How to Create NFT Art: A Comprehensive and Practical Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 24 May 2023 10 min read

Have you ever wondered how to make NFT art and join the digital art revolution? If so, you're in the right place! In this guide, we'll explore the world of NFT art, and provide you with practical steps to create, mint, and sell your very own NFTs. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, our goal is to help you navigate this exciting new medium.

1. Understanding NFT Art

Before we dive into the process of creating NFT art, it's important to understand what NFTs are, their unique value, and the popular marketplaces where they are bought and sold.

What are NFTs?

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token. In simpler terms, it means that each NFT is unique and cannot be replaced by another identical item. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, where each coin is interchangeable, NFTs represent a digital certificate of ownership for a specific piece of digital art or collectible.

These tokens are stored on a blockchain—usually Ethereum—which ensures their scarcity and authenticity. With NFTs, artists can now sell their digital artwork in a way that was previously impossible, allowing them to retain value and even earn royalties from future sales.

NFT Art and Its Unique Value

One of the reasons NFT art has gained so much attention is that it offers unique benefits to both artists and collectors. For artists, NFTs provide a way to:

Prove the authenticity of their digital artwork
Earn royalties from secondary sales
Reach a global audience through online marketplaces

Collectors, on the other hand, can:

Own a verifiable, limited edition piece of digital art
Buy, sell, or trade NFTs with other collectors
Support their favorite artists by purchasing their NFTs

Popular NFT Marketplaces

Now that you know what NFTs are and their unique value, it's important to be aware of the popular marketplaces where they can be bought and sold. Some of the most well-known NFT marketplaces include:

OpenSea - A decentralized marketplace that supports various types of NFTs, including art, collectibles, and virtual goods.
Rarible - A user-friendly platform that allows artists to create, sell, and collect NFTs with ease.
Foundation - A curated marketplace that connects digital artists with collectors through auctions and limited edition releases.

Once you've familiarized yourself with these platforms, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about where to showcase and sell your NFT art.

2. How to Make NFT Art: The Creative Process

Now that you have a solid understanding of NFTs and their unique value, let's dive into the actual process of creating NFT art. The creative journey can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right approach, you'll be well on your way to making your own amazing NFT art pieces.

Choosing Your Medium

First things first, you need to decide on the medium you'll be using to create your NFT art. There are a variety of digital art forms to choose from, such as:

2D illustrations: Create digital paintings or drawings using software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate.
3D models: Design and sculpt 3D characters or objects using tools like Blender or ZBrush.
Animations: Bring your artwork to life with motion, using software like Adobe After Effects or Toon Boom Harmony.
Pixel art: Craft nostalgic, retro-style art with programs like Aseprite or Pyxel Edit.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different mediums and software until you find the one that best suits your artistic vision and skills.

Developing Your Unique Style

When it comes to making NFT art, having a distinct and recognizable style is key. It's what sets you apart from other artists and draws collectors to your work. To develop your unique style, consider the following:

Find inspiration: Look at other artists' work—both in the NFT space and in traditional art. Identify elements you like and think about how you can incorporate them into your own creations.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new techniques, color palettes, or subject matter. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover what works for you and your art.
Stay true to yourself: Your personal experiences, interests, and passions should be reflected in your art. This will make your work authentic and relatable to potential collectors.

Remember, developing a unique style takes time and practice—be patient and keep refining your craft.

Creating a Series or Collection

Once you've honed your style, it's time to think about creating a series or collection of NFT art pieces. This can help build anticipation and excitement among collectors, as they'll be eager to see what you come up with next. Here are some tips for creating a cohesive series:

Choose a theme: Pick a central idea or concept that connects all the pieces in your series, such as a specific subject, color palette, or artistic technique.
Plan ahead: Map out the entire series before you start creating individual pieces. This will help ensure that your collection remains consistent and focused.
Vary your work: While it's essential to maintain a cohesive style, don't be afraid to introduce some variety within your series. This can keep collectors engaged and curious about what you'll create next.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a captivating series or collection of NFT art pieces that collectors will love.

3. Minting Your NFT Art

With your unique style and a captivating series of artwork in hand, the next step in learning how to make NFT art is minting your creations. Minting is the process of converting your digital art into a non-fungible token, making it a part of the blockchain and ready for collectors to purchase. Let's walk through the key aspects of this process.

Selecting a Blockchain

Choosing the right blockchain is an important decision, as it will impact the overall experience for both you and your collectors. Here are some popular blockchains used for minting NFTs and their unique features:

Ethereum: The most widely-used blockchain for NFTs, Ethereum has a large number of marketplaces and users. However, it can have higher gas fees, which are the costs associated with transactions.
Flow: Created by the team behind CryptoKitties, Flow was designed specifically for NFTs and digital collectibles. It's user-friendly and has lower transaction costs. Notable projects like NBA Top Shot use Flow as their blockchain.
Tezos: This environmentally-friendly blockchain consumes far less energy than others, making it a popular choice for artists concerned about the environmental impact of NFTs. It also boasts lower transaction fees.

Consider factors such as ease of use, transaction costs, and community support when selecting the blockchain that suits your needs best.

The Minting Process

With your chosen blockchain, it's time to mint your NFT art. Here's a simplified overview of the steps involved:

Create a digital wallet: To interact with blockchain platforms, you'll need a digital wallet to store your tokens and manage transactions. Popular options include MetaMask for Ethereum and Dapper for Flow.
Choose a minting platform: Pick a platform compatible with your chosen blockchain, such as OpenSea for Ethereum or Hic et Nunc for Tezos. Some platforms require you to create an account or connect your digital wallet.
Upload your artwork: Follow the platform's guidelines to upload your digital art file, which may include restrictions on file size or format.
Add metadata: Fill in relevant information about your artwork, such as title, description, and edition size. This metadata helps collectors identify and understand your NFT art.
Mint your NFT: Confirm the details and initiate the minting process. You may need to pay gas fees depending on the blockchain you've chosen.

Once your NFT is minted, it will be available for collectors to view and purchase.

Gas Fees and Environmental Considerations

As mentioned earlier, minting NFTs can come with gas fees, which are transaction costs associated with the blockchain. These fees may fluctuate based on network congestion and can sometimes be quite high. To reduce gas fees, you can mint your art during off-peak hours when network traffic is lower. Alternatively, you can choose a blockchain with lower gas fees, such as Tezos or Flow.

Another concern for some artists is the environmental impact of NFTs, as some blockchains consume significant amounts of energy. If this is important to you, consider using a more eco-friendly blockchain or supporting carbon offset initiatives to minimize your footprint.

Now that you've minted your NFT art, it's time to let the world know about your incredible creations.

4. Marketing Your NFT Art

Great job on minting your NFT art! But how do you make sure people see and appreciate your work? In this section, we'll explore practical ways to market your NFT art, ensuring it reaches the right audience and attracts potential buyers. Learning how to make NFT art is only half the battle—getting it noticed is the other half.

Creating a Strong Online Presence

Your online presence is the foundation of your marketing efforts. Here are some key components you shouldn't overlook:

Portfolio website: Create a visually appealing, easy-to-navigate website showcasing your art. Include an artist statement, contact information, and links to your social media profiles and NFT marketplaces where your work is listed.
Consistent branding: Use a consistent color scheme, logo, and style across all your online platforms. This helps build recognition and creates a cohesive image of you as an artist.
SEO: Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords (such as "how to make NFT art" or your art style) and incorporating image alt tags for your artwork. This increases the chances of potential collectors finding your art through organic search.

Remember, your online presence is your virtual gallery—make it welcoming and engaging for visitors.

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with potential buyers and fellow artists. Here's how to make the most of it:

Choose the right platforms: Focus on platforms that best showcase your art and attract your target audience. Instagram and Twitter are popular choices for visual artists, while platforms like Clubhouse and Discord offer opportunities for real-time engagement and community building.
Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and share behind-the-scenes content to create a personal connection with your followers. This helps build trust and encourages them to support your work.
Hashtags and trends: Use relevant hashtags and participate in trending conversations to increase the visibility of your posts. Just be sure to stay authentic and true to your artistic vision.

Consistency is key when it comes to social media—post regularly and maintain an active presence to keep your audience engaged.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Working with other artists or brands can broaden your reach and introduce your art to new audiences. Here are some ideas:

Collaborative NFT projects: Partner with another artist to create a unique NFT collection that combines your styles and talents. This not only expands your audience but also brings a fresh perspective to your work.
Art events and exhibitions: Participate in virtual or physical art events, such as NFT gallery openings or conferences, to showcase your work and network with other artists and collectors.
Influencer partnerships: Collaborate with influencers in the NFT or art space to promote your work. They can share your art with their followers, provide testimonials, or even create exclusive content featuring your NFTs.

By collaborating with others, you're not only marketing your NFT art but also contributing to the growth of the NFT community as a whole.

Now that you're equipped with marketing strategies, let's dive into the final step: selling and auctioning your NFT art.

5. Selling and Auctioning NFT Art

You've created your masterpiece, minted it, and marketed it to the world. Now, it's time to put it up for sale and let collectors bid on your unique work. In this section, we'll explore the ins and outs of selling and auctioning NFT art, ensuring you know exactly how to make NFT art that appeals to buyers and generates revenue.

Listing on Marketplaces

Listing your NFT art on popular marketplaces is the first step to getting it noticed by potential buyers. Here are some tips to make your listing stand out:

Choose the right platform: As mentioned earlier, select a marketplace that suits your chosen blockchain and has a good reputation in the NFT community. Examples include OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation.
Write a compelling description: Create an engaging and informative description for your NFT art, highlighting its unique features and the story behind it. This helps potential buyers connect with your work on a deeper level.
Use high-quality images: Upload clear, high-resolution images of your artwork, ensuring they accurately represent your work's colors and details. This gives potential buyers a true sense of your NFT art's quality.

Take the time to create a polished and professional listing that showcases your NFT art in the best possible light.

Pricing Strategies

Pricing your NFT art can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can strike a balance between attracting buyers and earning a fair return on your creative efforts. Consider these factors when determining the price of your NFT art:

Market trends: Research the current market prices for similar NFT art, taking note of factors like style, rarity, and the artist's reputation. This helps you gauge the appropriate price range for your work.
Fixed price or auction: Decide whether to set a fixed price or let buyers bid on your NFT art. Auctions can generate excitement and potentially higher returns, but fixed prices offer more predictability and control.
Price flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your prices based on market fluctuations and buyer feedback. If your NFT art isn't selling, consider lowering the price or offering promotional discounts to attract interest.

Remember, pricing is part art and part science—experiment with different strategies and learn from your successes and failures.

Understanding Royalties

One of the key benefits of NFT art is the ability to earn royalties on future sales. Here's what you need to know about royalties:

Percentage: When you create your NFT, you can specify a royalty percentage that you'll earn on future resales. This typically ranges between 10% and 30%, depending on the platform and your preferences.
Automatic payment: Royalty payments are automatically transferred to your wallet whenever your NFT art is resold. This means you'll continue to benefit from your work's success even after the initial sale.
Long-term value: Royalties can provide a steady income stream over time, especially if your NFT art gains popularity and increases in value. This rewards you for your creative efforts and allows you to focus on producing more amazing NFT art.

By understanding royalties, you can ensure you're fairly compensated for your work and maintain a connection to your NFT art as it changes hands.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to mastering the art of selling and auctioning NFTs. Keep refining your skills, stay connected with the NFT community, and continue creating unique and captivating art. Soon, you'll be known as the go-to expert on how to make NFT art that truly stands out!

If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of NFT art, don't miss the workshop 'NFT Deep Dive and Make Your First NFT' by Tom Glendinning. This comprehensive workshop will guide you through the process of creating your first NFT artwork and help you better understand the intricacies of the NFT market.