How I Create Watercolor NFTs
The NFT art craze captured the news around the world. A new class of wealthy artists, if you dare, caught the world’s attention weeks ago when an artist’s piece sold for over 60 million dollars. If you’d like to read what NFT’s are about, I have another article right here. I’m going to move forward with explaining how to create your own NFT. For many people, it’s a way to store money that isn’t being taxed. For others, NFT’s have enabled ownership of elitist items similar to the way museums and galleries own art for display.
How could they be used?
You could display them on a digital monitor in your home similar to a painting. This new wave of art and way of thinking will bring a revolution of new technology. They’re entirely digital! So keep that in mind during the planning of your NFT artwork. You can create a JPEG, video, or even an animated GIF.
Concept & Launch
Do your research and learn what the different marketplaces offer. I began with writing a list of all of the marketplaces and then taking a look at the artwork listed on them. Begin with narrowing down a few marketplaces that work for the style of art you are going to create. Study those platforms and then create a collection. Don’t just create one NFT. Once you find a platform to sell your NFT’s, the largest one being OpenSea, you will be able to develop a concept for a collection and the set up your digital wallet.
Where do NFT’s go after purchased?
NFT’s allow people to move money around without being taxed. Right now they are a hot item to have in your digital wallet. Once your NFT is created it’s stored in a digital wallet. After creating my own, I was able to view it in my MetaMask wallet. When you create your digital art, you will also need a digital wallet set up. Fortunately, a lot of the marketplaces will walk you through the setup process. It cost me around $90 to set up my wallet and to fund the artwork Rarible.
I ran into the issue of not being able to transfer my Coinbase Ethereum to Rarible. I had to set up a separate wallet. Fortunately, these wallets will allow you to purchase ethereum (ETH). It does feel annoying to have to transfer $$$ and then have them convert it, but it’s a one time transaction.
Creating the Artwork
Keeping all of this in mind we are going to discuss how to make your digital art…
I began with a painting I had already created with watercolors and ink. The artwork happened to be one of my favorite pieces I have ever created. It’s an original work of art, and holds a high value. I wouldn't sell the original. I have never sold prints, so I thought it would be a good first edition NFT.
STEP BY STEP CREATING A SIMPLE NFT
Scan the artwork. This could be a sketch, a drawing, or even a digital painting which would not require scanning. For me, I scanned a watercolor painting. If you’re new to painting, click this link to my watercolor course and this one for free tutorials on my YouTube channel. (I used a cheap Epson scanner)
Use a software such as Photoshop, if needed, to convert to JPEG.
Login to your marketplace & connect your digital wallet.
Upload your image after clicking create.
Define the title and information about your digital piece. (I got descriptive and creative with this one) Most pieces are designed around futuristic themes.
Decide if you will be selling multiple versions of the piece. Will it be fungible or non fungible. How does that affect the price. If you’re only selling one, then the price should be higher.
Connect your wallet and fund the transfer of the NFT to the marketplace. You’ll have to pay a transaction fee called a gas fee.
Wait for the NFT to link to your digital wallet. I always check my wallet to see if it worked.
If you have an exceptional idea for an artwork and it becomes popular, use that as a base for a collection. Creating an NFT is a simple process. It took me several hours to plan the entire thing, but after you’ve done it once it becomes easier. Your artwork will be publicly listed in a marketplace. Crypto continues to change how we view money, investment, and now art.
Affiliates
The Best Course for Making A Career in Art Licensing
Youtube Channel: Watercolor DIY
Floral Calm Adult Coloring Book
Watercolor Beginner’s Course
FREE Watercolor Tutorials (HERE)
