Unleashing Creativity: The Easy Artist Spotlight Series — Crypto Duuudes
Hello, web3 art enthusiasts and creative minds! Welcome back to another chapter of our blog series, “Unleashing Creativity: The Easy Artist Spotlight Series.”
Today, we are excited to introduce you to Cryptoduuudes, an exceptional artist who has made a significant impact in the web3 art community with their unique style and captivating vision. In this edition, we will begin by providing a lively introduction to Cryptoduuudes, followed by an opportunity to explore their artistic world through five thought-provoking questions.
From their creative inspiration to their most memorable artworks, you’ll get an exclusive look into the captivating realm of Cryptoduuudes. Join us as we continue our journey through the limitless world of creativity and artistic expression, and prepare to be inspired by the incredible talent and story of Cryptoduuudes.
Artist Bio
I am a 3D artist and designer with a strong passion for the digital realm, ranging from NFTs to the metaverse. Having lived and worked in various creative environments across different countries, I have developed a keen interest in diverse forms of art and technology. My primary focus lies in digital art and design, with a special affinity for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Web 3.0. In 2021, I embarked on my first NFTs collection called Crypto Duuudes, featuring high-quality artworks and collectibles.
In late 2020, I began contemplating the idea of launching my own NFTs project. By February 2021, I transformed that vision into reality and introduced my inaugural NFTs collection: Crypto Duuudes. These digital artworks and collectibles were meticulously designed in 3D. The project continues to evolve and thrive.
Despite remaining anonymous I’m very active in the NFTs community, also collaborating on team projects such as for the Ilmeresh generative collections, designed taking into account the concept of diversity and gender equality, which are considered essential for a society based on principles of freedom and respect for human rights.
How did you become a digital artist, what was your journey to creating your work as NFTs?
My journey in digital art began during my childhood, where I dabbled with basic programs and used a mouse to create. Over time, I gradually delved into new software and techniques, eventually incorporating 3D software into both my personal pursuits and professional endeavors. Several years ago (around 2012, if I recall correctly!), I developed an interest in cryptocurrencies, starting with Bitcoin and then branching out to Litecoin and Ethereum.
I recognized the immense potential in this emerging technology, seeing it as a catalyst for a new social and economic movement. As the first NFT projects started to gain traction, it became evident to me that a revolution was on the horizon.
Talk a little about your art style, tools you use, techniques behind your artistic expression. Do you see yourself crossing over to other artistic styles or mediums in the future?
I enjoy working with 3D art, primarily utilizing Blender, a freely available open-source software that boasts a vibrant community. Digital art holds a special place in my heart. For a long time, it was often seen as distinct from “traditional art,” frequently facing resistance within artistic circles. However, the truth is that digital art is simply another form of expression, deserving recognition and appreciation as a unique art form. I don’t seek a specific definition for my artistic style. Some individuals associate my work with video games or 3D cartoons, but ultimately, I strive to portray subjects or ideas in a way that feels natural to me. Many of my pieces incorporate personal ideas influenced by my diverse interests in culture and the arts.
In some instances, my artworks center around a particular subject, such as the Crypto Duuudes collection, where the focus lies on the characters themselves. On the other hand, certain works capture a broader scene, presenting a subject within a complex environment. Examples of such collections include “The Multiple States of Human Nature” and “The Empirical World.” I always maintain an eagerness to explore new technologies, and I can envision myself venturing into other artistic mediums in the future.
What themes or ideas do you explore in your digital or NFT art, and what messages do you hope to convey to your audience? How do you use technology to enhance or transform your artistic vision, and what role do you see technology playing in the future of art?
When creating individual artworks, each piece has the potential to convey different ideas. However, when I undertake the creation of a collection, I always strive to have a cohesive concept in mind. Beyond focusing solely on aesthetics, I ask myself: What message do I want to communicate? For instance, within the Crypto Duuudes collection, diversity and social integration are key themes. To me, the Crypto Duuudes represent more than just collectibles; they embody a new form of portraiture — digital portraits. I often refer to the collection as “Digital Portraits of a Multicultural Society.”
From the very beginning, one of the core ideas behind the collection has been to depict a highly diverse community comprising individuals who defy conventional standards, where acceptance is paramount. The characters featured in the collection showcase an array of extraordinary hairstyles, hair colors, clothing, and accessories. The underlying message is clear: Feel liberated to embrace your true self! Who cares about societal expectations regarding attire or hairstyle? Feel empowered to express yourself freely, just as you desire. Our society often places undue emphasis on conformity and appearance. It is essential for us to cultivate a sense of liberation, allowing ourselves and others to be authentic while respecting one another.
Many of the subjects depicted in my artworks draw inspiration from individuals I have encountered — people I know, those I have met in the past, and even those I observe on the streets. Moreover, certain distinct categories within the Crypto Duuudes collection serve as vessels for my ideas and thoughts. These categories often derive influence from personal experiences or fields such as art history, philosophy, and literature. I find it fascinating to imbue collectibles with the potential for both amusement and the exploration of profound concepts, surpassing the viewer’s initial expectations.
For instance, the Mutants category symbolizes the concept of change — physical, spiritual, and psychological — that is an inherent part of our existence. The narratives of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, with their tales of transformative characters, have always captivated me. Since birth, we are in a constant state of evolution, shaped not only by our genetic makeup but also, and significantly so, by our surroundings.
Another category within the Crypto Duuudes collection, the Cyborgs, explores the relationship between humans and technology — an enduring topic that has fueled cultural discussions for centuries. Traditionally, we tend to distinguish sharply between nature and technology. However, I believe that in the future, especially in certain contexts, this dichotomy will begin to blur. The development of the metaverse is likely to prioritize the virtual (technological) realm over the physical (natural) one. Such advancements, alongside other technological progressions, will not only reshape our daily lives but also influence the ways in which we create and interact with our environment, including art. Technology will undoubtedly play a significant role in the evolution of art, giving rise to new forms of artistic expression.
How do you engage with your audience and build a community around your work, and what impact do you hope your art has on your collectors?
I actively engage with my audience and community primarily through various social networks, notably Twitter, Easy, Discord, and Instagram. Each social media platform possesses its own unique features and strengths. Some platforms excel in showcasing artwork, while others facilitate interactions with NFT artists and collectors, and some are better suited for simple community communications.
When it comes to the impact of my art on collectors, my hope is that both collectors and individuals in general can appreciate my work, while also grasping the underlying ideas embedded within. As I mentioned earlier, I strongly believe that art has the power to influence society. It can encourage people to perceive things from a fresh perspective, be more receptive to new ideas, embrace diversity, and foster awareness of various cultural subjects.
If you had the power to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive NFT-powered virtual art gallery, what kind of innovative experiences would you design for your visitors? How would it change the way people interact with art?
That’s a great question! If I had the opportunity, I would envision creating a dynamic VR gallery that constantly evolves, providing visitors with ever-changing and novel experiences. Rather than simply serving as a static room for displaying artworks, the exhibition space could serve as an extension of the artist’s works or even become an artwork itself. It would offer a diverse range of audiovisual experiences to engage and captivate visitors.
The virtual realm offers immense possibilities as there are no physical limitations or constraints on creativity. In this environment, the exhibition space can be incredibly flexible and adaptable, allowing artists to explore new avenues for people to interact with art. The goal would be to create an immersive and interactive experience that pushes the boundaries of what is possible, providing visitors with a truly unique and engaging encounter with art.
