SuperRare Exhibition: NFT Contemporaries (Q and A)

The NFT/CryptoArt space has cracked open the art world and shaken up the traditional idea of a creative’s path to success.

From seasoned visual storytellers and industry professionals to blooming talents eager to have their work seen by the world. This exhibition aims to continue this journey and partnership between the inspiring and the inspired whilst highlighting the union of current and future icons within the NFT space.

A showcase of 5 artists who are considered to be pioneers in their fields united with 5 rising stars who are causing waves throughout the art scene.

Collectively we present: NFT Contemporaries, curated by Jason Ebeyer, justin, an

How does your past solid digital art career help you navigate through the NFT space?
What lessons have you learned in the NFT space that you’d like to pass on to the newcomers?

Passion and hard work is rewarded. But that alone doesn’t always work. Networking, Connecting, collaboration and being at the right time and place is key. And if something fails doesn’t mean it’s the end. Failure isn’t the end, failure is redirection.

Shit takes time. I been in the art space and digital art world for over 10 years now. The real success came around 2 years ago. Don’t give up. Keep building, keep fighting, keep creating!

As a digital artist since around the mid to late 2010’s I’ve navigated the booms and falls of Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, etc. As social platforms were the only way I could secure work and reach others, alas I had no control on algorithms, audience, etc. I’ve also acquired quite thick skin when being passed on a project or receiving critiques that tend to leave that soft ego bruise. What has helped me through these highs and lows is remembering that just as my art changes with each day, just as it doesn’t connect with everyone, so do the realms I connect with from social to businesses to the NFT space. There is no permanence, just evolution. By staying diligent with my craft paired with an unwavering focus on my own goals, navigating the uncertainty of a full time artist has given me a stable outlook across all the madness.

Be thoughtful with the works you choose to mint. It’s an ever-growing, permanent portfolio you’re establishing. Showcasing your strongest creations with meaning behind them truly resonates more than works that you may view more as a stepping stone in your professional path. Also, as cliche as the phrase goes, it forever rings true: patience is a virtue.

I’ve been a working artist for a very long time. My work has faced public praise and critique, both of which are equally important to ensure I grow as a creative. Coming from years of creating art in a commercial sense, has given me skills such as networking and self promotion which are vital in this space – you can make the most stunning work but it doesn’t matter if no one is seeing it.

The majority of us will need to do the hard yards to have any form of longevity. Don’t let other people’s sales or successes deter you, let those achievements of your peers raise your expectations and ambitions higher. Persistence and clear vision is key.

The experience I’ve gained throughout my career so far definitely helps me to gain confidence about what I do, about my work as an artist but also as an individual. I believe the NFT space raises a lot of questions about our industry and the way we perceive ourselves in the midst of it all. I’m really grateful for everything I’ve learned for the past (almost) six years as a digital artist. Because it’s not only about how well I face and accept high and lows throughout my journey or the way I can feel the purpose of my work. It’s more about being comfortable to face the unknown and unexpected every single day. And I feel like NFT space it full of it.

Much like everyone else in the NFT community, this space has completely shattered the conception of my realm as a digital artist. I believe being part of a shapeshifting and bigger change comes with the price of smaller revolutions every single day. And sometimes it’s the latter that makes you feel the most uncomfortable. You will feel like you cannot keep up with everything all at once, because this is meant to be an unpredictable and fast paced environment. One where you will feel the urge to do something, anything, out of fear of missing out. I see the NFT space as this one way road: you’re facing it, the cars are rushing, the sounds and lights are astounding and it feels almost impossible to join or find a spot for yourself in the traffic. But somehow you change your perspective, allow to turn your head left or right and you can start seeing the distance in-between each car more clearly. A distance that you will be able to fill with your presence and defined by your own pace. Yes, you will see people getting past and sometimes you will have to slow down, but that doesn’t mean you will not or cannot reach the same destination. Remind yourself, you’re in control and you will get there.

I started my 3D art career in 2015 and it has helped when navigating the NFT space because I have developed concepts in my artwork that have evolved over time. Putting in time over the years has allowed me to build on my work’s original concepts. For instance, when I started making work, it was mostly about the internet subcultures, like vaporwave and seapunk. The internet had always been something that was significant to me, and I felt like focusing on these concepts was a great way to connect to other people who felt the same way. Over time, I was able to focus more on different ideas related to the internet and make work that is more conceptual. I have lived through the ebbs and flows of the art industry, including times when it was hard to make rent or buy groceries, because I feel very strongly about connecting with people online, especially people who might need that feeling of connection more than others. It makes me feel fulfilled, and that feeling has allowed me to stay true to myself and my work. In turn, this has helped me navigate and connect with people in the NFT space as well.

I would say educate yourself before getting started in the NFT space. Get a ledger (hardware wallet), and protect yourself as well. As far as I’m aware, you have to make a new Metamask wallet once you get a ledger, you can’t use your old one. So it’s good to get a ledger before you get started. Be aware that these are new technologies that are not completely secure. Also, think about the type of work you want out there in the world, and don’t under value yourself. Don’t inflate your work either. Try to stay true to what you think you deserve. Think about the hours and time you put in, including money that you are spending on software, hardware, and equipment. These all add to the value of your work. Another important tip is talk to people and stay active, but don’t post or tweet just to do it. Try to stay true to yourself. Message people too. Even if you think there’s a good chance they might not respond, there’s still a chance they might! And lastly, stay strong and know when to take breaks. Creating all the time is not healthy, no matter what anyone says. It is good to step back and get off the computer. No one likes a burn out and it doesn’t help the longevity of your career either. It’s important to pace yourself and continue good work, which will increase your work’s value over time. This is important both for the longevity of your career and is also important to collectors who are looking to invest in you.

What is it like to be a very young artist in the NFT space?
How do you envision your art career and what part do NFTs play in it?  

it’s fun! i feel a little bit out of place sometimes, but its amazing that i can meet people with similar interests around me all the time. i’ve been in this space for about 8 months now and i haven’t felt like doing anything else.. i’m enjoying meeting all these new artists/creatives and chatting with them about what they do.

i feel like for the next few years i’ll be continuing on my journey in the NFT world and making art; who knows? maybe i’ll even plan a few physical installations in the future 🙂

As a Young Artist in the NFT space, I feel that it is insane that we are part of such a prolific art revolution at such a young age, its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t let down when I heard about NFTs.

I envision my art career to flourish, exploring different mediums and being part of many different gallery shows, and more. In the ideal world, I would want to have a large art studio and art to be what I do to make a living.

As a young artist, I don’t have as much experience as some of my older peers, but I did learn a lot about networking and self promotion from being a graphic designer. Stuff like this is super important! Many of my followers that have been with me from the beginning of my journey know that I’ve really only blown up on social media, going from 1,000 followers to over 19,000 followers in just over a year. This only happened because of the importance of self promoting and networking to get eyes on my artwork.

I learned from a good friend of mine to always be patient, you never know what is going to happen. The NFT space is super unpredictable and I like to think that that is a good thing and it’s a great opportunity for everyone. I also think it’s best as artists to just be yourself and not try to be like someone else.

Liberating , but at the same time I feel like I’ve been thrown into the deep end a little bit. Being 17 at the time learning how to be an adult and learning how selling a picture to a random guy on Twitter was is even a thing was a lot to grasp at the same time. Now being 19 I’ve learned a ton thanks to the NFT community , so mostly I feel excited to be this young and have so many opportunities this early in my career.

Right now in my life art wise, I’ve been building characters that I connect with. In my future I see me showcasing them and their stories. Ive been working digitally , painting, trying my hardest to animate things. Overall just lots of trial and error, but I have a feeling you all will enjoy it when everything is polished and ready to see. NFTS play a huge role in my career they’re like the boat that carries my ideas and makes them accessible to the world.