Abstract: NFT art is a digital artwork that is tokenized on a blockchain, most commonly the Ethereum blockchain. An NFT is a unique digital certificate of ownership and authenticity that represents a particular piece of digital content, such as art, music, or video.
What is NFT Art?
NFT art is a digital artwork that is tokenized on a blockchain, most commonly the Ethereum blockchain. An NFT is a unique digital certificate of ownership and authenticity that represents a particular piece of digital content, such as art, music, or video. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible and can be exchanged one-for-one, NFTs are unique and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis.
Popular NFT Art Marketplaces
OpenSea is the largest NFT marketplace, supporting a wide range of digital assets including art, domain names, virtual worlds, and collectibles.
Features: User-friendly interface, extensive collection of NFTs, auction and fixed-price listings, and integration with multiple wallets.
Notable Sales: High-profile sales include digital artworks, rare collectibles, and celebrity NFTs.
Rarible is a decentralized marketplace that allows users to create and sell NFTs directly.
Features: Community governance, artist royalties, support for various digital content types, and a marketplace token (RARI) that provides voting rights.
Notable Sales: Artists and creators from various fields have sold unique digital art and collectibles.
Foundation is an invite-only marketplace that focuses on high-quality digital art and creative projects.
Features: Emphasis on artist curation, transparent auction processes, and strong community engagement.
Notable Sales: Unique digital art pieces from well-known and emerging artists.
SuperRare is a curated marketplace for single-edition digital artworks.
Features: Strict curation process, focus on quality and uniqueness, and built-in social features like artist profiles and galleries.
Notable Sales: High-value sales of exclusive digital art pieces.
1.OpenSea
OpenSea is currently the industrys largest NFT marketplace. What you find on the website includes art, virtual world materials, trading cards, domain names, collectibles, sports, and utility tokens.
The platform indexes art from other NFT marketplaces and thus has a broad collection of art listings, over 1 million at writing. All items are priced in ETH, with some available for a specific price and others via an auction.
Although any artist can apply to list their digital art on OpenSea, the submission usually has to pass through a vetting process by the team before it is approved for full public trading on the platform. Artists can also define royalty parameters for their works.
2.Rarible
Rarible is another great platform to mint and sell NFT art. On Rarible, every item is priced in ETH and available either as ‘Buy Now’ or via an auction.
However, to get the most out of Rarible as an artist, you need to apply and get a verified badge from the team. The approval process usually takes less than a week and requires that you submit proof that your work is original.
Additionally, artists must share links to their social media channels, with a strong following and an active community being among the criteria for getting a verified badge. Artists with a non-verified badge may struggle to attract buyers.
Top sellers on Rarible bring in up to £100,000 weekly and earn a 10% royalty if a buyer resells their art for a higher price. Rarible offers an OpenSea integration, allowing artists to use OpenSea to view and manage assets they create on Rarible.
3.SuperRare
SuperRare is a marketplace for collecting and trading “unique, single-edition digital artworks.” Artists can list their work under different tags such as 3D, animation, painting, abstract, illustration, surrealism, etc.
Although anyone can sign up to start buying NFT art on SuperRare, it is not the same for artists. At the time of writing, SuperRare is still in beta, and interested artists must submit a form before the full release.
Existing creators receive 85% of the amount they sell per item and also get a 10% royalty commission if a collector resells their work. Meanwhile, the buyer pays a 3% transaction fee at the purchase time, which goes to SuperRare.
Now that you know where to sell NFT art, the next step is to get your work out.
1.Create a Web3 Wallet
Since non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are blockchain-based assets, you need a wallet to create, send and receive them. You also need to fund the wallet so that you can pay transaction fees associated with your transactions.
Since most NFT platforms are built on Ethereum, you need an Ethereum wallet funded with their native currency, ETH, so that you can pay transaction fees.
Most experts recommend using the Metamask wallet extension on Chrome or any other browser you use. The extension allows you to connect with an NFT marketplace and use related services directly from your computers browser.
When you install and run Metamask for the first time, you will receive a 12-word recovery phrase. Back this up in a secure offline location and proceed to copy your ETH address.
2.Fund Wallet With ETH
Next, you need to buy ETH from a cryptocurrency exchange or broker and send it to your Metamask ETH wallet address.
When you use a broker like BC Bitcoin, you only have to provide your address at the purchase point while they transfer the coins to your address. However, if you use an exchange, youll have to withdraw the ETH after purchasing it.
Most platforms let you complete the purchase using your credit/debit card or bank. Either way, make the purchase and send at least £150 worth of ETH to your Metamask address.
3.Prepare Your Artwork
You probably have your artwork ready now. If you dont, you can prepare a unique sample artwork.
Browse through the marketplaces mentioned earlier to get inspiration on what makes the top-selling NFT art. Your NFT can be either a video, audio, image, or 3D model with a maximum size of 100MB.
4.Submit Your Work on an NFT Marketplace
Visit your preferred NFT minting and selling platform and connect your Ethereum wallet. This tutorial uses OpenSea.io since it is the most widely used option at the time of writing.
How to do it:
Sign in to OpenSea via your Metamask wallet. (Click the blue icon on the top right of the website and then Sign in).
Approve the Sign transaction designed to secure your wallet.
Once complete, the website takes you to the Account page.
Select a username, and write a short bio.
Provide your email and complete the verification via your inbox.
When back on OpenSea, select Create from the top Right and Submit NFT from the dropdown menu.
Click Create under ‘Create New Collection.’
Provide a name for the collection, a description (1000 characters), and a logo (350*350).
Click Save and wait for a message confirming that the collection has been created.
Click Edit on the next page to customize settings such as header images, links to your social media handles, payment currencies and royalties, display themes, etc.
Click Submit Changes and return to the Collections page.
To create your NFT, click the Add New Item under Collections.
Upload the artwork alongside other necessary information such as an external link and description.
Fill in Properties, Levels, and Stats using information such as the year of creation and the edition of the NFT youre uploading, e.g. 1 of 5. You can upload another edition under the same collection since OpenSea only allows to mint one NFT at a time.
Click Create and approve the transaction via Metamask.
Congrats! You just minted your first NFT.
Next, go back to Edit from the Collections tab and toggle the option to submit your collection for review and approval from OpenSea.
Your art will be available to others while pending approval but with the Unapproved Collection tag or warning sign.
Once approved (which could take a few hours or days), your NFT will have the Approved Collection tag when it appears on OpenSea listings.
Click the link for one of your art items and select Sell.
Choose your pricing model (fixed or auction) and select Post Your Listing.
Follow the wallet prompt to sign the transaction via Metamask.
Your NFT will become available in the public domain once the transaction is approved on the network.
5.Promote Your Content
Social proof is among the criteria that OpenSea and other marketplaces use to approve content creators. OpenSea specifically requires that you include the number of social media channels you actively manage and share your NFT collection with the public at least once.
Therefore, make it a goal to let your audience know that youre venturing into NFTs and get the word out as soon as you mint your first collection. Experts also recommend releasing free edition NFTs to build your followership and sales record on OpenSea.
As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to rise, so does the need for secure and user-friendly ways to store digital assets. Cryptocurrency wallets play a crucial role in the crypto ecosystem by providing a safe place to store, send, and receive digital currencies.
Currency Wallet
A currency wallet, often referred to as a crypto wallet, is a digital tool that allows users to store and manage their cryptocurrency holdings. These wallets come in various forms, including software, hardware, and paper wallets. A robust currency wallet provides security features such as encryption, multi-signature support, and backup options to ensure the safety of the stored assets.
Web3 Wallet
Web3 wallets are designed to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) and the broader Web3 ecosystem. Unlike traditional wallets, Web3 wallets enable users to engage with blockchain-based platforms directly from their browsers. They are essential for participating in decentralized finance (DeFi), token exchanges, and other blockchain-based activities.
ETH Wallet
An ETH wallet is specifically tailored for storing Ether (ETH) and other tokens built on the Ethereum blockchain. These wallets support Ethereum's ERC-20 and ERC-721 token standards, having them ideal for managing various Ethereum-based assets. Popular ETH wallets include MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, and Trust Wallet.
Bitcoin Cash Wallet
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) wallets are designed for storing and transacting Bitcoin Cash, a fork of Bitcoin. These wallets provide the necessary tools to manage BCH, including address generation, transaction history, and integration with Bitcoin Cash services. Users can choose from mobile, desktop, and hardware BCH wallets depending on their needs.
Crypto Wallet Address
A crypto wallet address is a unique identifier that allows users to send and receive cryptocurrency. Each address is associated with a specific wallet and is generated using cryptographic algorithms. It's crucial to keep wallet addresses secure and to verify them carefully before having transactions to avoid sending funds to the wrong address.
Best Software Wallet
Software wallets are applications or programs installed on a computer or mobile device, offering a convenient way to manage cryptocurrencies. They provide a good balance between security and usability. Examples of top software wallets include Exodus, Electrum, and Atomic Wallet, each offering various features such as multi-currency support, user-friendly interfaces, and integration with decentralized exchanges.
Decentralized Wallet
Decentralized wallets, also known as non-custodial wallets, allow users to retain full control of their private keys and funds. Unlike custodial wallets, where a third party manages the assets, decentralized wallets provide enhanced security and privacy. Examples include MetaMask and Trust Wallet, which support multiple blockchains and are essential for interacting with decentralized applications.
Coinbase Phone App
The Coinbase phone app is a popular mobile wallet provided by the Coinbase exchange. It offers a user-friendly interface for buying, selling, and storing various cryptocurrencies. The app provides additional features such as price alerts, market news, and educational content to help users stay informed about their investments.
Self Custody Wallet
Self-custody wallets, or personal wallets, are designed for individuals who prefer to manage their private keys and funds without relying on third-party services. These wallets provide enhanced security and privacy, having them ideal for experienced users who prioritize control over convenience. Examples include hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, as well as software wallets like Mycelium and Wasabi.
Offline Crypto Wallet
An offline crypto wallet, also known as a cold wallet, is a type of wallet that stores private keys in a secure, offline environment. This approach significantly reduces the risk of hacking and unauthorized access. Hardware wallets like Ledger Nano S and Trezor, as well as paper wallets, are common examples of offline crypto wallets. They are highly recommended for storing large amounts of cryptocurrency long-term.
Understanding how to use a blockchain is foundational to appreciating its capabilities. A blockchain is a decentralized ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. To use a blockchain, one must engage with its core components: nodes, transactions, and consensus mechanisms. Nodes are the individual computers that validate and store the blockchain data. Transactions are recorded and verified through a consensus protocol, ensuring all copies of the ledger are identical. Common consensus mechanisms include Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).
Blockchain Art
Blockchain has found a unique application in the art world. Blockchain art involves the creation, distribution, and sale of digital artworks using blockchain technology. Artists can tokenize their work, creating unique digital certificates of ownership known as NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). These tokens ensure authenticity and provenance, having it easier for artists to sell their work and for buyers to verify its legitimacy. Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible have popularized blockchain art, allowing artists to reach global audiences and sell their work securely.
Blockchain and Cryptography
The intersection of blockchain and cryptography is fundamental to the technology's security and functionality. Cryptography ensures that data on the blockchain is encrypted and secure from tampering. Each block in a blockchain contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. This structure makes the blockchain immutable; once data is recorded, it cannot be altered without altering all subsequent blocks, which requires consensus from the network. This cryptographic security is a key benefit of blockchain technology, providing trust and integrity in digital transactions.
Benefits of Blockchain
The benefits of blockchain are numerous and span various industries. Key advantages include:
Transparency: Every transaction is recorded on a public ledger, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of fraud.
Security: The decentralized nature and cryptographic security of blockchain make it highly resistant to hacking.
Efficiency: Blockchain eliminates intermediaries, reducing transaction times and costs.
Immutability: Once recorded, data cannot be altered, ensuring data integrity.
Traceability: Blockchain provides a clear audit trail, which is valuable in supply chain management, finance, and other fields.
What is a Blockchain Protocol?
A blockchain protocol is a set of rules and standards that dictate how data is exchanged across the blockchain network. Protocols define the consensus mechanisms, transaction validation processes, and how nodes communicate with each other. Examples of blockchain protocols include Bitcoin, which uses PoW, and Ethereum, which is transitioning to PoS. These protocols ensure that all participants in the network follow the same rules, maintaining the integrity and security of the blockchain.
Blockchain for Data
Blockchain for data management offers a secure and transparent way to store and share information. Traditional databases are vulnerable to hacking and data breaches, but blockchain's decentralized nature and cryptographic security make it an ideal solution for sensitive data. Applications include healthcare records, where patient data can be securely shared among providers, and supply chain management, where blockchain ensures the traceability and authenticity of goods.
Blockchain Solutions
Blockchain solutions are being developed across various industries to solve complex problems. In finance, blockchain is used for cross-border payments, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional banking systems. In real estate, blockchain enables secure and transparent property transactions. Additionally, blockchain is being used for identity verification, voting systems, and even in the energy sector for tracking renewable energy credits.
Is Blockchain.com a Good Wallet?
Blockchain.com is one of the most popular wallets for storing and managing cryptocurrencies. It offers a secure and user-friendly interface for buying, selling, and holding digital assets. The wallet supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash. Its security features include two-factor authentication and advanced encryption, having it a reliable choice for both new and experienced users.
Blockchain Finance
Blockchain finance, or decentralized finance (DeFi), is transforming the financial industry by providing decentralized alternatives to traditional banking services. DeFi platforms allow users to lend, borrow, trade, and invest in cryptocurrencies without intermediaries. This democratizes access to financial services, especially for those who are unbanked or underbanked. Blockchain finance offers increased transparency, reduced costs, and enhanced security compared to traditional financial systems.
Secure Blockchain
Ensuring a secure blockchain is crucial for its adoption and success. Security measures include robust consensus mechanisms, cryptographic encryption, and decentralized network architecture. Regular audits and updates are essential to address vulnerabilities and prevent attacks. A secure blockchain provides confidence to users and businesses, fostering trust in digital transactions and applications.
Media Blockchain
Media blockchain applications are emerging to address issues such as copyright infringement, content monetization, and transparency in media distribution. By using blockchain, creators can ensure their work is properly attributed and compensated. Smart contracts automate royalty payments, ensuring that creators receive fair compensation. Additionally, media blockchain can combat fake news by providing a verifiable trail of content provenance.