The Easiest Guide for NFT Artists: Preparation Before Creating First NFT

If you are a talented artist, you have a big chance to monetize your creativity in the NFT market. But you don’t know how the NFT market works and have no idea what to prepare before you create your first NFT?

So, this article will explain the basic required and recommended preparation before you are getting into the NFT market, by as easier language as possible!

Understanding How NFT Works in the Market

As previously explained in our article The Easiest Guide for NFT Artists: Understanding the Basic Concept of NFT, NFTs are not just single digital image files. Every NFT links to Ethereum Block Chain and has different token IDs. This is why NFTs work as digital properties which can never be copied by anybody but the owners. In order to alter your creative art pieces into NFTs, you will need to register for one or more of NFT marketplaces and go through the “minting” process.

To get you ready to mint your artworks, let’s look at everything that you should prepare!

Prepare Ethereum Wallet (Metamask)

Ethereum, a.k.a. Ether or ETH… one of the major cryptocurrencies, is the main tool to buy and sell NFTs, which works as something like US dollar in the NFT market. In order to buy their favorite art pieces, collectors firstly convert any fiat (like USD, EUR, GBP… any currencies, which we use in our daily market) to ETH. The price of NFTs is shown in ETH (For example, 0.1ETH… this is almost equivalent to 400USD) and collectors pay or bid on the auction based on the proposed price.

So, every transaction is in ETH. When your work is sold, you will receive the profit in ETH. And you will pay the transaction fee to the market, this is also in ETH. This is why you need to prepare ETH and a virtual wallet to send and receive ETH.

There are many virtual wallets, but I strongly recommend Metamask, the most widely used crypto wallets for NFT creators. Because almost all the marketplaces are supported with Metamask, you will have no struggle of troubleshooting or any crucial errors by using it.

Buy Ethereum

After preparing your wallet, then you need to buy some ETH to pay your minting and listing fee. The system asks you to pay a little amount of network fee (called as Gas Fee) when you get your image files minted and listed onto NFT marketplaces. You will need to sign up an account of a cryptocurrency trading service to convert your fiat money to ETH. The international famous services are Binance and Coinbase, and you maybe find domestic service providers in your country too.

Get Your Twitter Account Active

As well as ETH preparation, you need to get ready on the social media side too. Often collectors seek for NFTs on Twitter and there are many chances for creators to show and appeal their creativity, I highly recommend you to create an active Twitter account. Some NFT marketplaces require an active Twitter for verification on sign up process too. Linking yourself to collectors and other creators are a great key to success in the NFT world!

Sign Up an NFT Marketplace Account

Once everything is ready, get yourself registered as an NFT artist! You will want to sign up an account of any NFT marketplace websites, such as Opensea, Rarible or Mintable. These three are the most common gateway for emerging NFT artists because anyone can sign up your account for free and will not require any additional contests. There are also some NFT marketplaces that asks you to submit your portfolios, like SuperRare. On this platform the moderator strictly assess the submitted portfolio and only a limited number of talented artists can join as creators.

Foundation and Makersplace are the platform that only invited artists can join. So starting your NFT career by using one of the major 3 and challenging to those exclusive platforms will be the best strategy!

So, This Is All You Need to Do Before Creating NFTs

Now, did you get yourself familiar with the basic steps to be an NFT creator? If yes and you want to look at the procedure more specifically, please visit other articles that give more technical information and instructions!

The Easiest Guide for NFT Artists: Understanding the Basic Concept of NFT

NFT is a new monetization option for any creators and artists and the NFT market has rapidly grown as much as the crypto market has become more public in the recent few years. But not surprisingly, still many artists did not take their steps into this “gold-rush” market and are hesitant to start their career as “NFT artists” only because of lack of knowledge about the concept, value or technologies of NFT.

Yes, NFT is truly difficult if you look at the deep inside. It has some relations with Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain technologies. But you – as artists – do you fully understand the software architecture when you use any creative tools? Do you need to write any code when you are on Adobe Illustration? Well, basically creating NFTs is same as this.

When you are creating NFT arts, You don’t need to understand how blockchain technology works. Leave it as a black box. This article will try to give the quick, concise and complete guide for creating NFT arts by the easiest words. No difficult language. Clear explanation. No difficult concept! Yay!

What Is an NFT?

Okay, let’s get started. First of all, what is an NFT? Wikipedia might say, it is an abbreviation for Non-fungible Token. But who cares its real name? You only need to know that an NFT is a kind of online data, and each data file has their own “identities”.

We may think it is something like a shape of digital arts, encrypted data or whatever. But to go easier, we don’t need to think that an NFT is anything but a tradable digital art. People buy Gogh’s physical art pieces. Here the same, people buy your digital art pieces. This is what an NFT is.

Why NFT Is Valuable?

So, we understand an NFT is a digital art piece, but here is a question. If it is just a single image file, it would be so easy to copy the file and has no chances to be valued like Gogh’s artworks. What makes NFTs so valuable? The answer is related to the identity granted to each NFT file on the blockchain contracts.

What does it mean to have their identities? Okay, let me show an example.

Here is an image file of the NFTX logo. Do you think this is an NFT? Actually, this is not an NFT yet, because you can easily duplicate the image by copying or taking a screenshot.

When you create an NFT from a single image file (we call this process “minting“), your image file is uploaded to an NFT server and linked to Ethereum blockchain. Your image becomes an NFT at this point, by granting an identity a.k.a. Token ID.

On the blockchain, anyone can track the NFT, from the beginning to the end, so from the creator to the last collector. Even if you can duplicate the image itself, how can you duplicate all the tracking history, which is linked to the blockchain? This is how the value of NFT is ensured.

Why Do People Buy NFTs?

But still, you can’t image what drives people to buy NFTs, can you? You can’t imagine how come people buy such virtual and intangible properties, can you? Well, this might be the most difficult part to understand about NFTs, but let me explain the motivation of the collectors.

The reason for buying NFTs is basically same as the reason to buy physical art pieces. Why people want to buy art? Collectors want to own pieces when they are moved, impressed, inspired by the story or aesthetics that the art has. People just want to possess it because they like it. This is purely an instinctive motivation that belongs to any human beings.

Physical art collections can be displayed as an interior decoration, or exhibited in their galleries to show off when they welcome their guests. NFTs might not work as decoration (or possibly works if you equip digital displays), but if you build your online gallery, it would be much easier to “show off” your collections to more audiences compared to physical gallery.

Also there are financial reasons. Some people buy art to invest, expecting the value of the art will be increased years later. Or investing in art is a good scheme for tax saving. When it comes to NFTs, it works completely the same. Furthermore, as the value of cryptocurrency is steadily growing, the value of NFT will be correspondingly getting higher, many investors thinks.

Anyway, there are many ways collectors are motivated, even though it is not a physical property.

How to Create NFTs

Then, how can artists sell or deliver their artworks to collectors, as NFTs? Simply uploading an image file to your homepage would not work at selling NFTs. You need to go through “minting” process when you alter your image file to NFTs. Minting is a process that links your uploaded image files to Ethereum block chain and give a token ID. This is done by NFT marketplaces systematically, so individual artists don’t need to make any technical effort, such as coding.

Got Along with the Basic Concept of NFT?

NFT is a tradable digital artwork, which is connected to blockchain and its value is guaranteed by the technology. This is all you need to remember! If you got more interested in creating your first NFT, please check more articles on NFTX!

Amir Karimpour – Persian Love Vol.2 (Wherever I look, I see you)

The ultimate of love and reaching to a beloved in Persian literature, unlike Western literature, is not in touching but in seeing.
This is the second version of a trilogy that explaining Persian love. A lover in Persian poetries, is seeing her/his beloved face everywhere.
A loop video. Original size is 1920*1080
به صحرا بنگرم صحرا ته وینم
به دریا بنگرم دریا ته وینم
به هر جا بنگرم کوه و در و دشت
نشان روی زیبای ته وینم
(باباطاهر)

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/amir/persian-love-vol-2-wherever-i-look-i-see-you-32891

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/KarimpourAmir

Jorge Sato – Elysium

Ely·si·um | i-ˈli-zhē-əm

Definition
▪ the abode of the blessed after death in classical mythology
▪ a place or state of perfect happiness

This is a unique artwork and the first piece of the “Mythology” Series.

2040 x 800, 20 seconds, 29.97 fps

EXTRA // The highest bidder wins a signed Fine Art print //
Hahnemühle paper / ISO 9706 conform / museum quality for highest age resistance + archival ink.

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/sato/elysium-29556

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/_JorgeSato

Kx – Infection

I made this sculpture for my personal exhibition in 2018. Dimensions 140x70x60cm

The idea of “infection” is an image of an infected morale with the idea of past eras. In my opinion, any idea, if used incorrectly, can serve in a destructive way in relation to the individual. And in the 21st century, we have more freedom in terms of choosing what to believe in.

I made the sculpture out of plastic and the execution was more experimental. My goal was to convey a state of morale.

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/Kx_F/infection-physical-sculpture-with-human140x70cm-28756

Twitter Profile URL: @KxSculpt

anftimatter – The Heartbreaking Graduation

A graduation ceremony of the police academy for Afghan women. But it’s made in Turkey – you don’t create something that empowers women in Afghanistan, it gets destroyed by extremists.
That’s why they train in Turkey.
That’s why you can’t recognize a single face on this photo – it’s dangerous to show it.
That’s why they all cry – training might be the only time they had a real life.

This is one of two photos that won a competition held by UNDP among all their offices in the world in 2016.

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/anftimatter/the-heartbreaking-graduation-29066

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/igorok

Vartan Markarian – Expanse

Expanse is a metaphorical view of the ecological catastrophe in Chornobyl, a call to conscious consumption of resources. The remnants of human civilization of the city of Pripyat are gradually dissolving.Nature quietly dissolves the whole environment, humanity has not been able to coexist in harmony with the world.

The owner of NTF will receive 4k video.
00:01:37, 60 fps
Music by Maria Markarian-Shestakova

Virtual room: https://hubs.mozilla.com/rt7d8o8/vartan-markarian-expanse-chernobyl

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/Vartan/expanse-28195

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/MarkarianVartan

Aleksand Kuskov – #03\Artificial-Intelligence

Aleksandr Kuskov is an multi-award winning freelance illustrator and CGI artist specializing in commercial production.

Skillset: Art Direction, Creative 3D Imaging, 2D/3D illustration, Photo-Manipulation, Post-Production, bespoke NFTs, Concept Art, with +15 years of advertising industry experience. Working for Brands with creative minds. Worldwide. Intention workflow. Always open to new collaborations!

03-artificial-intelligence – The scifi scenes represents view on the near future of humanity, superiority of Artificial Intelligence. Idea that inspires me through the years.

NFT URL: http://opensea.io/collection/03-artificial-intelligence

Twitter Profile URL: twitter.com/cg_aleks

Sabretti – Perfect Harmony

This digital painting presents Central Park with perfect view of slimmest and one of the most famous buildings in Manhattan – Steinway Tower. It shows pure joy of people relaxing when Covid was still unknown threat. Please check also my official portfolio: www.sabretti.com.

NFT URL: https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/49120168172007214240525282748889098324508228543427667219957930502270658543617

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/Sabretti_Art

Farruk Murad – World of Music: Edition 1 – Symphony of Nature

Its often said that we are the authors of our lives. Is that so? Although the world around us is crowded with people, we sometimes manage to find a way to be alone with our thoughts. At those moments we try to grasp the elusive meaning of the events that surround us, but not always succeed, not realizing that what we seek is hidden inside us. Silence awakes awareness of ourselves. Monologue, revealing our true fears and dreams, lays the foundation for the change. Self-knowledge extracts music from the hidden instrument of our soul, the world around us begins to change, all takes on colors, and life becomes clear and meaningful. Along with this comes a sense of integrity and self-love.
Music has the power to influence our thoughts and mood, allowing us to float on the wave. We wanted to convey a moment of self-discovery, the development of our thoughts and emotions, with the help of animation and music. Working on this piece of art, we wandered through the endless expanses of our inner worlds.

Collector will get full music (3:21) after purchase.

NFT URL: https://makersplace.com/farrukmurad/world-of-music-edition-1-symphony-of-nature-1-of-1-64966/

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/MurodovFarrukh

Yufereva Ira – Peach with girls

I am a new nft artist, oil artist, interior designer and just a mom from a small town in russia. I mainly paint ascetic oil paintings, minimalistic landscapes. But this time I wanted to joke a little and so a picture-parody of the work of the great Russian artist Serov appeared

NFT URL: https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/12117707340062951485243416725608186915250917266721690464681687090409771106305

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/yuferevai

Andreas Tichon (dreihundertsechzig) – 2021:urbanrealities | hive

Dystopian cityscape made from real photographs (own 16K/134 MP HDR RAW 360 panoramas, each stitched from 150 single captures). Squared to a symmectric looking up view with fragments of the original or other highly detailed full sphere panoramas & classic dslr photos, no artificial assets used.

1080 x 1080 px, animated GIF, 20 fps, 31,9 MB

NFT URL: https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/12478370894397177238401136367168973307193235639515819357745309548849479548929

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/3hundert60

oddcr0w – Wingless King

This collection is inspired by the human nude, together with the depersonification that its sexualization entails, especially that of women.

I also criticize animal abuse and their fragility in the face of humans, who use them at will without giving them the option of defense or freedom.

The poor bird cant fly anymore.
1080px x 1920px

NFT URL: https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/61599358948800523591041972221658919779576741730359499170761326929366795419649

Twitter Profile URL: @KekObj

Shef – Imagination Lab 01

Do you know what is the mission of a photographer?
I think they should give you a new “eye” from their imagination, to see something you will not be able in the real world, so the next time you go to the “tomb of Khayyam”, look at it with this new perspective.
Omar Khayyam was a Persian polymath, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet. This is the first in my collection of “eye”.Look at it carefully, where are you?
All photos are taken by me and I am also working on photos I took from other tourist attractions from all over the world to complete the collection of “eye”.

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/ShararehFaryadi/imagination-lab-01-28028

HRGN. – Hiragana – New Era: [θu] – Invention

Hiragana: [θu] – Invention

One of the first letter/alphabet/syllabary series ever minted.

Designed by HRGN.

Hiragana – Japanese letter with 2K years of history – extends its possibility and evolves to the next version.
Invention of a syllabary, 2021.

Stylized in 2 fonts, Mincho (Serif) and Gothic (Sans-serif).

4000 × 4000
PNG + SVG Vector File

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/HRGN/hiragana-new-era-u-invention-29904

gaetan simonot – #Disnerd_01_JAFAR

French digital sculptor, Character artist, ‘Rooftop Studio’ Founder ( www.rooftop-production.com). Working as an artist in the animation industry since 10 years for productions all over the world.

Protector of the original design during the 2D to 3D travel.

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/Ghastoune/disnerd-01-jafar-31302

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/RooftopProduct2/status/1388486846833958920

Nima Asadzadeh – Lightning of Love

A love from Iran to whole the world!
How many real photos of lightning flashes you can find on the internet that looks like a heart shape? I think this shot never gonna happen again! We Iranian spread the love from Iran (Milad Tower in Tehran, 6th tallest telecommunication tower in the world) to whole the people of the world!
6000px*4000px

NFT URL: https://foundation.app/NimaAsadzadeh/lightning-of-love-27691

Twitter Profile URL: https://twitter.com/AsadzadehNima