3 ways to mint a crypto artwork
This article is for makers and potential collectors who are new to cryptoart. If you already have some knowledge, this may not be your cup of tea.
As of April 2022, the time I am publishing this article, digital artworks circulate on the Blockchain in the form of NFTs, non-fungible tokens.
NFTs are an umbrella term for a kind of crypto-token that is unique, meaning that it has a quality that cannot be replaced by any other token. Unlike cryptocurrencies (a type of fungible tokens), two NFTs can have the same code, links and metadata. Yet, they will still be different since they are logged under separate registrations in a blockchain.
NFTs can be sold, swapped, gifted or burned. The act of publishing one is known as “minting”. For creators who want to mint, here are three ways to do it.
1. Code your own NFT
Minting from scratch involves the creation of a bespoke NFT. There are many tutorials online on how to write a smart contract, and there are plenty of services to store the media associated with the NFT in case it is needed (generally through an IPFS service like Pinata or Filecoin). This method is a good option for generative art and creators who want to experiment with code or unconventional workflows.
Most of the time, NFTs minted from scratch are part of a larger project. Examples are the works made by Deafbeef, Pindar van Arman’s BitGans, and the now-classic Cryptopunks.
2. Mint on an open marketplace
Minting through an open marketplace is a more straightforward process. Probably the most well-known platform is Open Sea. There, one can easily upload the metadata and media file associated with an NFT directly. Compared to minting from scratch, the disadvantages of this method are the lack of options, as the process is very standard. However, the advantages are considerable, as minting on platforms usually allows access to a community of creators and consumers otherwise hard to reach.
Also, marketplaces like Open Sea actively invest in new integrations to make their user-generated NFTs more usable. For example, since this year, Open Sea NFTs can be used as certified profile pictures on Twitter. Mark Zuckerberg has also announced his intention to do something similar with Instagram.
Besides Open Sea, other examples of NFT platforms are Rarible, objkt.com, and Zora.
3. Mint through a gallery
Minting through a gallery can look similar to minting through an open marketplace, only that it works by invitation, and there is a more thorough process of curation involved. Sites like Foundation and Superrare respond to this model.
The advantages here are the establishment of a more personal relationship between the creator and the platform, which can translate into bespoke contracts and higher selling prices.
The disadvantages of galleries are not many compared to open markets. However, for some web3 ideologists, their business model raises some ethical questions.
One of the main promises publicised in the beginnings of cryptoart was the idea that digital artists could sell their work without the need for a middleman, namely a gallery. But the unquestionable success of this kind of market disappoints those ideals.
Other than Foundation and Superrare, examples of cryptoart galleries are ArtBlocks, LGND, and MakersPlace.
The bigger landscape
If you look into history, art has often been used to explore the potential of new technologies. There is a simple reason to explain why it has been like that. Art is experimental by nature, which allows freedom to explore technologies in different ways and perspectives. Also, art is relatively cheap to produce, which allows to quickly test its reception in society and financial markets. The case of art and NFTs does not escape this pattern.
Art is experimental by nature, which allows freedom to explore technologies in different ways and perspectives. Also, art is relatively cheap to produce, which allows to quickly test its reception in society and financial markets. The case of art and NFTs does not escape this pattern.
So what comes next with cryptoart? There are many possible scenarios, none of them exclusive from one another.
Designers are making digital items for High Definition virtual worlds that –yet in early prototype stages– are meant to be built on blockchains.
Media stars like musicians and professional sports players are selling collectable art that can be used as membership cards to access exclusive content and events.
Fashion brands like Nike are printing NFT artworks in physical garments manufactured only after showing proof of ownership.
The list of examples grows more and more every day.
Does all this sound exciting? Scary perhaps?
I’m curious to know your thoughts.
