Introduction
Embarking on my journey as an NFT creator on the Tezos blockchain has been a year of immense growth and unexpected achievements. This reflection covers my experiences, from initial challenges to finding my footing in the digital art space. I’ll share insights on creating, selling, and building a community, along with the lessons learned along the way.
Development Timeline
First Six Months: Building a Foundation
The initial half of 2022 was about laying the groundwork. I participated in numerous community-driven creation events, which allowed me to produce work consistently and gain visibility. These activities helped me accumulate a supportive follower base and quickly identify what resonated most with me and my audience.
The transparent nature of NFT transactions enabled me to observe other artists’ sales strategies and outcomes, which was invaluable for maintaining emotional stability and learning the ropes.
Second Half of 2022: Focusing on Personal Growth
In the latter part of the year, I shifted my focus toward personal artistic development. I concentrated on creating pieces that pushed my boundaries, which brought a greater sense of fulfillment. I also actively sought opportunities to exhibit my work internationally, accumulating several exhibition experiences that would have been cost-prohibitive in the traditional art world.
Additionally, I was fortunate to connect with two individuals who provided significant support: one offered strategic advice on managing my presence, and another contributed original music to my projects, enriching my artistic offerings.
Art Creation and Sales Strategy
Previous Series: “Cine-Drawings”
- Status: Initially priced low with limited editions.
- Challenge: Despite decent sales during local community events, the primary series saw stagnant collector growth and low pricing, which dampened my motivation to release new work.
- Solution: Upon a friend’s suggestion, I implemented a gradual price increase plan for the last few pieces in the series, communicating this strategy openly with my collectors. Thanks to their support, the primary price rose from 0.7 tez to 3 tez.
New Series: “Cine-Drawings Relaunched”
- Status: Editions are now priced starting at 6 tez, gradually increasing to 10 tez, with 10–22 editions per piece.
Reasoning:
- Setting a fair price that reflects the value of the work is more important than pricing low for quick sales.
- Secondary market behavior is unpredictable. By observing various artists, I learned that the same strategy doesn’t work for everyone at every time. Focusing on what matters most to me and maintaining a sustainable creative practice has been key to building a positive feedback loop.
Building and Nurturing a Community
Fan Support Club
Working alone across multiple platforms often felt isolating, so I revamped my approach to community building:
- I dissolved my original Taiwanese collector group in September and created a new fan community and support club using akaSwap’s system. Support club members receive a share of sales revenue through the platform’s mechanism, and I encourage them to help promote my work.
- I designed missions for the club, such as sharing my tweets, and hosted several fan events to strengthen community bonds.
- I used anonymous surveys to gather feedback on club activities, valuing all input as a form of support.
Twitter Engagement
With the goal of reaching a global audience, I began actively using Twitter in September:
- I connected with fellow artists by collecting and sharing their work.
- I maintained active participation in conversations and engaged with the community.
- Beyond posting NFT sales information, I shared exhibition news, creative thoughts, and glimpses into my daily life to build a professional artist’s presence.
Commenting on others’ work was initially challenging, but with practice, it became much easier.
Current Community Challenges
- Changes in Twitter’s operational policies in late 2022 have made it harder for posts to gain traction and for me to see updates from friends. To adapt, I’ve started engaging on other platforms and joining Discord servers hosted by event organizers.
- As someone who isn’t naturally extroverted, I periodically take breaks from social media to recharge.
- Balancing creation, promotion, and community management is demanding. The most valuable skills I’ve gained are in time management and energy allocation.
Exhibitions and Press Highlights
Selected Exhibitions
- 2022 Taipei Blockchain Week, Taipei, Taiwan
- 2022 NFT ART CON 2022, Mandana Warehouse, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- 2022 Christmas Party, NFTUK, The Lockdown Room, London, United Kingdom
- 2022 "Sound & Vision Vol.1", ONBD, OM oncyber IRL gallery
- 2022 "Sound & Vision Vol.1", ONBD, New York, U.S.
- 2022 "Community Gallery#20", imnotArt, Milwaukee, U.S.
Press Feature
- 2022 Livestream MEME TUESDAY, “Sound & Vision”
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The NFT space remains a frontier for creative monetization and commercial development, offering diverse pathways for participation. Artists can focus on honing their craft, become community favorites, or support others as collectors. It’s a way to make friends, earn income from creativity, and potentially connect with influential figures in the field.
While the current market may be quieter, staying active in communities and continuing to release work is essential for future growth. Creation is a long journey—doing what you love is what makes it sustainable. In 2023, I look forward to acquiring new creative skills and exploring more possibilities within the NFT ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tezos blockchain?
Tezos is a proof-of-stake blockchain known for its energy efficiency and self-amending capabilities. It’s a popular choice for NFT artists due to low transaction costs and a supportive creative community.
How do I start selling NFTs as an artist?
Begin by selecting a blockchain, creating a digital wallet, and minting your first piece on a marketplace. Focus on building a consistent body of work and engaging with communities to grow your audience.
Why is community important for NFT artists?
A strong community provides emotional support, promotes your work, and can offer valuable feedback. It helps create a sustainable practice beyond just sales.
How can I price my NFT artwork?
Consider factors like your reputation, edition size, complexity of work, and market trends. Start with a price that values your effort and adjust based on collector response and secondary market activity.
What are some ways to promote NFTs without social media?
Participate in virtual exhibitions, collaborate with other artists, join online forums, and leverage blockchain-based community tools that reward engagement and sharing.
Is it possible to make a living as an NFT artist?
Yes, but it requires consistency, adaptation, and community building. Diversify your income streams through primary sales, secondary royalties, commissions, and possibly teaching or mentoring.