The art industry has faced a wide variety of challenges related to counterfeiting and authenticity. Collectors are always skeptical about whether what they’re buying is actually the real deal or not.

But even artists themselves have been held back by the confines of traditional art galleries and distribution channels. Gatekeepers make it tough for an artist to reach their full potential. And even when they do, they don’t necessarily earn what they deserve.

That’s where blockchain art comes in, and how NFTs will change the world for the better. Placing art on the blockchain eliminates the concerns surrounding authenticity as it offers immutable proof of ownership. It’s also transparent as every transaction is recorded.

Artists and collectors alike stand to gain from the emergence of this technology, and we’ll show you why below. You’ll also learn how you can get started reaping the full potential of using the blockchain for art today!

What is Blockchain Art?

Let’s start with the basics, what is the blockchain exactly? This is an innovative technology that’s been around for decades, but we’re just now starting to see its true potential. It’s a decentralized ledger that ensures the transparency and security of transactions.

So, what does this have to do with art? Anything can be put on the blockchain, including art. Each piece of art is created, bought, and sold as a non-fungible token, or NFT. Wait - what is an NFT? 

Placing NFTs on the blockchain guarantees their originality/authenticity, and creates an immutable record of ownership. 

Traditional digital files and even physical art pieces can be copied endlessly. This is not possible when you put art on the blockchain. All transaction records are stored immutably on the blockchain, so there’s no question as to whether or not the item in question is original/authentic.

This gives artists control over their intellectual property while allowing collectors to own something that cannot be replicated. There are so many benefits of NFTs! 

While you came here specifically to learn about using the blockchain for art, this is just one of the many different types of NFTs. You can find NFTs related to music, real estate, gaming, you name it. You can learn more about the basics of NFTs in our blog with resources like:

• When did NFTs start
• Where are NFTs stored
• Why are NFTs so expensive
• What is a gas fee NFT
• What is minting NFT
• And many more.

For now, let’s get into why blockchain art is one of the most unique and promising NFT use cases - both for creators AND collectors.

How Using the Blockchain for Art Helps Creators and Collectors

The blockchain solves quite a few of the challenges associated with traditional art markets. So, why learn how to get into NFTs as an artist? The most compelling benefit for creators is control over their work. 

The blockchain records all transactions and ownership history in an immutable ledger, so you can tokenize artwork and make sure each piece is authentic and verified. This protects against unauthorized copying or plagiarism, which is common with digital art. But that’s not all. 

Creators can also automate royalties using smart contracts, meaning they earn a percentage of future sales whenever their work is resold. This continuous revenue stream is a game-changer for artists who traditionally only profit from the initial sale. 

Now, why do people buy NFTs? Collectors can add to their arsenal with peace of mind knowing they’re getting exactly what they intend to buy. Ownership can be traced back to the original creator, so there is no need to stress about counterfeit works circulating.

Meanwhile, collectors and creators alike will enjoy how much more seamless it is to buy and sell art on the blockchain. Gone are the days of relying on expensive middlemen who just bog the process down. 

Now, you can simply log into any of the best NFT marketplaces and connect directly with the artist you’re interested in purchasing from as a buyer, or vice versa. This also makes the process more profitable for sellers, and less expensive for buyers.

It’s clear that everyone wins with art on the blockchain, and this system is transforming how digital art is created, bought, and sold. 

Ready to get in on the fun yourself? We’ll show you how to find upcoming NFT projects so you can buy your first blockchain art. Then, we’ll talk about selling art on the blockchain. 

Getting Started With Blockchain Art as a Collector

You’re eager to dive into the world of blockchain art given all the possibilities that await you, but it’s important to understand the ins and outs of buying NFTs since this is a new technology you might not be all that familiar with. 

We have a separate guide on how to buy NFT on OpenSea, but here’s a general look at what you need to know to find the coolest NFT projects and start building your collection.

Familiarize Yourself with Marketplaces

Popular NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible, and SuperRare are ideal places to start your search, as these are trusted platforms where artists list their items for sale. Other collectors may resell items from their collection as well.

Each marketplace caters to different types of art, ranging from digital illustrations to interactive pieces. Look through collections and explore a variety of styles and creators to get a feel for what resonates with you.

Set Up a Digital Wallet

Before buying any art, you’ll need a crypto wallet to store your NFTs and the cryptocurrency (most commonly Ethereum) used to purchase them. 

There are tons of options at your disposal, but don’t let this overwhelm you. Wallets like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet are user-friendly options that can be easily linked to marketplaces. 

Once your wallet is set up, you’ll need to transfer funds to it, which you’ll use for transactions. We have a more detailed guide on executing an NFT transfer if you’re interested.

Understand the Buying Process

Blockchain art purchases often work through auctions, fixed-price listings, or bids. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into so you don’t accidentally purchase an item you meant to bid on.

Be mindful of transaction fees, also known as “gas fees,” which vary depending on blockchain activity. These fees can fluctuate, so it's worth checking before finalizing any purchase.

Consider the Artist and Project

Research the artist’s background, previous works, and any community following they may have. This is especially valuable since blockchain art often carries a unique community or narrative element.

You may even be able to find NFT projects with utility. These are more than just art pieces you can make your profile picture across socials, or display in your digital art gallery. Instead, they offer tangible value - be it in the form of exclusive content, access to events, or something else.

Verify Ownership and Rarity

Most marketplaces allow you to check the provenance, which confirms the piece’s authenticity and ownership. This also gives you insights into how rare the piece is, which could influence your decision as a collector. 

Learn More About Pudgy Penguins!

Ultimately, there are no right or wrong answers as to what NFTs to buy if you find something that resonates with you. But if you’re looking for examples of NFTs to start this journey with, you can’t go wrong with Pudgy Penguins.

We minted 8,888 unique, adorable penguin characters back in 2021, and all of them sold out within 24 hours. So, we followed up with the release of Lil’ Pudgies, which are small but mighty.

Our brand is all about radiating good vibes and positivity, bringing people together and keeping negative energy far away. It’s a cold world out there, but you’ll be warm and cozy in the huddle with your new penguin family!

Plus, we’re the first Web3 brand to take things back into the physical realm with the launch of our penguins store. Here, you can find all sorts of penguin toys, including our penguin plush collection.

Learn more about what makes our NFT characters so unique and why we’ve earned a massive following of millions across socials. Then, take the first step in your NFT collector journey by seeing what NFTs are available in our marketplace!

Tips on Creating Your Own Art on the Blockchain

Now, maybe you’re more interested in learning how to make NFTs so you can start creating and selling your own blockchain art. You’re in luck. Since we’ve done it successfully ourselves we’re going to walk you through the basics below.

Find Your Unique Style

If you’re already an artist with a gallery of work you’re ready to upload to the blockchain, great - most of the hard work is already done! But if not, this is an important starting point. 

You need to find your unique style so your project stands out. After all, the NFT space is competitive as more and more artists and even legacy brands are looking to stake their claim.

Whether your art is abstract, pixelated, or 3D, a consistent approach will make your work more recognizable to collectors. The goal isn’t to create a single piece, but rather, a collection of items.

Choose the Right Platform

Just as buyers need to choose a marketplace for buying items, you need to figure out where to sell NFT art to set yourself up for success. 

Again, you can’t go wrong with OpenSea, Rarible, or Magic Eden. These are the most established options. We’ve also seen creators rave about SuperRare and Foundation for more curated, high-quality digital art.

Take your time to weigh your options. Compare minting fees, community size, and usability, and choose the one that offers the most comprehensive value.

Understand the Minting Process

This is where the process of putting your digital art on the blockchain actually happens. This involves taking digital files and converting them into tokens on the blockchain. It requires interacting with a platform’s smart contracts, which create a unique, verifiable digital asset.

It’s not nearly as complex as you might think, though. You’ll simply upload your file, click a few buttons, and follow the instructions clearly. 

Set Up Your Digital Wallet

Sellers need a digital wallet set up as well to use the blockchain for art. This will cover the cost to create an NFT and this is where you’ll receive your funds from the sale when it goes through. You can use the same options we suggested earlier for buyers.

Be Mindful of Gas Fees

Speaking of costs, you need to be prepared to pay the gas fees - which are just the costs of doing business on the blockchain. 

These can fluctuate based on time of day and current market activity, so timing your minting and sale is not a bad idea. This will help you save money to maximize profitability from the sale.

Create Utility for Your NFTs

If you just want to create meaningful art that resonates with people, great. But you can also take this a step further by adding utility to your NFT, which will make it more attractive to buyers. 

This could be offering exclusive access to future art pieces, adding unlockable content, or creating art that grants membership to a special online community. The more value you can add to your NFT beyond its visual appeal, the more you can earn.

Promote Your Work

Now it’s just a matter of finding the right buyers for your pieces. You can sit around and wait patiently, or you can be more proactive to ensure a faster sale. Here are some tips:

• Engage with potential buyers and fellow creators on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Discord. 
• Participate in NFT-specific forums and use relevant hashtags to gain visibility. 
• Collaborate with influencers or join established NFT communities to boost your project’s exposure.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to sell a single item, or even just one collection. As an artist, you want to build a long-term connection with your collectors so you can continue to introduce new concepts and items. 

Parting Thoughts on Blockchain Art

That concludes our beginner’s guide to using the blockchain for art! You can see why there’s so much hype around blockchain art - it’s a transformative way for creators to share their work globally while providing collectors with verified ownership and a unique piece of digital history. 

Whether you're interested in creating or collecting, the blockchain brings transparency, authenticity, and accessibility. So what are you waiting for? Dive headfirst into this digital revolution today!

If you’re a buyer interested in getting started with art on the blockchain, remember that Pudgy Penguins presents a compelling entry point. Learn more about our brand today, we can’t wait to greet you with open arms here in the huddle!

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