Collectibles

In just a few short years, Jack Butcher has built a loyal community around his beautifully simple but meaningful creations. Jack explores how art has transformed from being a gatekept institution into a lucrative playground for creatives around the world.

The decentralized web is upon us, and with it comes a whole new way of creating and consuming content. If you want your content to thrive in this new environment, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

What you need to know about Cool Cat Group's recent strategic investments from leading digital entertainment, blockchain and gaming company, Animoca Brands. We'll look over the details, strategy, and I'll share my opinion on whether this strategy and approach was a business "hit" or "miss".

What do you do first? Grab your phone, of course. You open the bird app to find people already well into their day and see heated, intellectual conversations up and down your timeline. Then, you join a twitter space with a seemingly interesting topic, and as you swing your legs out of bed and onto the floor, you throw up a few emojis to show people that you’re actually listening. And now, the countdown to “real” life begins.

What you need to know about Google and Coinbase partnering to leverage each other’s authority, audience, and technology for web3 ecosystem growth. We'll look over the details, strategy, and I'll share my opinion on whether this strategy and approach was a business "hit" or "miss".

What you need to know about Cool Cat Group's recent strategic investments from leading digital entertainment, blockchain and gaming company, Animoca Brands. We'll look over the details, strategy, and I'll share my opinion on whether this strategy and approach was a business "hit" or "miss".

Building a successful Web3 lifestyle brand requires more than just having trendy products or services. You need to be in-tune with what is popular in culture and help people express themselves using your NFTs.

If you’re serious about building a project/brand/business in Web3 - you need to deliver a roadmap with milestones that connects holders to your vision.

Imagine the pain from creating and minting an NFT without receiving a bid. Learn how to promote and sell your NFT art like your favorite creators.

Royalties may mean a small reduction of profits for traders, but they are essential for maintaining a thriving, dynamic, and profitable NFT market for traders.

Do you want to be involved in the NFT space without sketching? Content creators, models, photographers and more have a chance in the NFT space!

Banks are now in The Sandbox, Decentraland, and more and more fintechs are scouting the metaverse for locations to open their branches. So what’s the deal all about? What are they trying to do? Let's look at 4 banks that have started their debut adventure into the metaverse.

If you're looking for an opportunity in the Web3 space, consider building your brand in a quiet market - it just might pay off down the road.

Thanks to digital art and PFP projects, NFTs have grown in mainstream popularity to become somewhat of a pop culture phenomen. However the concept of non-fungible tokens goes far beyond these two use cases and can be explored in several formats. Here are a few of them.

Blockchain Gamin is a HUGE user case when it comes to the future of NFTs. But there are some really important things to look for from those promising to deliver on the concept.

As the debate rages on regarding the appropriate level of creator royalties to set for a project, let’s delve a little deeper into some of the views from the NFT space?

Looking to build up your personal or project following on Twitter? Here are three quick steps you can take that will make a huge impact.

What You Need To Know (WYNTK) on Universal Studios' partnership with Moonpay for NFT Scavenger Hunts. We'll look over the details, strategy, and I'll share my opinion on whether this approach to their web2 → web3 transition was a "hit" or a "miss".

In today's digitally-driven world, having a custom email domain is more important than ever before. Not only does it give your business a professional edge, but it also helps to protect your customers from phishing scams. With so many benefits, there's really no excuse not to get started with Google Business Email. For just $6 per month, you can have a professional, secure, and branded email address that will help your business thrive. 

Whether you’re an established or emerging artist in the Web3 space – if you’ve decided that a PFP collection is not for you. Here are some options to consider.

Thanks to the internet, the web3 online community grows with each passing day with creators, collectors and enthusiasts. The problem, however, is that many come into the space out of fear of missing out and end up overwhelmed with the exclusive lingo and constantly evolving information. Language is a key tool for networking. It is what separates an active participant from a birdwatcher and what eventually fuels your growth in the community.

Recently Apple announced it is demanding a 30% commission on NFT sales through apps on its marketplace. Here's what you need to know...

As the world of Web3 and NFTs continues to gain popularity, more and more people are looking to get involved in the space, many as artists. It is no secret that the world of NFTs has been booming. In the past year alone, the market for NFTs has exploded, with prices skyrocketing and new platforms and artists popping up left and right.

What You Need To Know (WYNTK) on the launch of Christie’s 3.0 with artist, Diana Sinclair. We'll look over the details, strategy, and I'll share my opinion on whether this approach to their web2 → web3 transition was a "hit" or a "miss".

The digital identity of a PFP project can generate a lot of support from people that relate to the art and the brand it stands for. However, recently we have seen many PFP projects fall short due to the massive influx of supply, and it immediately puts your project in harsh competition with the rest of the market.

We recently learned more about Starbucks' entry into web3 via their loyalty program, Starbucks Odyssey. Odyssey is the expansion of two well-established Starbucks strategies and programs. The Starbucks Rewards Program and the Starbucks 'Third Place' concept.

You're a creator, marketer or business owner and you’re thinking about how to get your work/brand in front of as many people as possible. This applies no matter the size of your business – start up or multinational industry leader. The internet has made it easier than ever to reach a global audience, but there are still a lot of choices to make when it comes to deciding how and where to share your work.

Imagine being able to use your participation in the Rug Radio community as a token to get what you want in life. With our web3 rewards program, that’s exactly what you will be able to do. I’m very excited to announce the launch & first phase of the Rug Radio Web3 Rewards Program! 

Podcasts about NFTs and Web3 have flooded the marketplace, with hundreds of listening choices available. Each podcaster has an individual take on the evolving technology and a unique style of sharing their perspective. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced crypto trader, there’s always room to learn from the creators, technological experts and innovators in the space. Check out some of the podcasts below, along with resources for finding even more.

At its core, being a disruptor means shaking things up and doing them differently. It's about looking at the status quo and saying, "There has to be a better way." The ideas, actions or events that follow this often cause a significant shift in behaviour.‍ Disruptors challenge traditional thinking. They are change-makers and trailblazers who anticipate changes in the market and adapt their businesses accordingly.

A few weeks ago, popular social platform Reddit launched the first cohort of its Collectible Avatars Creator Program and the corresponding Collectible Avatar Marketplace. For many creators, this was yet another marketing move by big corporations to ride the NFT wave but for abstract line artist, Tyler Foust, Reddit was a stage that would usher in more exposure and appreciation for his art.

Sin duda alguna el mercado de los NFTs es un mercado muy transitorio. Por eso, para poder entender el “mundo NFT” necesitamos recorrer un camino a lo largo de la corta, pero completa historia del mercado de los tokens no fungibles. Los influencers del nuevo mundo podrían presumir de llevar consigo la capacidad de mover modas dentro del metaverso, de ahí sale lo que denominamos “free mint”.

Web3 is the next evolution of the internet. Advancements have been quick and, in the next decade, the Blockchain will permeate almost every aspect of society. So, whether you're in healthcare, banking, sports, music or beyond, you've got the skills and expertise that web3 needs.‍Like all spaces though, finding a job can be tricky if you don't know where to look or how to connect with employers. In this post, we'll go over some basics about how to narrow down your interests and find roles that are right for you.

Before he became THE Beeple, 40-year-old Mike Winkelmann was a computer-science-grad-turned-digital artist selling art prints for as little as $100. A few years later, Winkelmann will be known globally as Beeple, the third-most expensive living artist whose artwork sold for $69 million as an NFT at a Christie’s auction. He would be a global sensation; his sale was the beginning of an artistic revolution and, some would say, a historical inflection point.‍

Digital art lies at the intersection of technology and creativity. For years, artists have used software, computers, or other electronic devices to generate photographs, videos, digital paintings and animations. But NFTs (non-fungible tokens) have recently driven digital art to the forefront, enabling artists to cultivate communities of collectors who champion the artists’ visions and purchase their works – often for outstanding sums of money.

In the past, we could not differentiate the owners of digital artworks from someone who saved a copy of the art from the internet. The lack of clarity of property rights for markets to operate was a problem. But NFTs created an avenue with which creators and consumers can solve this problem by giving them something they can agree represents ownership. This indulges the possibility of building markets around new types of processes which include purchasing products that could never be sold before and allowing more efficient and valuable transactions to hold in dynamic ways. 

It’s important to take time to learn the basics of allyship and inclusivity (see my article, Do These 2 Things Before You Do Anything As an Ally in Web3). After that, intent is the biggest differentiator between those that do, and those that don’t, care about creating equity for all.‍Want to be inclusive? Be intentional about being inclusive. Want to see more diversity? Be intentional about pushing for more diversity.

I've seen it from many folks in my short time in web3. An ally joins a Twitter space tailored to a specific underrepresented audience (Women, LGBTQ2IA, Black folks, etc.). At some point, the discussion addresses the challenges of that particular community in web3. The ally requests to speak, expresses their disgust and shock at what they've heard and asks, "what can we do?".

Historically, the appeal of digital art had been hampered by concerns from collectors on the peculiarity and rarity of digital works as a result of them being duplicated and easily distributed hence making them difficult to price and a possible poor resale value. However, NFTs, which work on blockchain technology just like Bitcoin, have proffered a solution to that problem. The blockchain technology on which NFTs work provides digital ledgers which act as irrevocable proof of ownership, and this ensures that the owner of such art is recognized no matter how much the art is redistributed.

The NFT hype may be seeing a gradual decline as is reflected in the search for the 2021 buzzword. Nevertheless, the concept of digital ownership continues to solidify its presence in digitization as more NFT use cases emerge. From digital creators to investors to financial and real estate markets, different means have been devised to use NFTs in accomplishing set goals. 

NFTs are growing in popularity, and so are investments in them. Collecting NFTs is one of the smartest investment choices of 2022, but you would need an NFT wallet to do so. One important factor to note is that the NFT wallet should be able to support the currency you use to buy the NFT. For example, if you're buying an NFT with Ether, the wallet should be able to support the currency. 

The Bored Ape Yacht Club broke onto the NFT (non-fungible token) scene in April 2021, the brainchild of four founders of Yuga Labs, known only by their pseudonyms at the time. NFTs are data units stored on a cryptocurrency blockchain that allow holders to own and transfer digital items memorialized on a public ledger. BAYC is built on a blockchain known as Ethereum

Real estate in the metaverse is a booming business. But when it comes to the structures we actually occupy, blockchain and NFTs are in their infancy. Still, the technology’s potential to streamline transactions and eliminate fraud has real estate entrepreneurs actively developing platforms to enable a future of blockchain-based property transfer and ownership.

What is it about non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that give them significant potential for real world use?NFTs are cryptocurrency tokens that represent virtual and real assets. “Non-fungible” means each token is unique — it can’t be interchanged with another, can’t be replicated, and can’t be forged.NFTs are built on a blockchain, a decentralized ledger that tracks transactions, guarantees ownership, and is transparent (meaning it can be seen by all). NFTs can be bought, sold and traded, and their tie to the blockchain creates an authentic record of those transactions. Because NFTs provide “smart contract” capabilities, features can be programmed into the token.

Insider trading in emerging investment ecosystems is no new concept. In the early days of the printing press, iron ore trading, and Wall Street stock markets, people profited off their proximity to proprietary knowledge. Unsurprisingly, the NFT space is not insulated from this trend. And for the first time, a digital asset insider trading scheme is set for trial. Nathaniel "Nate" Chastain, 31, faces up to 40 years in prison after earning $65,000 through insider trading on OpenSea. 

Celebrities that own Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs Celebrities who bought and joined BAYC created the trend of NFT profile photographs. Celebrities have joined the elite, pricey world of Bored Ape NFTs from the sports, entertainment, and business spheres. 

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the latest craze in the crypto world.So, what exactly are NFTs? NFTs are one-of-a-kind digital assets that are irreplaceable. In contrast to a currency, which is fungible and easy to swap for other currencies, NFTs are not. NFTs are unique, collectible, and cool. A perfect example is the Rug Radio Genesis NFTs.

You're a creator. It's why you came to web3 and why you've stayed this long. It can be hard to stay motivated to keep creating when the market around you is going to shit. For that very reason though, you have to stay consistent in your practice. When things get tough around you, there’s always calm in going back to the basics.If you were making a piece each day when the market was up, do the same thing in a down market. What's a collection you've been thinking about but haven’t had the time for previously? What's a new medium you've been excited about exploring? Who’s an artist you would love to collaborate with? 

Start with Personal Reflection This advice isn't new—if you want to show up authentically, you need to know what you stand for and why you're doing what you do. What is your purpose? Why does it matter? How does it manifest in your work? Reflecting on these questions will help you gain clarity about what matters most to you, and how your personal brand aligns with those values.While you may be tempted to move this to the bottom of your “to-do” list, I promise you there is nothing more important than starting with this exercise in self-reflection. If done well, it will provide the clarity and confidence you need to jump in and get building and create a strong foundation for your brand to grow and evolve with you over time.

Unlike traditional artists, most NFT artists don’t have a team of people supporting them, especially in their early stages. It’s up to you to build the skills necessary for marketing your work, building your brand, and telling your story. When done well, these skills are critical factors in monetizing your work. To be blunt, selling is about a hell of a lot more than the art.

The “Run Ed" collection by Ed Balloon, an artist, community leader, and musician, illuminates the reality of many web3 artists. People who, in the face of adversity, continue to work on their craft as they seek to unbox themselves. The Run Ed is a one-of-a-kind collection, both in production and representation. Ethereum-based, the collection generative sound and motion picture project. 1000 animated pieces that combine stop motion, 2D and 3D animation, music, and sound.

One noun, every day, forever. The mantra of this colorful and charming collection is the epitome of generative art. An ideal that promises to persist through eternity and pave a path for digital art’s permanence. Nouns are 32x32 pixel images of people, places, and things, each with the iconic square glasses. An eclectic and diverse cornucopia of cows, strawberries, eggs, planets, crowns and more take on a life and character all their own. People dream it, do it, the world loves it. The goal is to cement Nouns as part of the culture so that everyone recognizes these varicolored, endearing characters. They begin to represent a cultural movement led by the people, instead of by a company or corporation. The characters are not at the mercy of any governing body, but by individuals who fell in love with the art and the mission of the project.

Web3 is an exciting time for creators, but it's also a confusing time. How do you make money in a decentralized network? What are the ways that I can sell my work? Does all digital art sell, or just certain mediums?‍The good news is that, in web3, the artists are in a position of power. Their work, their medium of choice, their creative expression. But selling NFTs on an open market is one of many opportunities for an artist to earn income in web3. 

The rise of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has created new opportunities for artists to create and sell unique, limited edition, artwork, photography, and even music. NFTs are digital assets that are one of a kind and can be sold and traded on the blockchain.We’re still in the early days of NFTs, but there are already a number of ways artists can make money with them. You can sell your work directly to buyers, collectors and galleries, sell your work to other artists, and even work for or create your own NFT project. They can also work on projects or create their own projects.

McLaren’s golden standard has been “combining performance, innovation, and craft to deliver the art of the impossible”. Building on this standard was its MSO Lab: the web3 brainchild of their Special Operations Division, created to explore the future of performance in a digital realm. McLaren will also be releasing its very first MSO LAB owner public airdrop, providing limited spots for an exclusive physical McLaren experience. No date has been communicated yet for this. However, with the success of the MSO Lab Genesis Collection, there is no denying that there is an exciting future ahead in the metaverse for the automobile company.

Conversely, concerns remain over how NFTs and the metaverse will unfold under the umbrella of Meta. Privacy and data issues are still at the forefront of many people’s minds. Furthermore, Meta may underperform against some Web3 innovations, when you consider that Meta has proposed a 47.5% cut on the sale of any creators’ NFTs in their metaverse. This is not to be confused with displaying NFT PFPs (profile pictures/proof of picture) on Facebook and Instagram. Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, has stated that it will be free to display your NFTs. It’s worth noting that twitter opted for a $3 charge to display your NFT on their platform.

What I am about to say is blasphemy by many in our NFT community. I don’t like Gary Vee. Not that I knew him, but the NFT art I first saw on sales platforms reminded me of something a 6th grader with little artist experience would draw. Ouch. Little did I know those simple drawings weren’t just art, they were doorways. Doorways to a whole new universe.

The most populous life form on earth isn’t mankind. It’s mycelium. The invisible living threads. It lives everywhere. In soil, tree roots, rocks, air, your hair, skin, and teeth, even under the ocean and in space. Its existence is composed of networks. A map of the human circulation system reveals a vast network of veins and arteries. A subway map of Tokyo or London reveals an image that looks like linked computers mining crypto. Maps of linked computers can mirror the image the receptors of our brain. We tend to only think of fungi- mushrooms, mosses but they are the flowering of this mighty organism.