallet will be linked to your marketplace account, allowing you to browse, bid on, and buy NFT art with ease.

3. Browsing and Researching NFT Art

With your digital wallet connected, it's time to dive into the exciting world of NFT art. But how do you find the perfect piece to add to your collection? This section will guide you through finding artists, evaluating NFT art, and following trends to make informed decisions on how to buy NFT art.

3. Browsing and Researching NFT Art

Armed with your funded wallet and a thirst for NFT art, it's time to explore the vast world of digital creativity. Discovering the right piece for your collection might seem daunting, but don't worry—we've got your back. In this section, we'll walk you through finding artists, evaluating NFT art, and following trends so you'll know exactly how to buy NFT art that suits your taste.

Finding Artists

There's no shortage of talented artists in the NFT space, but where do you find them? Here are some tips to help you discover amazing creators:

Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are great places to follow your favorite artists and discover new ones. Search for hashtags like #NFTart or #cryptoart to browse through recent creations.
Marketplace Rankings: Many NFT marketplaces have rankings or trending sections that showcase popular artists and their work. Browse through these lists to get a sense of what's hot in the NFT art world.
Online Communities: Join NFT and crypto art-related forums, Reddit communities, or Discord servers to discuss and share art with like-minded enthusiasts. These communities can be valuable sources of artist recommendations and insider tips on how to buy NFT art.

Remember, finding artists you genuinely appreciate will make your NFT art collection more meaningful and enjoyable.

Evaluating NFT Art

Now that you've found some artists you like, how do you decide which pieces to buy? Here are a few factors to consider when evaluating NFT art:

Personal Connection: Does the artwork resonate with you emotionally or aesthetically? Investing in art you love ensures that you'll enjoy your collection, regardless of its financial value.
Rarity: Consider the rarity of the piece—limited edition or one-of-a-kind works may hold more value. Check the NFT's metadata for information on edition size and scarcity.
Artist Reputation: An established artist with a strong track record may be a safer bet than an unknown creator. Look for artists with a history of successful sales, exhibitions, and a dedicated following.
Provenance: Verify the artwork's authenticity by checking its provenance. NFT marketplaces should provide a history of the art's ownership and creation, ensuring you're buying a legitimate piece.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make informed decisions on how to buy NFT art that will bring you joy and potentially appreciate in value over time.

Following Trends

Keeping an eye on trends in the NFT art world can help you stay ahead of the curve and make savvy purchasing decisions. Here's how you can stay informed:

News and Blogs: Follow NFT and crypto art news sources to stay updated on industry developments, emerging artists, and hot trends.
Marketplace Data: Many NFT marketplaces provide data on sales, top collections, and popular artists. Analyzing this data can help you spot trends and make informed decisions on how to buy NFT art.
Social Media: As mentioned earlier, social media platforms are excellent sources of information on NFT art trends. Keep an eye on what's being shared and discussed in your feed and within the communities you've joined.

By staying informed and following trends, you'll be better equipped to make smart choices when buying NFT art, ensuring your collection remains fresh and exciting.

4. Making Your First NFT Art Purchase

You've done your research, found artists you love, and evaluated the art—now it's time for the exciting part: actually buying your first NFT art piece! In this section, we'll guide you through the purchasing process, from understanding different buying options to completing the transaction. So let's dive into the world of NFT art and learn how to buy NFT art like a pro.

Buy Now vs. Auction

When you've found a piece you'd like to add to your collection, you'll typically encounter two main purchasing options: Buy Now and Auction.

Buy Now: This option allows you to purchase the NFT art immediately at a fixed price set by the artist or seller. It's a straightforward and quick way to secure the piece you want without the need to compete with other buyers.
Auction: In an auction, you'll have to place a bid for the artwork, competing against other interested buyers. Auctions can be exciting and potentially allow you to acquire an artwork at a lower price, but they also come with the risk of being outbid or losing the piece to a higher bidder.

Consider your personal preferences and risk tolerance when deciding which option best suits your needs for how to buy NFT art.

Placing a Bid

If you've decided to participate in an auction, here's how to place a bid:

Review the auction details: Before bidding, make sure to familiarize yourself with the auction's rules, starting price, and bidding increments. Also, take note of the auction's end time and any possible extensions.
Set your budget: Determine the maximum amount you're willing to spend on the artwork and stick to it. Bidding wars can be thrilling, but it's essential to remain disciplined and avoid getting carried away.
Place your bid: Enter the amount you'd like to bid and confirm the transaction. Remember that you'll need to have sufficient funds in your connected wallet to cover both the bid amount and any associated fees (such as gas fees for Ethereum transactions).

Keep an eye on the auction's progress and be prepared to increase your bid if necessary, but always stay within your predetermined budget.

Completing the Transaction

Once you've successfully secured the winning bid or purchased the NFT art through the Buy Now option, it's time to complete the transaction. Here's what you need to know:

Transaction fees: Be aware that there will likely be transaction fees associated with purchasing NFT art. These fees, often called "gas fees" in the Ethereum network, cover the cost of processing the transaction on the blockchain. They can vary depending on network congestion and the complexity of the transaction.
Confirm the transaction: Review the transaction details, including the artwork, price, and fees, before confirming the purchase. Once you've verified everything, approve the transaction in your digital wallet.
Transfer of ownership: After the transaction is confirmed, the NFT art will be transferred to your wallet, and you'll officially become the proud owner of a new piece of digital art!

Congratulations! You've now learned how to buy NFT art and have taken the first step in building your unique and personal digital art collection.

5. Safely Storing and Displaying Your NFT Art

Now that you've successfully acquired your first NFT art piece, it's important to ensure its safety and find the best way to showcase your new digital treasure. In this section, we'll explore how to store and display your NFT art, as well as how to protect it with insurance. By following these tips, you'll not only learn how to buy NFT art but also how to keep it secure and share it with others.

Storing NFT Art

While your NFT art is intrinsically linked to your digital wallet, it's still essential to take steps to safeguard your digital assets:

Private keys: Treat your wallet's private keys like a valuable physical object—store them securely, and never share them with anyone. Losing your private keys could result in losing access to your NFT art.
Hardware wallets: Consider using a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor to add an extra layer of security. These devices store your private keys offline, making it more difficult for hackers to access your funds and NFTs.
Backup: Always create a backup of your wallet's seed phrase, which allows you to restore your wallet on a new device if needed. Store this backup in a safe location, such as a secure safe or a bank deposit box.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure the safety of your NFT art collection, giving you peace of mind as you continue to explore how to buy NFT art and expand your digital gallery.

Displaying NFT Art

One of the joys of owning NFT art is being able to show it off to friends, family, or fellow art enthusiasts. Thankfully, there are various ways to display your digital art:

Virtual galleries: Platforms like Cryptovoxels and Decentraland offer virtual spaces where you can create your own art gallery, allowing visitors to explore and admire your NFT collection.
Third-party apps: Apps like D'AppBoard and NFT Frames let you display your NFT art on your smartphone or tablet, transforming your device into a portable gallery.
Digital frames: You can also invest in a high-resolution digital frame, like those offered by Infinite Objects or Meural, which can showcase your NFT art on your walls just like traditional artwork.

These options provide a unique way to appreciate your digital art collection, allowing you to share your passion for NFTs with others.

Insuring Your NFT Art

With the growing popularity and value of NFT art, it's worth considering insurance to protect your digital assets. Here's what you need to know:

Insurance providers: Some insurance companies have started offering coverage for digital assets, including NFTs. Examples include Marsh and Aon, which are working on policies tailored to NFT collectors.
Policy coverage: When looking for insurance, make sure the policy covers potential risks such as theft, hacking, or loss of access due to lost private keys. It's essential to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of your policy.
Valuation: Insuring your NFT art may require a valuation of your digital assets. This can be challenging, as the value of NFTs can be volatile and subjective. Consult with experts or use platforms like NonFungible.com or DappRadar to help estimate the value of your collection.

While insurance for NFT art is still an emerging market, it's worth considering as a way to protect your valuable digital assets and ensure your peace of mind as you continue learning how to buy NFT art.

In conclusion, by understanding NFT art, setting up a digital wallet, researching and purchasing your desired pieces, and safely storing and displaying your collection, you're now well-equipped to navigate the world of NFT art. Enjoy your journey as you continue to explore and learn how to buy NFT art, and watch your unique digital art collection grow!

If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of NFT art and want to create your very own NFT, don't miss out on the workshop 'NFT Deep Dive and Make Your First NFT' by Tom Glendinning. This comprehensive workshop will guide you through the process of buying, selling, and creating NFT art, helping you become a confident NFT artist and collector.