
The Now Podcast
137 episodes — Page 1 of 3

S3 Ep 10How Mendezmendez Beat the Bear Market
What does it take to create 300 consecutive days of art while redefining your place in a volatile NFT market? Meet Mendezmendez, a digital artist who turned a creative slump into a groundbreaking daily art practice that transformed his career. From viral Reddit posts to collaborating with top record labels, his journey merges timeless artistic inspiration with cutting-edge Web3 technology. In this episode, we dive into his bold pivot from editions to one-of-one pieces, how he’s navigating the evolving digital art space, and his sold out-release on LG Art Lab.Join us as we explore the stories behind his most compelling works, his approach to blending AI tools with traditional art aesthetics, and his insights on balancing digital platforms with the allure of traditional galleries. Plus, we uncover how consistency, community-building, and seizing opportunities have propelled his career, even in a challenging market.Presented in partnership with LG Art Lab. https://www.lgartlab.comFollow Mendezmendez on X here: https://x.com/mendezmendezartFollow nft now on X here: https://www.x.com/nftnowFollow LG Art Lab on X here: https://www.x.com/lgartlabTo listen to the audio version, go to https://www.pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 9Inside AI Art's Evolution With Emi Kusano
In this episode, we chat with Emi Kusano, a multi-disciplinary Japanese artist blending AI and web3 in her work. Emi discusses her journey from music to creating AI-driven art, including her LG art lab debut, "Advertising Humanity," inspired by 1980s Japanese commercials. She reflects on the challenges of working with AI and the ongoing debate around its impact on art.Emi also shares key moments in her career, from collaborating on an NFT project with her son to being mentored by Claire Silver. She offers valuable advice for digital artists on building a collector base and finding the right platforms.Emi's 1/1 artwork, “Advertising Humanity,” is now available on LG Art Lab in the United States. https://www.lgartlab.com/drops/detail...Presented in partnership with LG Art Lab. https://www.lgartlab.comFollow Emi Kusano on X here: https://x.com/emikusanoFollow nft now on X here: https://www.x.com/nftnowFollow LG Art Lab on X here: https://www.x.com/lgartlabSign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 8The Future of AR Gaming With Onmi
In this episode, we dive deep into the groundbreaking world of AR gaming with the creators behind Onmi. Joining forces with the innovative minds from Borderless, the Onmi team shares their journey of merging the physical and digital worlds through cutting-edge XR technologies. From the inception of their project during the COVID-19 lockdown to the intricate partnerships with fashion icons and Web3 pioneers, this conversation unpacks the unique blend of technology, art, and culture that drives Onmi.Discover how Onmi plans to revolutionize mobile gaming with a blend of AR, fashion, and music, and hear about the exciting future ahead, including the launch of their native token, PVP games, and a global AR scavenger hunt. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, gamer, or someone intrigued by the convergence of fashion and digital assets, this episode offers an in-depth look at a project that's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the gaming world. #partnerPresented in partnership with LG Art Lab.https://www.lgartlab.comFollow Onmi on X here: https://www.x.com/amadonFollow nft now on X here: https://www.x.com/nftnow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 7Amadon on Glitch Art, Activism and LG Art Lab Debut
In this episode, artist Amadon shares his transformative journey from graffiti to digital art. He recounts the intense story behind his controversial "No Rioters" piece, which sparked international attention and an arrest warrant in Hong Kong. Amadon dives into his passion for using art as a tool for protest and social change, highlighting the importance of privacy and freedom in the digital age.Amadon also discusses his groundbreaking collaboration with LG Art Lab, "Passive Observer," where he’s poised to push the boundaries of digital art distribution. He offers insights into why now is the perfect time for artists to create, despite market challenges, and how his multi-chain innovations are reshaping the future of the art world.Presented in partnership with LG Art Lab. https://www.lgartlab.comFollow Amadon on X here: https://www.x.com/amadonFollow nft now on X here: https://www.x.com/nftnowFollow LG Art Lab on X here: https://www.x.com/lgartlabTo listen to the audio version, go to https://www.pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 6How Jesse Pollak Built Base into the Hottest Layer 2
EIn this must-listen nft now podcast episode, Coinbase’s Jesse Pollak recounts his journey from launching the Base Layer-2 to scaling it into a powerhouse for builders and creators in a little over a year. He reflects on the 'chewing glass' periods—times of intense difficulty and doubt—but also on the triumphant phases of validation and growth spurred by community engagement and strategic pivots. Pollak speaks to critical growth catalysts like memecoins and the Farcaster ecosystem, weaving technical insights with personal reflections to offer a compelling glimpse into the transformative potential of blockchain technology for creating open, efficient digital platforms.Follow Jesse Pollak on X here: https://twitter.com/jessepollakFollow Base on X here: https://twitter.com/baseTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 5Are CryptoPunks the Safest Bet in NFTs?
EHow do you ensure that CryptoPunks age gracefully?In our latest nft now podcast episode, Natalie Stone, General Manager of CryptoPunks, dives into her ambitions for the historic project, emphasizing efforts to integrate the collection into both digital and traditional art worlds. She highlights initiatives aimed at establishing CryptoPunks not just as collectibles, but as key cultural and artistic phenomena. With plans to engage with traditional art institutions and enhance the cultural relevance of NFTs, Stone's leadership is focused on cementing CryptoPunks' position in digital art history, aiming to bridge the gap between innovative digital expressions and established artistic mediums.Follow Natalie Stone on X here: https://twitter.com/NaughtalieStoneFollow CryptoPunks on X here: https://twitter.com/cryptopunksnftsTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 4Is Digital Art the Next $1 Trillion Asset Class?
EIs digital art the next trillion-dollar asset class?In this episode, Grail Capital founder Jean-Michel Pailhon, a key player who left a lengthy tenure at Ledger to launch his own fund, shares invaluable insights on how digital art is reshaping art collection and investment. Drawing from his journey and the parallels between street art and digital art, he highlights his investment thesis and details which projects he believes will stand the test of time and deliver exponential returns to investors. This episode offers a singular look into the evolving landscape of the digital art market, making it a must-listen for anyone keen to understand where art and blockchain intersect, straight from an industry insider's perspective.Follow Jean-Michel Pailhon on X here: https://twitter.com/jmpailhonFollow nft now on X here: https://twitter.com/nftnowTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 3Digital Art: Evolve or Die? With Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile
From traditional art collector to digital art visionary, Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile tackles the web3 art world with passion and, at times, controversial insight.This episode explores the evolving dynamics between collectors and artists and challenges preconceived notions about artist royalties and the need for broader audience engagement through the U.S. dollar denomination. With candid discussions around his historic $400,000 loan against a Beeple piece and the monumental donation of a Refik Anadol work to MoMA, Pablo details the path for digital art's integration into traditional cultural institutions.Follow Pablo on X here: https://twitter.com/pablorfraileFollow nft now on X here: https://twitter.com/nftnowTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 2Sarah Meyohas' Journey From Overlooked to OG
EPioneering artist Sarah Meyohas chronicles her innovative work at the intersection of art and blockchain technology, particularly her trailblazing projects like Bitchcoin and overcoming adversity as an early adopter. Her journey from academia to exploring the boundaries of digital and physical art forms illustrates a deep engagement with conceptual art and market dynamics. Through experimenting with unconventional mediums like holograms and custom plotting technology, Sarah reflects on the challenges and achievements in her career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and creative exploration in the evolving art landscape. The conversation also touches on the integration of digital art into traditional institutions and the potential impacts of AI and new technologies like the Apple Vision Pro on the art world, offering insights into future directions for artists and the broader implications for immersive art experience.Follow Sarah on X here: https://twitter.com/SarahMeyohasFollow nft now on X here: https://twitter.com/nftnowTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3 Ep 1Why Magic Eden Is Winning the Marketplace War
EWhy is Magic Eden winning the marketplace war?In our nft now Podcast season 3 debut, Magic Eden's CEO Jack Lu delves into the heart of the web3 revolution, revealing how the platform is shaping the future of digital ownership by embracing Ethereum and championing creator royalties. From its bold inception on Solana during the 2021 bull run to its rise as a Bitcoin Ordinals marketplace innovator, Magic Eden's journey is a testament to the power of vision, simplicity, and rapid adaptation in a dynamic blockchain world. Lu's passionate discourse not only highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the NFT landscape but also underscores a steadfast commitment to creators and the broader community. This episode isn't just an insight into Magic Eden's strategy; it's a compelling narrative on the transformative potential of NFTs, making it a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology, art, and digital empowerment.In this talk, we cover: Surviving the Solana crashBetting big on Bitcoin OrdinalsChampioning creator royaltiesFollow Jack Lu on X here: https://twitter.com/0xLeoInRioFollow Magic Eden on X here: https://twitter.com/MagicEdenTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 45Niche to Mainstream: Web3's New Horizon
EWeb3 has a perception problem. How do we fix it?Dive into a compelling discussion with digital pioneers Simone Berry, Amanda Cassett, and Krista Kim as they explore taking web3 from niche to mainstream. From creating immersive, inclusive digital spaces that celebrate diversity to tackling the challenges of AI and securing digital identities, this panel explores the transformative potential of web3. The discussion underscored the role of art and creativity in bridging web3 technologies with mainstream audiences, advocating for projects that not only entertain but educate and empower users.In this talk, we cover: Making web3 easy for the massesCreating inclusive digital spacesSecuring digital identities Follow Simone Berry on X here: https://twitter.com/sberrynycFollow Amanda Cassatt on X here: https://twitter.com/amandacassattFollow Krista Kim on X here: https://twitter.com/Krista_KimTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 44From Marvel to Ekos: A Fireside Chat With Founder David Maisel
EHow do you build a multi-billion dollar media empire? David Maisel, the visionary behind Marvel Studios and Mythos Studios, shared his enthralling journey from comic book aficionado to cinematic game-changer -- and why he's all in on web3 with Ekos -- in an exclusive fireside chat at Gateway Miami moderated by Now Media co-founder, CEO and EIC Matt Medved.Maisel revealed the inception of Marvel Studios, driven by his love for comics and an innovative approach to storytelling that catapulted the MCU to staggering heights with hits like Iron Man, thanks to strategic casting and relentless belief in his creative vision. Transitioning into the digital realm with Ekos, Maisel is pioneering a new mythology through web3 and digital art, aiming to merge storytelling, technology, and community in unprecedented ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 43Decoding Digital Collectability With Mercedes-Benz NXT
EThe "Decoding Digital Collectability" panel at Gateway Miami, featuring insights from the creative minds behind Mercedes-Benz NXT, delved into the fascinating intersection of NFTs, digital art, and the future of collecting. Highlighting stories of personal collections, from Pokémon cards to watches, Ben Roy, Felix Schubert, and Timo Heuer underscored the deep emotional connections that drive our desire to collect. The conversation seamlessly navigated through the evolution of NFTs, emphasizing the shift towards creating digital objects with enduring value and significance beyond mere financial investment. By exploring the potential of merging traditional heritage with cutting-edge technology, Mercedes-Benz NXT aims to redefine digital collectibles, making them accessible and meaningful to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the web3 space.In this talk, we cover: The emotions behind collectingMercedes-Benz’s web3 visionHow VR/AR will change collectingFollow Mercedes-Benz NXT on X here: https://twitter.com/MercedesBenzNXTFollow Ben Roy on X here: https://twitter.com/benroy__To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 42Future Kicks: Unboxing RTFKT's Next Chapter
EAre you ready for RTFKT's next chapter?In this special Gateway Miami conversation, RTFKT founders Zaptio and ClegFX (Chris Le) dive into their pioneering journey in blending digital and physical fashion and its impact in both the web3 and sneakerhead communities. Moderated by Alejandro Navia, the conversation covers everything from their landmark Nike acquisition to the Dunk Genesis sneaker launch and forthcoming Animus project, exploring blockchain’s power to democratize creativity and how to humanize the design process.In this talk, we cover: Creating the first sneaker for gamersNavigating the bear marketWhat to expect from AnimusFollow RTFKT on X here:https://twitter.com/RTFKTFollow Zaptio on X here: https://twitter.com/ZaptioFollow ClegFX on X here:https://twitter.com/clegfxTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 41Artistry in Focus: Empowerment Through a New Lens
EIn a panel discussion hosted by Lens Protocol at Gateway Miami, an all-star lineup explored the intersection of web3 social platforms, artist empowerment, and the innovative use of new tools in creating opportunities and realities. Moderated by curator and creative entrepreneur Lady Phe0nix, the panel featured AI collaborative artist Emi Kusano and musician Heno.In this talk, we cover: Using web3 social media to build communityThe future of decentralized social mediaAI art ethicsand much moreFollow Emi on X here: https://twitter.com/emikusanoFollow Heno on X here: https://twitter.com/mynameishenoFollow Lady Phe on X here: https://twitter.com/yesladypheOnixSign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 40Generative Art Meets Skincare With Shiseido
EGenerative art and skincare? While it may seem an unlikely marriage, Shiseido's embrace of web3 offers key insights for brands.Learn more in this panel hosted by Shiseido at Gateway Miami, featuring Art Blocks founder Erick “Snowfro” Calderon, and artist Jen Stark and moderated by Alessio Rossi, Executive Vice President of Shiseido Americas. The speakers explore the global beauty brand’s “Future Reflections” generative art collection, which features artists Stark, Kaoru Tanaka, Hannah Yan, and Robert Hodgin and is powered by Art Blocks Engine.In this talk, we cover: Why Shiseido embraced generative artHow free mints make sense for brandsExclusivity and inclusivity in community-buildingFollow Shiseido on X here: https://twitter.com/SHISEIDO_USAFollow Jen Stark on X here: https://twitter.com/Jen_StarkFollow Snowfro on X here: https://twitter.com/ArtOnBlockchainTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 40Digital Art Alpha With Jack Butcher, Christie’s & 6529 Capital
EIn a panel discussion hosted by Christie's at Gateway Miami, the stage was set for an engaging conversation that delves into the journeys of some of the biggest names in digital art and Web3. Moderated by Sebastian Sanchez, Manager of Digital Art Sales at Christie’s, the panel featured Jack Butcher, artist and founder of Visualize Value, and AC, renowned art collector and partner of 6529 Capital.The three digital art heavyweights chatted about the impact of Butcher’s projects Checks and Opepen, what AC looks for in physical and digital art, and the evolution of generative art. In this talk, we cover: - Why Jack Butcher’s Checks and Opepen took off- AC’s investment thesis- The future of generative artFollow Sebastian on X here: https://twitter.com/sebastianss527Follow Jack on X here: https://twitter.com/jackbutcherFollow AC on X here: https://twitter.com/ACthecollectorTo watch the video version, go to https://www.youtube.com/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 39Inside Wilder World's Multiplayer Metaverse
EAt a panel in Gateway Miami, Dennis Crow, Wilder World’s head game producer, engaged in a conversation with nft now’s Matt Medved to introduce Wilder World's latest metaverse experience. Their flagship game, “Midnight in Wiami,” offers an exhilarating racing experience within a photorealistic nocturnal setting inspired by the vibrant cities of Miami and Tokyo. This groundbreaking game celebrated its global debut at Gateway Miami, allowing attendees to partake in the simulation and firsthand experience the thrill it offers. The two sat down and chatted about why they centered the game on racing and how Wilder World creates its immersive AAA-quality experiences. Crow and Medved also discussed the future of the gaming industry, and why blockchain integration is set to elevate the gaming ecosystem. In this talk, we cover: - Building a metaverse from scratch- Why many gamers oppose NFTs- How AAA game studios will adopt web3Follow Dennis on X here: https://twitter.com/DennisACrowFollow Matt on X here: https://twitter.com/mattmedvedTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 38Deepak Chopra on AI, Well-being and Web3
Deepak Chopra and Poonacha Machaiah, CEO of the Chopra Foundation, discussed the potential of AI and Web3 in improving the world during a panel discussion moderated by Matt Medved. They highlighted AI's impact on healthcare and acknowledged the downsides of new technologies, emphasizing the importance of intention and love in guiding technological advancements. They also explored their involvement in Web3 and their plans to create a "Chopraverse" metaverse for a global community. Their vision centers on integrating love into technology, conscious evolution, and using meditation to reshape the future of healthcare and technology. In this talk, we cover: - AI’s benefits and dangers- Chopra’s vision for web3- The future of meditation and mental healthFollow Deepak on X here: https://twitter.com/DeepakChopraFollow Poonacha on X here: https://twitter.com/thepoonachaTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/#AI #spirituality #art Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 37Snowfro & Sam Spratt: In Conversation
EArt Blocks founder Erick Calderon, known as Snowfro, and artist Sam Spratt, the founder of The Monument Game, engaged in an illuminating and personal conversation at Gateway Miami. Their dialogue revolved around mutual admiration for each other's artistry and the evolving landscape of Web3 art. Spratt shared personal insights about his journey, highlighting moments of self-discovery and resilience. They also discussed the role of technology in art, focusing on Art Blocks as a platform for empowering artists. Snowfro emphasized the importance of community and collaboration within the Web3 art sphere, while Spratt underscored the significance of creative output in shaping the Web3 ecosystem. In this talk, we cover: - What’s next for digital art- Overcoming obstacles to creative growth- How to build a community around your artTo watch the video version, go to https://youtu.be/7S9EQnFYTu0Follow Snowfro on X here: https://twitter.com/ArtOnBlockchainFollow Sam Spratt on X here: https://twitter.com/SamSprattTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 36Krista Kim Explores Art, Spirituality, and Podcast Tokenization
EThe "Art and Spirituality Panel: A Conversation with Krista Kim," led by Matt Medved, began with an exploration of Krista Kim's featured artwork, "Resonance," at The Gateway Korea. Kim described her digital video as a journey of self-discovery. The discussion then shifted to digital identity's impact on Kim's art, focusing on blockchain's transformative role in art ownership. They discussed how blockchain verification has changed trust in the art market and explored the influence of AI in art creation. The conversation also touched on mental health challenges in the Web3 space, with Kim sharing her coping methods, including meditation. The panel concluded with the announcement of nft now’s first tokenized podcast episode featuring Kim as the honored guest. In this talk, we cover: Mental health and spirituality in web3Avatars and the future of digital identityTokenizing the first nft now podcast episode Follow Krista Kim on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Krista_KimFollow Matt Medved on Instagram here: https://twitter.com/mattmedvedTo watch the video version, go to https://youtu.be/VBZo0TKxXloTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 35Being Beeple: Capturing the Web3 Zeitgeist
ERenowned digital artist Beeple, also known as Mike Winkelmann, took center stage at The Gateway: Korea to discuss the digital art world’s evolving dynamics. The discussion also offered valuable insights into Beeple's own artistic journey and body of work.Moderated by nft now co-founder and CEO, Matt Medved, the conversation explored topics like the special artwork Beeple had crafted for The Gateway: Korea, and transitioned to the inauguration of Beeple Studios in South Carolina, offering a glimpse into his creative haven. Beeple also elaborated on his digital art tools and techniques, emphasizing the transformative potential of the medium. He envisioned a future of more immersive digital experiences and discussed the realm of NFTs, highlighting the need for patience and value creation. Beeple also shared his sources of inspiration and addressed artist royalties, concluding with teasers about his upcoming projects and the privilege of being part of the ever-evolving digital discourse.In this talk, we cover: - Becoming the face of NFTs as a crypto newcomer- Why digital artists may be the new DJs- The future of creator royaltiesFollow Beeple on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/beepleFollow Matt Medved on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/mattmedvedTo watch the video version, go to https://youtu.be/4gwRxTMcsjARead more here:- https://nftnow.com/podcasts/being-beeple-capturing-the-web3-zeitgeist/- https://nftnow.com/features/being-beeple-capturing-the-zeitgeist-of-internet-culture/- https://nftnow.com/the-gateway/beeple-discusses-the-future-of-the-digital-art-landscape-at-the-gateway-korea/To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 34Web3 Music Reimagined With Beatport.io
EPresented by Beatport.io, the "Digital Resonance" panel at Gateway Korea featured a varied array of viewpoints presented by five distinct speakers representing different areas of the music industry.Throughout the conversation, the panelists explored the profound influence of web3 on the music sector. They also highlighted effective approaches for artists to engage with their supporters via web3, effectively bypassing conventional intermediaries. This discussion underscored not only the value of diverse perspectives but also the significance of champions who advocate for such diversity within the realm of web3.In this talk, we cover: - How artists can reward their super-fans in web3- Why bear markets breed innovation- How to promote diversity in the spaceFollow Latasha on X here: https://twitter.com/CallMeLatashaFollow Björn Wagner on X here: https://twitter.com/bjornwgnrFollow Finn Martin on X here: https://twitter.com/Finn__MartinFollow Matt Medved on X here: https://twitter.com/mattmedvedFollow Mischa Fanghaenel on X here: https://twitter.com/Nachts_BerlinTo watch the video version, go to https://youtu.be/SSdezH2LPOwTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 33Inside Adidas /// Studio’s Web3 Artist Residency
EAdidas /// Studio unveiled its RESIDENCY program for emerging artists in web3 with an audiovisual activation at Gateway Korea featuring limited open editions and exclusive merch. Bringing together adidas /// Studio’s Global Head of Communications & Activation Stacey King and featured artists Adra Kandil and MonkeeMoto, this panel dives deep into the footwear giant’s vision for web3 and how artists can benefit from community-centric brand collabs.In this talk, we cover: - Adidas’ vision and strategy for web3- How artists can land brand partnerships- How brands can authentically build communityFollow Afrodet on X here: https://twitter.com/afrodetzFollow Adra on X here: https://twitter.com/dearnostalgia_Follow MonkeeMoto on X here: https://twitter.com/MONKEEMOTOFollow Stacey King on X here: https://twitter.com/kingstace_ethTo watch the video version, go to https://youtu.be/MdonO8-naHQTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 32Digital Disruption: How the Art World is Evolving
Art world leaders, including Jung Bong Lee, Kirsten Wang, Vladislav Ginzburg, and Walker Waugh, joined moderator Afrodet Zuri for a Gateway Korea panel discussion on how the fine art world is and is continuing to be disrupted by the emergence of digital assets. The panelists acknowledged the profound impact of digital art and its growing significance in culture, even as some remain cautious about embracing blockchain technology.In this talk, we cover: - How digital provenance will disrupt the industry- The changing relationship between artists and collectors- Institutions embracing digital artJung Bong Lee is the CEO of Seoul Auction Blue, an online art auction platform that allows individuals to buy, trade, and earn returns on co-owned units of artwork. Kirsten Wang is the Manager of Research & Acquisitions at K11 Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the professional development of emerging artists from Greater China. Vladislav Ginzburg is the CEO of Blockparty, an NFT marketplace and storefront platform for creators and brands. Walker Waugh serves as the Studio Director of artist Dustin Yellin. Waugh has also worked with a variety of different galleries for artist projects and clients in their acquisition of contemporary art. Follow Walker Waugh on X here: https://twitter.com/walkerwaughFollow Afrodet on X here: https://twitter.com/afrodetzTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 31Empowering Artists in Uncertain Times
EArtists ThankYouX, Emi Kusano, and J.N. Silva joined nft now’s Matt Medved for a candid conversation on empowering artistry in uncertain times during The Gateway: Korea. The panelists explored the highs and lows of navigating the bear market as artists, tuning out the noise and staying true to their artistic visions. From actionable advice for staying creative and inspired to finding new outlets, avenues and audiences, the discussion is a valuable listen for any creative navigating the current market conditions.In this talk, we cover: - Staying creative in tough times- Navigating the bear market- Reaching new audiencesFollow Emi on X here: https://twitter.com/emikusanoFollow ThankYouX on X here: https://twitter.com/ThankYouXFollow J.N. Silva on X here: https://twitter.com/JNSilva_To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 30Now Runway: Will Digital Fashion Save Web3?
EThe rise of digital fashion promises to disrupt the $1.7 trillion fashion industry and usher major brands into web3. Industry leaders across fashion and web3, including Dani Loftus, Irene Kim, and Lady Pheønix, joined moderator Afrodet Zuri for a special Now Runway panel at Gateway Korea, discussing the future of the digital fashion and luxury movement.In this talk, we cover: - Will digital fashion save web3?- Why generative AI is a game changer for fashion- Digital identity in the metaverseDani Loftus is an artist, model, and founder of This Outfit Does Not Exist, a platform bringing digital fashion to life through education, exploration, and exhibition, and DRAUP, a platform that aims to “bring code to couture” as a marketplace where consumers can buy, sell, resell, and earn digital fashion. Irene Kim is a creative director, model, television personality, and founder of the brand IRENEISGOOD. Kim is a go-to collaborator for luxury brands and was named the first Asian global ambassador for Estée Lauder in 2015. She has worked with big names like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, and Fendi.Lady Pheønix is a curator, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Universe Contemporary and Crypto Fashion Week. As a pioneer of the drop party, she helped introduce web3 to the masses during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a positive space where creativity and innovation could thrive in the face of adversity.Afrodet Zuri is an advisor at nft now and an independent art curator, art dealer ,and writer. Her curatorial projects include a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in Moscow, year-round arts programming for the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, and the first-ever NFT exhibition at the World Trade Center. Follow on X here: https://twitter.com/afrodetzFollow on X here: https://twitter.com/danidoesnotxistFollow on X here: https://twitter.com/ireneisgoodFollow on X here: https://twitter.com/yesladypheOnixTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 29Community All-Stars Talk Bear Market Building
EA star-studded cast of founders representing some of the most successful web3 communities joined us for Gateway Korea’s community-building panel, including ARC Community’s Elroy Cheo, Frank DeGods of DeGods and y00ts, 9dcc’s Gmoney and Dave Krugman of ALLSHIPS. The discussion delved beyond surface-level platitudes to explore the importance of authenticity and commitment in fostering thriving online communities, as well as ways to navigate challenges while building in the bear market. Moderated by nft now’s Matt Medved, the panel shed light on the intense challenges NFT project founders face in the current climate. The founders discussed their key insights into nurturing communities, emphasizing the importance of not just marketing and managing the project as a business, but also safeguarding their own mental health.In this talk, we cover: - Building without creator royalties- How to navigate public backlash - Bear market lessons learnedFollow Dave Krugman on X here: https://twitter.com/dave_krugmanFollow Frank DeGods on X here: https://twitter.com/frankdegodsFollow Elroy Cheo on X here: https://twitter.com/icunucmiFollow Gmoney on X here: https://twitter.com/gmoneyNFTFollow Matt Medved on X here: https://twitter.com/mattmedvedTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 28Memeland’s Ray Chan: Why Asia Will Drive the Next Bull Run
E9GAG CEO and Memeland founder Ray Chan joined us for an exclusive fireside chat at The Gateway Korea centered on Asia's pivotal role in the Web3 revolution.Moderated by ARC Community's director, Gabriel Yang, the conversation explored topics like inherent inclusivity, transcending borders, and gender bias. Chan also discusses Asia’s leadership role in the crypto space and other categories, such as luxury goods and technology. Ray Chan (9GAGCEO) is a businessman best known as the CEO and Co-Founder of the Hong Kong-based meme-centric entertainment website 9GAG. Since launching in 2008, the brand has accrued over 200 million followers across various social media platforms. In April 2022, 9GAG announced Memeland, its Web3 venture studio, and subsequently launched Its inaugural NFT project, The Potatoz, and secondary collection, The Captainz.In this talk, we cover: - Why Asia will drive the next bull market - Why other NFT projects aren’t the “competition”- The pros and cons of remote work& much moreFollow Ray on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/9gagceoFollow Ray on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/9gagceoTo listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 27Inside Keith Haring’s Digital Debut With Christie’s
EIn this Gateway Korea panel, renowned artists and art experts discussed the enduring impact of legendary artist Keith Haring through the lens of Christie's exclusive auction, "Keith Haring: Pixel Pioneer." It features five rare digital drawings from Haring, each crafted on an Amiga computer during the 1980s. Christie’s partnered with nft now to display his first-ever works at The Gateway: Korea in a world-premiere exhibition.The panel, moderated by Matt Medved, also featured artist and animator DeeKay Kwon, Director of Digital Art at Christie’s Nicole Sales Giles, and Yunah Jung, Vice President and Senior Specialist of Christie’s Hong Kong.In this panel, we cover: - The story behind Keith Haring’s digital works- How Haring inspired DeeKay- Why Haring would have loved web3And much more.To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 26How Seedphrase Became a DJ With the Rarest CryptoPunk
ESeedphrase, also known as Daniel Maegaard, is a DJ and investor from Queensland, Australia, who made his fortune in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. He invested $4,000 in Bitcoin in 2013 and cashed out in 2017, making millions of dollars. After traveling to over 40 countries, he discovered NFTs and bought some of the most sought-after ones, including his signature CryptoPunk #8348. During his performances, Maegaard wears the CryptoPunk image as a helmet, which enables him to entertain fans and pique their interest in all things Web3. Recently, he sold his rare CryptoPunk #2924 for $4.45 million. Despite not coming from a traditional musical background, Seedphrase aims to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 using music and identity. In this episode, we cover: - The backstory of his 7 trait CryptoPunk- What inspired him to start DJing- What he looks for when investing - How he plans to bring more mainstream attention to the Web3 space through musicTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Follow Seedphrase on Twitter here: https://x.com/seedphrase?s=20Follow Seedphrase on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/seedphrase/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 25Is Fashion Week Going Digital?
EThe Fabricant is a leading digital-only fashion house based in the Netherlands, establishing the concept of non-physical couture. They are known for creating and selling the first fashion NFT in 2019 for $9,500, and have partnered with the likes of Off-White, Google, H&M and Adidas. They recently released their Primal Rave collection, remixing elements of Dutch culture from the 17th century traditional dress to 90s gabber wear.In this episode, we cover: - Is Fashion Week going digital?- How digital fashion will go mainstream- Sustainability and digital fashionand much more.To listen to the audio version of this episode, go to: pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Follow The Fabricant on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/thefabricantFollow The Fabricant on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/the_fab_ric_ant/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 24Krista Kim on The Gateway: Korea and Web3 Wellness
EKrista Kim joins us for our first-ever tokenized podcast episode announced live on-stage in an exclusive fireside chat at The Gateway: Korea.Krista Kim is a Canadian Korean contemporary artist who has been active at the forefront of web3, wellness, and digital consciousness for more than a decade. Krista is a cultural leader for the World Economic Forum who has collaborated with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Lamborghini. Her work has been featured in both Christie’s and Sotheby’s and and has been shown widely from Times Square to the Venice Biennale.Kim is the founder of the Techism movement — a philosophy that recognizes technological innovation as an artistic discipline, encouraging artists to promote digital humanism for our digital culture. In March 2021, Kim received global acclaim for creating Mars House, one of the first-ever metaverse homes sold as an NFT. Since then, she has partnered with Academy Award-nominated, Emmy award-winning director Peter Martin to co-found [0], an innovation lab and creative studio aimed at building digital experiences that uplift humanity via immersive health and wellness programs.Her artistic expression delves into meditative painting in the digital age, where she skillfully merges technology as a mechanism for wellness, bringing harmony and serenity to the ever-evolving digital landscape.In this episode, we cover: - Korean culture and web3- Digital identity in the age of AI- Tokenizing the first nft now podcast& much moreTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Follow Krista on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Krista_KimFollow Krista on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/Krista.Kim/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 23Julie Pacino on Hollywood Writers' Strike & the Future of Film3
EJulie Pacino is a photographer and filmmaker known for her upcoming feature-length psychological thriller, I Live Here Now. As an early adopter at the intersection of film and Web3, Pacino has used photography NFT projects, including “I Live Here Now” and “Keepers of the Inn” to crowdfund her film projects and bypass traditional Hollywood gatekeepers. As the eldest daughter of acclaimed actor Al Pacino, she has forged her own path in the film industry despite the pedigree of her family name.In this episode, we cover: - The ongoing Hollywood writers strike - How Web3 is upending traditional Hollywood models- The royalties debate and how it fits into film To listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Follow Julie on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Julie_PacinoFollow Julie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/juliepacino/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 22Zeneca’s Secrets to Content and Community Building
EZeneca is a creator, collector, and community leader who, prior to entering the NFT space, was a seasoned crypto trader and poker player. After becoming discouraged during the crypto bear market of 2018, Zeneca took a few years away from the blockchain, only to return during the early NFT boom as a thought leader and educator. One of Zeneca’s most significant contributions to the NFT space is ZenAcademy: a Discord-turned-YouTube channel centered around shared learning. He also created The 333 Club which grants owners access to an exclusive Discord where Zeneca offers advice to upcoming NFT creators. He most recently launched a new PFP project, “The Denizens of ZenAcademy.”In this episode, we cover: - His tips for content creators and community builders- The role PFPs will play in the market- Why web3 education is so importantTo watch the video version of this podcast, go here: https://youtu.be/jKPVyuC9QsQTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Zeneca on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/Zeneca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 21How Sam Spratt Put the “Cult” in Culture
ESam is a New York based artist best known for his Luci series, comprised of digital paintings paired with written psalms, released as episodic pieces of an evolving story about the rediscovery of our most ancient human values in a post-historic world. The first Chapter released in October of 2021 and since then, the project has generated seven figures in primary sales and six-figure sales at major auction houses like Christie’s. Spratt recently announced The Monument Game, an interactive competition offering “Players” the opportunity to win three coveted Skulls of Luci by co-creating new chapters of lore for the highly conceptual project.In this episode, we cover: - Alpha for The Monument Game- How Sam bounced back from rock bottom- The vision behind LuciTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Sam on Twitter, go here :https://twitter.com/SamSpratt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 20Beeple on Shitcoins, Favorite Everydays & The Gateway: Korea
EFor the nft now podcast’s 100th episode, we welcome Beeple (Mike Winkelmann), one of the most well-known figures in the NFT space. He made history in selling Everydays: the First 5000 Days for $69.3 million at Christie’s in 2021, the first time a major auction house offered a fully-digital artwork. Since then, Beeple has remained at the forefront of the web3 space by collaborating with Madonna and Time Magazine, making guest appearances on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and selling his 10KTF project to Yuga Labs, where he remains an advisor. Earlier this year, he opened his eponymous studio in South Carolina to curate and share digital artwork and expose new audiences to NFTs through immersive multimedia performances. He has also exhibited at The Gateway: A Web3 Metropolis in Miami and will show work at The Gateway: Korea in September.In this episode, we cover: - Featuring shitcoins in his Everydays- The fast-growing Asian web3 market- His exhibition at The Gateway Korea- His vision for Beeple StudiosTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Beeple Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/beeple Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 19How This NFT Trader Made and Lost $3.5 Million
EFxnction is an expert trader, investor, and advisor in the NFT and crypto space. Previously known by the crypto alias Shill Nye, he is best known for being early to Solana NFTs, as well as his deep dives on crypto, AI, and different NFT communities. Fnxction has garnered a significant Twitter following of more than 120,000 due to his expertise in trading and offbeat humor. He is also the host of Crypto Chaos Hour, a new weekly Twitter space on @nftnow every Wednesday at 5:30 pm ET.In this episode, we cover: - How he made and lost $3.5 million trading NFTs- Top trading tips and alpha- What he’s watching for the next bull runTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow fxnction on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/fxnctionTo follow fxnction on Instagram, go here: https://www.instagram.com/0x_fxnction/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 18Why Fashion’s Elite Are Entering Web3
EDaria Shapovalova and Natalia Modenova are the founders of DressX, a leading digital fashion retailer with an app and NFT marketplace. Over the last three years, they’ve partnered with the likes of Bershka, H&M, DUNDAS, and Agoria. Recently, the brand raised a $15 million series A round led by Greenfield with participation from Slow Ventures, Warner Music, Red DAO, The Artemis Fund, and others. The funding will be used to focus on achieving interoperability of DressX’s digital fashion assets across multiple metaverses and games, as well as to enhance the performance of its app and marketplace.In this episode, we cover: - The early moments that helped establish the DressX brand- Why big fashion and luxury brands are entering web3- Brands that Shapovalova and Modenova consider web3 fashion successes- What excites them most about the future of digital fashionTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Ed on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/Ed_BalloonTo follow Ed on Instagram, go here: https://www.instagram.com/edballoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 17How Ed Balloon is Bringing Black Culture to Generative Art
EEd Balloon is an active Web3 artist, musician, and community leader within the NFT space. In an ecosystem that is often overrun by PFPs and memes, his stunning pieces showcase his unique existence as a prolific stop-motion NFT artist. To help uplift his fellow artists, 50 percent of the proceeds from his flagship Run Ed collection secondary sales go to The Ed Balloon Generational Wealth Fund, which collects work from Black and other under-represented artists in Web3. From colllaborations with Timbaland, TIMEPieces, and Avalanche to unique a one-of-a-kind generative sound and motion endeavors of his own, Ed Balloon continues to be a beacon of prosperity and positivity within the still burgeoning blockchain-based creative economy.In this episode, we cover: - How NFTs can change the creative canvas for artists- The state of music NFTs- How to approach cross-discipline creativity through a Web3 lens- The challenges artists face navigating bear markets- How Ed is Bringing Black hair culture to the blockchain- The importance of staying grounded while operating in the digital sphereTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to: https://pod.link/1561616636To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Ed on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/Ed_Balloon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 16WTF Are Bitcoin Ordinals?
ETrevor Owens is the CEO of Ninjalerts — an app for NFT trading alerts — and GP at Bitcoin Frontier Fund, where he invests in teams building new use cases for Bitcoin. Before this, Owens spent a decade coaching founders in the Lean Startup Methodology and authored The Lean Enterprise: How Corporations Can Innovate Like Startups.A leading voice in the Bitcoin Ordinals movement, he also hosts our Not Financial Advice Twitter Space every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 pm ET. Whenever a new ecosystem launches, it can be a bit overwhelming – especially when it’s developing at the rapid pace of Ordinals. In this episode, we dive in with Owens to give listeners an overview of everything to know about NFTs on Bitcoin and the innovation Vitalik Buterin recently said is bringing “builder culture’ back to Bitcoin.In this episode, we cover: - How Owens would describe Ordinals to his grandmother- How to get started with Bitcoin Ordinals- The notable Ordinals projects everyone should know- What developments in the space we should keep an eye onTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com Follow Trevor on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/TO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 15Kenny Schachter: “Royalties are F*cking Stupid"
EKenny Schachter is an artist, curator, and University of Zurich professor who has been curating contemporary art exhibits for nearly 30 years. He writes a regular column for Artnet and has an upcoming project called “Open Book,” an ever-evolving digital book on Polygon, powered by Async Art. In addition, he’s written for various international publications including New York Magazine and The Times Magazine. A prominent Web3 figure, Schachter’s other projects include Pop Principle — a NFT-powered blockchain game created in collaboration with Daata that pits traditional art fans against digital art enthusiasts — and CryptoMutts, a satirical 10,000-strong collection of randomly generated NFTs on Ethereum. In this episode, we cover: Schachter’s strong opinions on creator royaltiesWhat’s broken about the traditional art worldThe biggest misconceptions the art world has about NFTsHis vision behind the Open Book project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 14How Sotheby’s Sold $17 Million of NFTs in a Bear Market
EMichael Bouhanna is the Vice-President, Contemporary Art Specialist, and Head of Digital Art and NFTs at Sotheby’s. In June 2021, he facilitated Sotheby’s first curated NFT auction, Natively Digital, resulting in a total sale of $40 million across three editions. The sale included the first-ever NFT, Quantum by Kevin and Jennifer McCoy, and pieces by Snowfro, Dmitri Cherniak, Pak, Sarah Zucker, Fvckrender, XCOPY, Mad Dog Jones, Justin Aversano, and more. That same year, Bouhanna conceived, launched, and curated Sotheby’s Metaverse — an immersive virtual gathering space for collectors and NFT enthusiasts. Bouhanna is coming fresh off of the $11 million Grails Part II Sale, featuring works acquired by the now-defunct hedge fund, Three Arrows Capital. Split into two parts and totaling more than $17 million, the auctions included notable results and injected some much-needed optimism into the current bear market. In this episode, we cover: - The intersection of the traditional and digital art markets - The backstory of the Grails Part II auction- Lessons learned from Natively Digital: Glitch-ism - What’s next for digital art and NFTs at Sotheby’sTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Michael on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/michaelbouhanna Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 13How Grant Yun Balances Med School With Six-Figure Art Sales
EGrant Yun is a breakdancer and med student who has emerged as one of the top-selling artists of the NFT space. While he insists that his entrance into the NFT space was a leap of faith, his Neo-Precisionist style has gained him numerous accolades in Web3. The high-profile sale of his piece “Cow” sparked a conversation about the utility and value of fine art NFTs. Some saw the piece as too simple to be worth 22 ETH (approximately $72,000 at the time), and others believed Yun’s creation to be one of the best cases of CC0-licensed art in the NFT space. Since his rise to prominence, he has achieved multiple six-figure sales, has seen his work auctioned at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and has been subject to flattery by way of imitation. In this episode, we cover: - How Yun juggles med school, break dancing, and digital art- Why he made “Cow” CC0 and how he felt about its reception- How Yun thinks about the power of memes- What life after med school looks like for YunTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Grant on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/GrantYun2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 12The Ledger Recover Backlash & Lessons Learned
EValued at over $1 billion and with an estimated annual revenue of over $53 million, Ledger is one of the world’s most well-known and popular providers of hardware wallets. In May 2023, the company experienced a significant backlash around its Ledger Recover feature — a key recovery service that provides a backup of your seedphrase and allows you to restore your private keys. Many in the Web3 community claimed that the firmware update that enables the service to exist goes against Ledger’s longstanding policy that guarantees a user’s private key will never leave the device. As a result, Ledger postponed the launch, with CEO Pascal Gauthier apologizing for the “unintentional communication mistake.” Ian Rogers, Ledger’s Chief Experience Officer, was on the frontlines of responding to this controversy and addressing user concerns. In this episode, we cover: - Lessons learned from Ledger Recover backlash- Challenges of communicating in web3- The ERC-4337 standard- The future of web3 securityTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Ledger on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/ledger Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 11Pudgy Penguins’ Luca Netz: “I Will Be the Face of NFTs”
ELuca Netz (Luca Schnetzler) is the CEO of Pudgy Penguins, an 8,888 NFT collection of adorable cartoon penguins. In April 2022, Netz took up leadership of the project and community in the aftermath of its fall from grace at the hands of its founding team. Since acquiring the Pudgy brand, Netz has turned Pudgy Penguins into both a comeback story and a breakout project that extends far beyond the walls of Web3. In May 2023, the company introduced a physical line of plushies and figurines called Pudgy Toys. The launch saw the IRL collectibles top the charts on Amazon and do more than $500,000 in sales volume over two days. Few Web3 projects have been able to involve and enrich their communities and appeal to the crypto-skeptic community more than Pudgy Penguins has, largely thanks to Netz’s vision for what the NFT project can ultimately become. In this episode, we cover: - What appealed to Netz about the Pudgy Penguins IP- How he turned the project around- The vision behind Pudgy Toys- Netz’s plans for the future of Pudgy PenguinsTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Luca on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/LucaNetz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 10Web3 Has a Wellness Problem
EShira Lazar is an Emmy-nominated host, interviewer, and content creator covering social media, Web3, and digital wellness. Founding member of the Web3 community BFF and Co-Founder of the online yoga and meditation studio Peace Inside Live, Lazar has been a consistent proponent of mental health in Web3 — a dynamic often overlooked in the online-heavy ecosystem. She recently launched The JOMO Effect, a charity NFT collection featuring 40 artists with a focus on wellness and mental health. Partners include Deepak Chopra’s Seva Love project, Time magazine’s TimePieces, and more. Proceeds from the drop will benefit five mental health charities: Aakoma Project, Half The Story, The MINDS Foundation, LOVELOUD Foundation, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Lazar’s dedication to the NFT space — and to show those outside its walls the potential for blockchain-based tech to do good — is crucial to the growth and evolution of the ecosystem.In this episode, we cover: - Why web3 has a mental health problem- How The JOMO Effect turned into a community project- The factors that make the NFT space prone to mental health struggles- How she stays grounded in this climate- Ways we can make Web3 a safer space for creativesAnd much moreTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Shira on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/shiralazar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 9World of Women’s Strategy for Life After Royalties
EShannon Snow is the COO of World of Women (WoW), one of the world’s leading mission-driven NFT brands celebrating representation, inclusion, and equity in web3 and beyond. Before WoW, Snow worked in big tech; she led U.S. Entertainment at Meta and spent more than a decade at Google building and leading teams. Although she only came on as WoW COO about a year ago, Snow was a holder of the project and passionate about the world of web3.World of Women was founded in July 2021, a time when there were other PFP collections on the market, but few featuring women avatars. Since then, the project has done more than $150 million in total volume on OpenSea, boasts 14,000 holders and collectors worldwide, and has a community that includes Eva Longoria, Reese Witherspoon, and Shonda Rhimes. This week, WoW is holding its Spring Artfest, a quarterly celebration of art and creativity that runs through May 25.In this episode, we cover: - Why Snow chose to transition her career from web2 to web3 - Everything to know about the WoW Spring Artfest- What role art plays in WoW’s future plans- Creating a community that sticks with you in a rocky market- How the metaverse we all imagine could be 5-10 years away- What’s next for WoW IPTo listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Shannon on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/shannonsnow_sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 8The Future of AI Animation with Andre Oshea
EAndre Oshea is a 3D artist, animator, and musician who initially made a name in Web3 by partnering on NFT drops with Netflix, the Academy Awards, and the Grammys. Before finding his niche on the blockchain, Oshea cut his teeth through client work with Adult Swim, Snapchat, Tidal, Vogue, John Legend, and more. His unique style, which explores themes related to futurism, spirituality, new worlds, and aesthetic journeys, has continued to be tapped by many in the NFT space, with his solo pieces going on for auction at Christie’s. He has also continued to pursue philanthropic works, including a collaborative project with Web3 rapper Heno to fund prison reform.In this episode, we cover: - Andre’s journey to embracing AI animation- Why the bear market isn’t so bad- Mental health and staying grounded as an artist in web3To listen to the audio version of this episode, go to http://smarturl.it/nftnowTo sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com To follow Andre on Twitter, go here: https://twitter.com/andreoshea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 7How Frank DeGods Built a $250M Multi-Chain Empire
EFrank DeGods (Rohun Vora) founded the highly acclaimed DeGods and y00ts NFT projects. He is also the co-founder of DeLabs. After working on movie sets in his early teens, he was inspired to study film at UCLA but dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. He was accepted to the startup fund and program Y Combinator, where he raised $1.3 million. Soon after, he joined a coding boot camp and landed a job at Main Street, a software development company where he raised a $500-million valuation. Frank went deep into the Solana ecosystem and established significant clout with the community after starting DeLabs in 2021. But his goals went far beyond Solana, with DeGods and y00ts poised to become multichain endeavors. DeGods left Solana in 2023 for Ethereum and even bridged over to Bitcoin as Ordinals Inscriptions, while y00ts found a home on Polygon.In this episode of the nft now podcast, we cover:- The origins of y00ts and DeGods- What role storytelling plays within his ecosystem- DeGods’ bridge from SOL to ETH- How Frank cares for this mental health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.