In 2021, as artists flocked to the crypto space, the prevailing advice was clear: “Start building a community.” This led to the birth of numerous Discord channels, but sadly, many of these channels have now become abandoned relics. In addition, the term “community-washing” emerged, where companies and Web3 builders used the idea of community purely for marketing purposes. Despite these challenges, there are unique and thriving crypto communities that offer valuable discourse and experiences. Here, we introduce eight crypto-native NFT artists and the remarkable communities they have cultivated and continue to nurture.
1. Casey Reas:
Description: Casey Reas is an American artist, UCLA professor, and MIT Media Lab alum who utilizes various software types as his primary artistic tools. He is the co-creator of Processing, a visual art open-source programming language, and his work is held in prestigious public collections.
Community: In 2021, Reas co-founded Feral File, an online NFT gallery showcasing works by renowned artists. This platform has attracted a unique community of artists, curators, and collectors who are pushing the boundaries of on-chain experimentation. Feral File’s Discord serves as a vibrant hub for art discussions and exhibitions.
2. Claire Silver:
Description: Claire Silver, a pseudonymous artist, is a pioneer of AI-generated visual art used to create moving images. Her work has been auctioned at major art institutions, including Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
Community: Claire is the co-founder of Accelerate Art, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists in the crypto space. This community offers arts education, grant opportunities, and exhibition possibilities for Web3 artists.
3. LATASHÁ:
Description: LATASHÁ is a musician and producer who gained recognition in the Web3 space through successful music video NFT sales.
Community: LATASHÁ founded Zoratopia, an educational program with digital and offline events to onboard artists into Web3. Zoratopia is known for its beginner-friendly approach and hosts events in various cities, including Miami, NYC, Oakland, and Austin.
4. Nadya Tolokonnikova:
Description: Nadya Tolokonnikova is an activist-turned-artist and one of the founding members of Pussy Riot, a feminist art performance group known for its activism.
Community: In 2022, Nadya co-organized UnicornDAO, a community focused on redistributing wealth and visibility, particularly for women-identified and LGBTQ+ individuals in Web3. UnicornDAO has an invitation-only Discord channel and aims to curate and support artists.
5. Iman Europe:
Description: Iman Europe is a crypto-native musician and lyricist.
Community: She founded TheHomiesDAO, a wellness community that supports Web3 artists. The DAO operates on a membership model where NFTs grant membership and contribute to the collective treasury, funding wellness events to prevent creative burnout.
6. The Park:
Description: The Park is a collective of award-winning musicians based in Los Angeles.
Community: They host intimate jam sessions called “Fridays at The Park,” allowing the public to participate in musical improvisation while introducing artists to the world of Web3. The collective experiments with on-chain governance and mints video NFTs to commemorate their sessions.
7. Malcolm Levy:
Description: Malcolm Levy is a Toronto-born multidisciplinary artist and curator.
Community: He founded Refraction Festival, which later became a DAO. RefractionDAO is a unique artistic collective run by artists themselves, focusing on music, incubation, and on-chain governance.
8. Felt Zine:
Description: Felt Zine is a New York-based artistic collective known as Web3’s underground net art collective.
Community: They have been involved in numerous on-chain projects since early 2021, primarily gathering offline in NYC and Tokyo. Felt Zine’s events, unlike typical crypto gatherings, blend seamlessly with downtown NYC’s hip scene.
In an era where our lives have largely shifted to a digital presence, online communities have taken on greater significance. While offline ties have faded, digital communities have thrived. As this shift continues, it’s essential to choose communities wisely and invest attention where you seek growth and meaningful interactions.
Why is it beneficial for NFT artists to form Crypto Communities
Forming crypto communities is highly beneficial for NFT (Non-Fungible Token) artists for several compelling reasons:
1. Audience Engagement: Crypto communities provide a dedicated space for NFT artists to engage with their audience and build a fan base. By interacting with collectors, supporters, and fellow artists, creators can establish a strong online presence and connect on a personal level. This engagement can lead to increased visibility and recognition within the crypto art ecosystem.
2. Collaboration Opportunities: Crypto communities often consist of a diverse group of individuals, including artists, collectors, developers, and enthusiasts. This diversity creates fertile ground for collaboration. NFT artists can find potential collaborators for art projects, NFT drops, or other creative ventures within these communities. Collaborations can lead to unique and innovative artworks that attract more attention and value.
3. Feedback and Critique: Communities serve as valuable feedback platforms. Artists can share their work-in-progress or recent releases and receive constructive feedback from their peers. This feedback loop helps artists refine their skills and produce higher-quality artwork, ultimately enhancing their reputation and marketability.
4. Collective Promotion: Crypto communities often support and promote their members. Artists can leverage the collective power of the community to promote their NFT drops, exhibitions, and events. When community members share and promote each other’s work, it can lead to broader exposure and increased sales.
5. Market Insights: Being part of a crypto community allows artists to stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies, and opportunities within the NFT space. This knowledge can be invaluable for making informed decisions about pricing, token standards, and platform choices.
6. Mentorship and Learning: Communities offer a platform for experienced artists to mentor newcomers. Learning from established artists and industry experts can accelerate an artist’s growth and understanding of the NFT market. This mentorship can help emerging artists navigate the complexities of the crypto art world.
7. Access to Resources: Crypto communities often share resources such as tutorials, tools, and guides related to NFT creation, blockchain technology, and digital art. These resources can be especially helpful for artists looking to enhance their technical skills and expand their creative horizons.
8. Emotional Support: The crypto art space, like any other creative field, can be challenging and competitive. Being part of a community provides emotional support and a sense of belonging. Artists can share their experiences, challenges, and successes with like-minded individuals who understand the unique pressures of the industry.
9. Collectors and Sales: Some collectors actively participate in crypto communities, and artists can directly engage with potential buyers. Building relationships with collectors can lead to direct sales and repeat business, as collectors often support artists whose work they appreciate and with whom they have a connection.
10. Long-Term Sustainability: Establishing a strong community around their work can contribute to an artist’s long-term sustainability. A dedicated fan base can continue to support an artist’s career over time, ensuring ongoing success in the NFT market.
In summary, crypto communities offer NFT artists a wealth of benefits, including audience engagement, collaboration opportunities, feedback, collective promotion, market insights, mentorship, resources, emotional support, direct sales, and long-term sustainability. These communities not only help artists thrive but also contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the broader crypto art ecosystem.
