NFT Artist Career: Beginner's Success Guide
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 10 min read

Contents

  1. What is an NFT Artist?
  2. How to Become an NFT Artist
  3. How to Create NFT Art
  4. How to Sell Your NFT Art
  5. How to Promote Your NFT Art
  6. NFT Artist Success Stories
  7. Challenges Faced by NFT Artists
  8. Legal Considerations for NFT Artists
  9. Building a Career as an NFT Artist
  10. NFT Artist Resources and Tools

Picture this: you're an artist with a knack for the digital world, and you've heard about the buzz surrounding NFTs. You're intrigued by the idea of making art that's unique and can't be duplicated or stolen. You're curious about how you might build an NFT artist career path. Well, you're in the right place, this blog will walk you through the basics and beyond, serving as your guide to success in the NFT art world.

What is an NFT Artist?

An NFT Artist is someone who creates digital art and sells it as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Unlike traditional artists who create physical works of art, NFT artists create digital works—this could be anything from digital paintings to GIFs, music, or even tweets! But what sets NFT artists apart is the blockchain technology they use to sell their art.

Here's the deal: NFTs are unique digital assets that represent ownership of a specific item or piece of content. They're stored on a blockchain—a digital ledger used in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. When you buy an NFT, you're buying a digital certificate of ownership that's as unique as the work of art it represents.

Why does this matter? Well, NFTs have a couple of superpowers that make them incredibly appealing:

  • They're unique: Each NFT is one-of-a-kind. Even if the artwork is copied, the NFT representing it cannot be, making it a unique digital asset.
  • They're secure: Because they're stored on the blockchain, NFTs are extremely secure. The blockchain records every transaction, so it's impossible to forge an NFT or claim ownership of one that isn't yours.
  • They create new opportunities for artists: NFTs have opened up a new avenue for artists to sell their work. In the traditional art world, artists often struggle with issues like copyright infringement and underpayment. NFTs help solve these problems by providing a secure, transparent platform for selling art.

So, if you're thinking about starting your NFT artist career path, you're about to step into a world that's reshaping how artists create, sell, and profit from their work. It's an exciting time to be an artist!

How to Become an NFT Artist

Alright, you're excited about the world of NFTs and want to dive in. But how do you actually become an NFT artist? Let's break it down:

Step 1: Master Your Craft

First things first, you need to have a solid understanding of digital art creation. This means getting comfortable with digital art tools like Photoshop, Procreate, or Blender. More importantly, you need to find your unique voice and style as an artist. What kind of digital art do you want to create? What stories do you want to tell? It's this unique artistic voice that will set you apart in the NFT world.

Step 2: Understand Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

NFTs are part of the blockchain world, which means you'll need to get comfortable with cryptocurrencies like Ethereum. Don't worry, you don't need to be a tech whiz to understand this stuff. There are plenty of resources out there to help you understand how blockchain and cryptocurrencies work.

Step 3: Create Your NFTs

Once you've mastered your craft and understand the tech, it's time to create your NFTs. This is where your art comes to life! Remember, your NFTs can be anything digital—paintings, animations, music, even tweets. The sky's the limit.

Step 4: Sell Your NFTs

Now it's time to sell your NFTs. You'll do this on an NFT marketplace, where buyers can browse and purchase your work. We'll get more into this in the next section.

Remember, starting an NFT artist career path is a journey. It might take some time to find your voice, build your skills, and start selling your art. But with patience and persistence, you can carve out a successful career in this exciting new world.

How to Create NFT Art

So, you've decided to take that leap and explore the NFT artist career path—fantastic! Now, let's move onto the practical aspect: creating your first piece of NFT art. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose Your Medium

First up, decide on the type of digital art you want to create. This could be 2D, 3D, animation, or even audio. The beauty of NFTs is that they can represent any form of digital creation. So, pick the medium that best expresses your artistic flair.

Step 2: Create Your Artwork

Now, it's time to create! Using your chosen digital art tool—like Adobe Illustrator, Blender, or even your smartphone—start crafting your masterpiece. Remember, originality is key in the world of NFTs.

Step 3: Mint Your NFT

Once your art piece is ready, the next step is to "mint" it. Minting is the process of turning your digital art into an NFT, a unique piece of data stored on the blockchain. You'll need to use a platform that supports NFT minting, like OpenSea or Rarible.

Step 4: Confirm Ownership

After minting, you'll officially be the owner of the NFT. This ownership is recorded and stored on the blockchain, ensuring that your artwork can't be copied or stolen— a major plus in the digital art world!

And there you have it! You've just created your first NFT. Remember, the NFT artist career path is all about creativity and innovation—so don't be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries with your art.

How to Sell Your NFT Art

Now that you've created your first NFT, it's time for the next big step in your NFT artist career path: selling your art. Here are some steps to guide you:

Step 1: Choose the Right Marketplace

There are several online marketplaces where you can sell NFTs. Some of the popular ones include OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation. Choose the one that aligns best with your art style and audience.

Step 2: List Your NFT for Sale

Once you've selected a marketplace, you can list your NFT for sale. This typically involves uploading the NFT, setting a price, and writing a description for potential buyers. Be sure to highlight what makes your NFT unique.

Step 3: Spread the Word

Don't just rely on the marketplace to do all the work. Share your NFT listing on your social media channels, artist websites, and any online communities you're a part of. The more people know about your NFT, the higher the chances of it selling.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on how your NFT is performing. If it isn't selling, consider adjusting the price or improving the description. Remember, selling NFTs can take time and persistence, so don't get discouraged!

And there you have it - your guide on how to sell your NFT art. Remember, patience is key in the NFT artist career path. It might take some time, but with persistence, your art will find its audience.

How to Promote Your NFT Art

Creating your NFT art is just half the journey on this NFT artist career path. The other half? Getting your work noticed. Promotion is the key to getting eyeballs on your art and potential buyers clicking that "buy" button. Here's how you can do it:

Tip 1: Use Social Media

Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are excellent places to showcase your art. Create a dedicated artist profile, post regularly, and engage with your followers. Use hashtags like #NFTArt and #NFTCommunity to reach a wider audience.

Tip 2: Join Online Communities

Online communities, such as Discord channels and Reddit groups, are full of people interested in NFTs. Join these communities, share your work, and engage in discussions. Remember, don't just sell—contribute to the community, too.

Tip 3: Collaborate with Other Artists

Collaboration is a powerful tool for promotion. Partner with another NFT artist on a project or do a shout-out swap on social media. Collaboration helps you tap into their audience and brings new viewers to your work.

Tip 4: Offer Special Deals

Everybody loves a good deal. Offering limited-time discounts or bundling several NFTs at a reduced price can attract more buyers. This strategy not only promotes your current work, but it also helps build your reputation for future sales.

With these tips in your toolkit, you're well-equipped to promote your NFT art and advance on your NFT artist career path. Remember, the goal is not just to sell, but to build a dedicated audience for your art.

NFT Artist Success Stories

Every NFT artist career path is unique, but success stories can offer inspiration and valuable lessons. Let's dive into a couple of examples:

Success Story 1: Beeple

Perhaps one of the most famous NFT artist career arcs is that of Beeple, also known as Mike Winkelmann. Beeple made headlines when he sold an NFT artwork titled "Everydays: The First 5000 Days" through Christie’s auction house for a staggering 69 million dollars. Talk about rags to riches!

Success Story 2: Grimes

Musician and visual artist Grimes has also made a splash in the NFT art world. She sold a series of digital artworks, some with exclusive music, for over 6 million dollars on the NFT platform Nifty Gateway. This shows that various art forms can find success in the NFT space.

Success Story 3: 3LAU

DJ and electronic music producer 3LAU, whose real name is Justin Blau, took a unique route on his NFT artist career path. He sold an entire album as an NFT, earning him over 11 million dollars. This case highlights the potential of NFTs in the music industry.

While these success stories are extraordinary, they demonstrate the potential of the NFT art market. They show us that with creativity, hard work, and the right promotion strategies, you too could write your own NFT artist career success story.

Challenges Faced by NFT Artists

Embarking on an NFT artist career path is not without its challenges. Let's explore some of the obstacles you might encounter:

Challenge 1: Understanding Blockchain Technology

Blockchain can seem like a foreign language to the uninitiated. As an NFT artist, you'll need to understand how blockchain works, how to mint NFTs, and how to navigate different platforms. It can feel overwhelming, but remember, every expert was once a beginner.

Challenge 2: High Competition

The NFT market has exploded, and with it, competition has skyrocketed. As new artists enter the field every day, standing out becomes more difficult. However, don't let this discourage you. Instead, let it drive you to create unique, high-quality work that reflects your individuality.

Challenge 3: Market Volatility

Like cryptocurrencies, the NFT market is highly volatile. Prices can spike or plummet without warning. This unpredictability can make it hard to establish a stable NFT artist career. But remember, fortune favors the bold, and a well-planned strategy can help mitigate these risks.

Navigating copyright laws can be a real headache. As an NFT artist, it's crucial to understand the legal implications of your work. Ignorance isn't bliss in the art world—it could land you in hot water.

While these challenges may seem daunting, overcoming them can lead to immense growth and success. After all, every great NFT artist career path is paved with challenges.

As you venture down the NFT artist career path, it's vital to be aware of the legal landscape. Here are some key areas to keep an eye on:

Intellectual Property Rights

The world of NFTs is still new, and laws regarding intellectual property rights are evolving. As an artist, you need to ensure you have the rights to the art you're selling. Similarly, be aware that merely owning an NFT doesn't grant you full rights to the artwork.

It's alarmingly easy to infringe on someone else's copyright in the digital space. Always make sure the work you're creating or selling as an NFT is original, or you have the necessary permissions for any elements you didn't create yourself.

Tax Implications

Profits from selling NFTs are taxable, just like any other income. It's crucial to keep accurate records of all sales and expenses. Neglecting this aspect can lead to unpleasant surprises come tax season!

Contracts and Agreements

As with any transaction, it's important to have clear contracts in place when selling NFTs. These contracts should outline terms such as royalty agreements, resale rights, and more. Better safe than sorry!

Legal considerations are a significant part of the NFT artist career path. While this may seem daunting, understanding these aspects can help protect your work, your profits, and your career.

Building a Career as an NFT Artist

So, you're ready to carve out your NFT artist career path. Let's walk through some key steps on this exciting journey:

Develop Your Unique Style

Art is a form of self-expression. As an artist, the one thing that sets you apart is your unique style. Focus on creating art that reflects your personality, thoughts, and feelings. Remember, originality is key in the NFT space!

Understand the Market

Just like any other industry, the NFT world also has its trends. Stay updated with what's happening in the market. This will help you understand what's selling and what's not. However, don't let market trends define your art!

Network, Network, Network

They say your network is your net worth, and this holds true for the NFT artist career path as well. Participate in online communities, attend virtual exhibitions, connect with other artists. The more people you know, the more opportunities you'll find.

Stay Patient and Persistent

Success might not come overnight in the NFT space. You might face rejections, or your art might not sell for a while. Don't let this dishearten you. Keep creating, keep learning, and keep going.

Remember, building a career as an NFT artist is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. So, enjoy every brush stroke, every pixel, and every blockchain transaction. Happy creating!

NFT Artist Resources and Tools

Just as a painter needs brushes and a sculptor needs chisels, an NFT artist needs certain tools and resources to set sail on their NFT artist career path. Here's a handy checklist to get you started:

Digital Art Software

Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate for iPad, and Blender for 3D art are some of the industry favorites. Choose the one that suits your style and budget.

Marketplace

You'll need a platform to sell your art. Marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible, and Mintable are popular choices. Do your research, compare the fees and choose wisely.

Wallet

You'll also need a digital wallet to handle transactions. Metamask and Trust Wallet are a couple of reliable options. Remember, security first!

Gas Fees

Minting NFTs requires gas fees. Always keep some Ether (ETH) in your wallet to handle these costs.

Learning Resources

Online platforms like YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera offer many courses to help you hone your skills. Stay curious and keep learning!

Armed with these tools and resources, you're well on your way to start your NFT artist career path. Remember, the art world is your oyster!

If you're excited about starting your career as an NFT artist and want to learn more about selling your creations, check out the workshop 'Sell Your Creations As NFTs' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will provide you with all the essential information and tips you need to successfully enter the world of NFTs and make a name for yourself as an innovative artist.