Signs of Time #3

Q: How to make NFT artwork?

NFTs have quickly become one of the most talked-about subjects on the internet, with this new way of art collecting taking the world by storm. By revolutionising how we consider digital assets and the idea of ownership, artists from every walk of life can find their audience and start generating sales. While the traditional art market has huge benefits for artists, the art trade's democratisation has delivered an extra dimension to this age-old pursuit. With artists capable of creating and selling their artwork with no intermediates, it’s quickly become an appealing option for new artists looking to carve out a career. If you’re a creative looking to discover more about NFTs and mint your own artwork, keep reading to learn the basics. Not only can you turn your output into a potentially profitable gig, but you can take part in a flourishing community that becomes dedicated fans of your work.

Q: What are NFT art tokens?

NFTs are digital assets representing countless items, ranging from art and music to video content and even real estate. Despite the potential of NFTs being virtually limitless, they have undoubtedly become best-known for their use in the art world, with some creatives striking gold with their work selling for millions to engaged collectors. With NFTs bought and sold online using cryptocurrency, these items are based on the blockchain. This is an immutable digital ledger that records transactions indefinitely, meaning that art buyers can verify they are the sole owner of an NFT. Here, information is stored inside a so-called smart contract, ensuring users remain in control of their assets' transferability.The NFT space has become incredibly dynamic, with numerous platforms emerging as the marketplaces where these items are advertised and purchased. With these platforms easy to use once you’ve opened your crypto wallet, taking part in this thriving art economy can be a hugely rewarding experience.

Q: What is NFT pixel art?

Like the real world, NFT artworks are produced in every genre imaginable, ranging from documentary photography to striking digital paintings. However, one of the most popular art forms since the rise of the medium has been pixel art. With this style dating back to early video games like Sonic, Pacman and Super Metroid, many artists have adopted this technique to produce vibrant NFTs. But you don’t have to limit yourself to one art style if you’re interested in minting your artwork as an NFT. As we’ve seen with some of the world’s most successful collections, the likes of Bored Ape Yacht Club, Lazy Lions, CryptoPunks and Art Blocks Curated all have their own style, meaning you shouldn’t be afraid to create artwork that remains true to your creative inspiration.

Q: How to mint your own NFT artwork?

Whether you already have your own set of digital assets ready to upload or want to create an original series to promote, it’s easy to access one of the leading NFT marketplaces. While many are available, perhaps the most popular are OpenSea and Rarible, which provide a streamlined service for artists. Before you get started, you’ll need a crypto wallet that connects to your marketplace account. There are several platforms to choose from, but Coinbase, Binance and Crypto.com are some of the most trusted services. Once you’re ready to go, visit the create page to upload your NFT. Most platforms support a range of file types, including JPG, PNG, MP4 and WAV. After your artwork is uploaded, add an attention-grabbing title and description that resonates with your ideal audience. Now, you can choose to create a new collection or add unlockable content to further engage your fans. Finally, choose the blockchain to mint your NFT on. While you might select Tezos or Polygon, Ethereum remains the most popular choice for crafting NFTs artwork.

Q: When can I expect delivery?

Usually, from the day you order and payment has been received, you can expect to be showing off your new artwork in around 7 - 21 business days. See our Delivery Terms for more info.