The 888 Inner Artist Initiative — June 2023 Update
For this month’s update, we’re going to do something a little bit different. Usually, we would use this space to recap something that the 888 Inner Artist Initiative has already done. However, for this month, rather than looking back, we are going to look ahead to something very exciting!
Part of this look ahead is a call to action from our Verified Inner Artists (If you are a Verified Inner Artist, please read the below carefully).
Barcelona IRL x IAI One Year Anniversary
When we were in NYC, we announced that our next in-real-life (IRL) event would be in Barcelona, Spain.
The dates for Barcelona have been finalized. They are August 25–27, and over the past month, within our Discord Server, we have given our token holders a chance to RSVP for the event. The window for RSVP is now closed. However, if you are a token holder (either Genesis or Realms) and are still interested in attending, please join our Server and contact one of our mods, so that you can be added to the wait list.
Aside from our IRL in Barcelona, there is also something else that is very significant that is happening during that time. As can be seen below, in the month of June, we celebrated weeks 41–44 of our weekly celebration of art, where we purchase art from emerging artists.
For those following along on their calendars, that would put our week 52 art purchase at the beginning of the week of our Barcelona visit. Although we had been building the 888 Inner Artist Initiative (IAI) for many months before we purchased our first piece of art, we consider our first weekly purchase to mark the official beginning of IAI. In that spirit, in addition to the festivities already being planned for our Spain IRL, we will also be celebrating the one year anniversary of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative in Barcelona, Spain.
Potential Verified Inner Artist Tie-In (Artist Response Requested)
We are extremely proud of the Verified Inner Artist community that we have built. To date, we’ve assigned the Verified Inner Artist role to over 200 artists.
As a reminder, artists can apply for the Verified Inner Artist role here. Also, as a reminder, no token purchase is necessary to become a Verified Inner Artist. In addition to applying, artists will simply need to join our Discord Server and receive a “community” role (which is done by going to our “verify-to-access-server” channel and accepting our community rules).
Our IRL events are a way for us to provide value to our token-holding members, and in that spirit, most of what we are planning for our Barcelona IRL will be exclusive to our token holders (Genesis or Realms).
At the same time, in the spirit of celebrating the one year anniversary of the 888 Inner Artist Initiative, we also wanted to do something special for our Verified Inner Artists. We are not quite ready to reveal what that “something” is. The specific form it takes will be contingent on artist participation, interest, and availability.
For that reason, we are inviting all of our Verified Inner Artists (i.e. those who hold the “Verified Inner Artist” role) to fill out the following Barcelona X IAI interest form: https://forms.gle/mXhvVX3YtCmjjarD6
If you are a Verified Inner Artist, please fill out the form if one or both of the following are true:
- You will physically be in Barcelona from August 25–27 (Even if you are not positive that you will be there but only might be there, please fill out the form).
- You are interested in having your (unsold) artwork publicly displayed while we are in Barcelona (even if you are unable to be in Barcelona in person).
The responses we receive will help us to better plan the “special something” that we have in mind, and we will give more details to our artists from there.
Again, if you are a Verified Inner Artist, we kindly request that you take a moment to fill out the Barcelona x IAI interest form. Please also pay particular attention to the verified artist chat this month, as we will likely communicate our plans there first. If you are both a token holder and a Verified Inner Artist, please fill out the form, even if you’ve already filled out the official Barcelona IRL event interest form. This Barcelona x IAI interest form is separate and will be used for different planning purposes.
Again, here is the link to the Barcelona x IAI interest form: https://forms.gle/mXhvVX3YtCmjjarD6
And thank you all for being part of our artist community.
Weekly Celebration of Art
Here is the art that we have purchased since our last update.
Week 41
Evolution of traces by @Anomalit1
Week 42
Dissol of surface-tension by @Ryak_eth (Video)
Week 43
North of Eden by @TheBenMeadows
Week 44
Nature Mystery by @h_khachatrian
Spotlight Artist AMAs
We also continue to offer the artists that we purchase art from an Ask Me Anything (AMA) interview in our Artist Spotlight channel.
In June, we had a very special spotlight artist AMA. It was our first ever two-part AMA.
We previously purchased this spectacular collaboration piece, entitled Dreamland: the Journey, from the amazing artists @KatalinaOoma and @MonikaNFT.
The artists were so gracious with their time and gave us one of the most extensive and in-depth interviews that we’ve ever had. It was so extensive that we had to break it up into two parts, part 1 featuring answers from @MonikaNFT and part 2 featuring answers from @KatalinaOoma.
Below is a small, edited sample from this 2 part AMA. To see the complete interviews, please visit the artist-spotlight channel in our Discord Server.
@MonikaNFT — Part 1
Question:
This AMA is unique in that it is our first ever joint AMA, as a result of a collaboration piece. Let’s chat a bit about your collaboration. How and when did you two meet, and what drew you to the other person?
Answer:
As far as I recall (Katalina might correct me here), we just met out there on Twitter when I reacted to her post back in September 2021.
Our common friend Roya (who actually used to live only 15 minutes away from me, but whom I also met in the space and only later met in real life, too) tagged me and her together in an art thread a couple of weeks later, and since then we seem to have had each other and their works on our radars.
Katalina is immensely supportive and kind in nature, and I love each and every of her World of Women derivatives. I could not fathom how beautifully the comic style NFTs suddenly looked, how much life and love has been breathed into them.
In the months following, when the bull market of 2021 was still going, we kept promoting and supporting another like we do with all our NFT friends, and it was just pure joy to cross paths with so many talented people, and when you actually can feel how lovely and genuine and full of inspiration the other person is, you make sure to not let the other person out of your sight!
Question:
Can you tell us about the piece itself? What was the inspiration behind it?
Answer:
So the piece is a part of a set of four:
The four pieces actually tell a story that is supported by a poem which is part of all four items’ descriptions:
Whenever I miss you, I dive into the world we created.
I can feel the energy of the beauty that lies within.
I feel comforted by the powers holding our world together,
By the solid foundation based on our trust and our love.
I let its warmth run through me. I feel whole again.
Dreamland.
The poem and the pieces are all visible in the promotional video that Katalina published on Twitter for the drop (make sure to watch with SOUND ON): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyeuczXen9k
The story arc is actually explained in more detail in my then pinned tweet at that time:
It speaks of love and missing another deeply, but connecting through a world the two lovers create to feel closer to another.
After having absorbed the energy of the love (‘The Flow’), the lovers entered a dream where they could always be together (they travel towards another in their dream in ‘The Journey’).
‘The Dance’ now shows the energy they received from their own dream world. The deep longing has turned into a joy, a desire to get moving, to feel alive.
Finally, at the end, we can find the energetic climax of the collection: ‘the Elevation’. Everything that dragged them down is shaken off. The energy flows through them. They are full of love and strength.
Here is another piece by @MonikaNFT:
To learn more about @MonikaNFT, please visit her Lynkfire.
@KatalinaOoma — Part 2
(To break up the text, below are some pieces from Katalina’s debut collection, “Life in Every Breath.” The collection features 25 unique 1/1 pieces, blending the power of AI technology with digital painting. The pieces shown have already been sold. This collection holds a deep significance for Katalina as it represents a personal journey of self-discovery and growth. Through this collection, Katalina invites viewers to reflect on the preciousness of life itself and the importance of cherishing every moment. Each artwork encapsulates a unique essence, reminding us that every breath we take holds a world of possibilities.)
Question:
We understand that you two have different artistic styles. Can you tell us a bit about your personal artistic styles, as well as how the idea for collaborating came about?
Answer:
Although I aspire to define my style as uniquely my own, it predominantly manifests as a reinterpretation of everyday life infused with fantastical and dream-like elements. Drawing inspiration from the renowned masters of art as well as contemporary digital artists, my work seeks to blend the familiar with the imaginative, creating a captivating fusion of reality and fantasy in the context of our modern era.
For years, I struggled to acknowledge myself as an artist, primarily due to my background in design. However, my passion for drawing existed long before my encounter with the world of design, especially when it came to portraying characters. There is an inexplicable allure in the human form, its shapes and contours captivating my artistic sensibilities.
My fascination with traditional art runs deep, as I am captivated by the rich history, techniques, and timeless beauty that it embodies. The allure of traditional art lies in its ability to convey emotions, narratives, and human experiences through skillful brushwork, intricate details, and a tangible connection to the past.
It is this fascination that led me to embark on a collaborative journey with Monika. While my own artistic path often gravitates towards realistic and figurative representations, I recognized the power and allure of abstract art in capturing emotions and evoking a sense of introspection.
Collaborating with Monika, an artist adept in the realm of abstract expression, offered a unique opportunity to merge our artistic perspectives and transcend the boundaries of our respective styles. By intertwining our artistic visions, we aimed to create a synergy that would bridge the gap between the representational and the abstract, infusing our artwork with a dynamic energy and a multi-layered depth.
Question:
Do you have any advice for other artists that might be thinking about doing an NFT collaboration?
Answer:
Oh yes. Collaboration can lead to new artistic perspectives, expanded networks, and enhanced visibility within the NFT space. Approach the collaboration with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a shared vision to create an NFT collection that showcases the power of artistic synergy.
**1. Find Compatible Artists: **Seek out artists whose artistic style and vision align with yours. Look for those who share a similar passion or theme that can complement your work. Collaborating with like-minded artists can result in a cohesive and impactful NFT collection.
**2. Establish Clear Goals and Expectations: **Before embarking on a collaboration, clearly define the objectives, expectations, and desired outcomes of the project. Discuss topics such as the theme, artistic direction, timeline, promotion, and revenue sharing to ensure everyone is on the same page.
**3. Foster Open Communication: **Effective communication is essential for a successful collaboration. Maintain regular contact with your collaborator/s, whether through virtual meetings, chat platforms, or email. Encourage open and honest discussions about ideas, challenges, and decision-making to ensure a harmonious workflow.
**4. Define Roles and Responsibilities:** Clearly define each artist’s roles and responsibilities within the collaboration. Assign specific tasks (and deadlines) to ensure a smooth and efficient working process. Establishing clear roles minimizes confusion and ensures that everyone contributes their unique skills and expertise.
**5. Embrace Collaboration and Compromise: **Collaboration requires flexibility and a willingness to compromise. Embrace the diverse perspectives and ideas brought forth by your collaborators, and be open to adapting your vision to create a harmonious blend of artistic styles. Finding common ground and compromise will lead to a more cohesive and compelling final product.
**6. Leverage Each Other’s Networks: **One of the benefits of collaboration is the opportunity to tap into each artist’s existing fan base and network. Collaborators can help promote the NFT collection to their respective audiences, expanding its reach and potential for success. Collaborative marketing efforts can significantly enhance exposure and engagement.
**7. Ensure Clarity in Ownership and Revenue Sharing: **Clearly outline ownership rights and revenue sharing agreements from the outset of the collaboration. A transparent and fair arrangement will foster trust and prevent potential conflicts down the line.
**8. Embrace NFT Platforms and Communities: **Research and explore reputable NFT platforms and communities that align with your artistic goals and target audience. Engage with the community, participate in discussions, and learn from other artists’ experiences. Being an active member of the NFT ecosystem can provide valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.
**9. Protect Your Work: **Before minting your collaborative NFTs, consider copyright and intellectual property protection. Ensure that all artists involved understand the licensing terms and agreements associated with the NFT creation. It’s crucial to safeguard your artistic creations and maintain control over their usage.
**10. Embrace the Learning Experience:** Collaborating on an NFT project is an exciting opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace the journey, be open to experimentation, and adapt to the evolving landscape of NFTs. Learn from the process, build connections, and leverage the experience to propel your artistic career forward.
Here is another piece by @KatalinaOoma:
To learn more about @KatalinaOoma, please visit:
***
As a reminder, the 888 Inner Artist Initiative is not just a single program. Rather, it is a comprehensive and ever-increasing set of efforts and endeavors designed to celebrate, empower, and support artists. Our goal is to meet the various needs of various artists, in a wide variety of ways, wherever they may be on their artistic journey.
For more information, please join our Discord server, follow our Twitter, and view our Medium. Also, as a reminder, if you are an artist, we encourage you to apply to become a Verified Inner Artist. No token purchase is necessary, but you will need to join our Server and be verified as a community member in order to receive the role.
