Pixel NFT artists have found great success using the Ravencoin blockchain. I recently had the opportunity to chat with a few of them, when I came up with the idea of converting 2D pixel art NFTs to 3D pixel art NFTs, using what I call RVN Blocks.
A few of the pixel artists I got to know are @DegenSmokers, @HeartRvn, and @catbitsnft. After learning more about them, I decided to write a short article about them and their art.
Today, I am starting with the artist behind the popular Degen Smokers Club.
Artist Degen Smokers (@DegenSmokers)
What kinds of things can you share about yourself?
I’m 29 from Cleveland, OH lived here my whole life. have a huge hobby in working on and modifying cars, computers, as well as crypto trading and mining.
How/when did you discover you were into art?
I’ve been into art my whole life. Oddly enough I never had the confidence to every really do it or sell my art before the RVN NFTS Degen Smokers Club got going.
How long have you been doing digital art?
I have always played around with all kinds of different art digital and just on paper. The digital stuff I’ve really gotten into more though as I started to produce RVN NFTs.
What or who influences your art?
The Cryptopunks and Bored ape yacht club definitely were my biggest influences in the NFT world. Just seeing a person or team be able to make such a big movement out of digital art really inspired me to try and form a NFT movement and bring attention to RVN NFTs.
My family is also a big influence on my art. I run most ideas and thoughts through them, to kind of get their thoughts before producing anything.
Without giving away your secret sauce, what can you share about your process for art creation?
What I’d consider to be my secret sauce without giving away too much is to just be simple and playful. I try my hardest in life and art included to not take it to seriously just enjoy the moment and what I’m doing, when I do it. I think that’s partially why it was so well received by the community!
Why do you use RVN for minting your NFTs?
I use RVN to mint my NFT’s because I’ve been a long-time follower of RVN I wanted to try and help bring attention to RVN NFTs to help show just how big and amazing RVN is for NFTs as well. I really aspired to be a part of the RVN community and hopefully one day go down in the RVN NFT hall of fame if you want to call it that lol.
Are there any NFTs that are near and dear to you and why?
I’m a huge supporter and lover of all RVN NFTs I would love to see all RVN artists thriving. I know that’s pretty general but I really had every intention with my NFTs to try and shed light and help make all RVN NFTs known.
In your opinion, what gives value to NFTs?
In my opinion just like any art, I feel the fans and art lovers are who give the real value to NFTs! Without any supporters, fans, or people who follow the art it really would be nothing without them.
What are some of your goals in this space?
My biggest goal in the RVN NFT space would be to try and show everyone RVN NFTs are just like any other NFT marketplaces and seeing everyone win! I really would love to be considered in the top greats when people think of RVN NFTs.
What would you say to other artists that may be considering minting NFTs, but don’t know how to start?
I personally was just in the exact same place! I had no idea where to start or even how to create an NFT. Luckily the RVN community is so amazing! They helped me learn how to make them, learn how to set up an asset wallet, etc. I mean pretty much every step of it! I could never thank the RVN community and fans/supports of the Degen Smokers Club enough. To sum it up, just give it a go!
Don’t be too worried or self-conscious about it! just have fun with it. As long as you are having fun you can never lose!
Artist RVN Heart (@HeartRvn)
People want to know about you (and/or your daugther). What kinds of things can you share?
Location Scandinavia. My daughter (the artist) Eva is 8y.
I’m an entrepreneur for almost 15y now. Love Ravencoin (Bitcoin 3.0) and its community.
I see Eva only 3-5d/month because she is living so far away.
When she got her first phone two of years ago (two broken already…) we started to send hearts via WhatsApp when we missed each other. So, the heart has been our thing from since. Some colors have our own secret meaning.
She is so excited about this “bird coin”. She is now drawing and painting all the time (just for fun mostly).
How / when did you discover you were into art?
I have always liked painting. I’m little bit ADHD so it makes me calm.
How long have you been doing digital art?
When I bought my first digital camera in the 90’s (and Nikon, of course) = Magic Photoshop skillz, lol. But mostly I’m doing art by painting.
What inspires / motivates you?
My daughter and her future. Yesterday she send me this painting through WhatsApp.
What or who influences your art?
Dali, Naoto Hattori, Banksy
Without giving away your secret sauce, what can you share about your process for art creation?
This is me and my daughter’s common hobby, and every art we share is done with a collaboration.
We might see some new NFT’s soonish after this first auction at Just_NFTs, mostly Eva’s paintings with little adjustments.
I have an idea for the next #A1-#A10 and been doing some sketches, but let see first what she will think about them 😉
Why do you use RVN for minting your NFTs?
I think RVN is the best choice there is. So underrated, don’t know why. Maybe people don’t read white papers anymore.
Love the community, it’s real and open <3
Also minting and transactions are so cheap.
Are there any NFTs that are near and dear to you and why?
@PhaxyVFX
NFTs are unreal <3 and many many others too!
In your opinion, what gives value to NFTs?
People like art a lot. This technology makes it easy for anyone to share your unique art all around the globe.
Little bit easier to share your artistic talent, than selling only physical paintings.
What are some of your goals in this space?
Hopefully someday I will get my siblings children involved to this crypto/nft space too.
They are the future.
What would you say to other artists that may be considering minting NFTs, but don’t know how to start?
Ravenites have a great, open and helpful community.
Just join Ravencoin/Just_NFTs Discord/Telegram or contact #RVN #NFTartist and we will help you getting started.
Artist Cat Bits (@catbitsnft)
People want to know about you. What kinds of things can you share about yourself?
I’m from the Philippines, and I am 29 years old. My interests revolve around technology, art, and business. Through experimenting and learning, I have honed my skills as a programmer, artist, and entrepreneur.
I came from a business family, so I started my career as an entrepreneur.
How/when did you discover you were into art?
I discovered I was into art when I was a kid. It all began with cartoons, games, and anime posters, which inspired me to join drawing contests in High School. Then, I made comics that I have written and illustrated and distributed them for free.
Back in 2013, I discovered digital art. At first, I wanted to create merchandise out of the pixel art I made. However, it wasn’t successful. Recently, I heard about the Ravencoin project and the wonders of NFTs. At last, I was now able to pursue my passion for pixel art.
How long have you been doing digital art?
Since 2013, so it’s already been eight years. But only this year did I decide to make it a full-time career. Likewise, I use digital art for my business projects, but I never tried releasing real art to the public, only for logos, web designing, and posters.
What inspires / motivates you?
The joy of being free motivates me to make art. Through art, I can share a glimpse of that freedom with people, and when they appreciate what I make, it makes my soul happy.
What or who influences your art?
The influencers in my art are those that are close to me right now. I have two cats, a beautiful girlfriend, a supportive family, fantastic friends, and a super awesome community (RVN).
Without giving away your secret sauce, what can you share about your process for art creation?
There is a vast horizon of concepts, ideas, and knowledge from other artists that everyone can learn. It’s a long process, but it will take you to your niche. Go back to being your child self, for then you will discover freedom and create a masterpiece that is true to you. Finally, be confident in what you make. Your art deserves to be seen.
Why do you use RVN for minting your NFTs?
It’s easy to use; even a non-programmer can mint NFTs on Ravencoin. Additionally, I love the idea of community, independence, and decentralization.
Not only that, but also I was familiar with and a big supporter of open-source projects. Everything I use in my work is from open-source platforms.
Are there any NFTs that are near and dear to you and why?
Yes, there are. My first NFT is from artist @MXCCLXXD. He is one of the inspirations that made me release my NFT collection. I am hoping to see more future projects from him.
In your opinion, what gives value to NFTs?
Many artists and designers have different approaches to conceptualizing art. There are numerous things to consider; time, effort, and the idea. Even when people use generators in their work, they still need to make the layers separately. The generator is just a tool to compile those hand-drawn layers. In the end, it’s the element, identity, and culture behind the NFTs that give it value.
What are some of your goals in this space?
I want to create a safe space for cultural exchange and art narratives that separates it from commodities. Moreover, creating art that communicates a sense of belongingness to its buyers, a principle I learned from the Ravencoin community.
What would you say to other artists considering minting NFTs, but don’t know how to start?
It’s relatively easy. There are articles and videos widely available on the internet for reference. Furthermore, the members of the community are approachable and will help you if you have questions.
Pixel NFT Artist Have a Growing Following
It is clear to anyone paying attention that NFTs are here to stay. It is also evident pixel NFT artists have found much success and have a growing following. There are many other artists I’d love to interview. If you have any particular artists you’d like to learn more about, please mention it in the comments below.