NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets that are changing the game for creators, collectors, and brands. They provide irrefutable proof of ownership with easy traceability. But of all the different types of NFTs, the best NFT projects tend to be centered around a very specific type of character.

There are quite a few easily recognizable NFT characters out there, from the adorable Pudgy Penguins we’ve created that exude positivity and good vibes to the early pioneers of Cryptopunks. 

We’ll share some other examples of NFT characters below and introduce you to a few more of our favorites if you’re wondering what NFTs to buy. We’ll also share some tips on how to create an NFT character yourself if you’re an aspiring artist looking for inspiration.

But if you’re looking to dive headfirst into this realm as a NFT collector, you can’t go wrong with the characters we’ve come up with here at Pudgy Penguins. 

You can choose from 8,888 Pudgy Penguins or 22,222 Lil’ Pudgies, each of which tells its own unique story. Find out what makes our brand so special and discover your next NFT purchase in our marketplace today!

What is an NFT Character?

So, what is an NFT character? First, we need to take a step back and explain what NFTs are along with the role they play in digital collection. 

These are digital assets that have been created on the blockchain through a process known as “NFT minting”. This is what makes them 100% verifiable uniqueness and ownership - and in turn, what leads to all the NFT benefits.

Basically anything else in our world - both the digital and physical realm - can be copied and/or exchanged on a one-for-one basis. NFTs, though, cannot, since they’re traceable on the blockchain. Every single transaction is recorded to prove ownership and authenticity.

So, what is an NFT character exactly? These are fun digital assets that can be collected, taking the form of anything from simple 2D pixel art to complex 3D models. They’re often part of a larger NFT collection or series, each with its own distinct traits, attributes, and rarity levels.

They vary in terms of utility and application - some are just fun digital collectibles you can proudly display as a profile picture across socials, while others grant you access to games, virtual worlds, and online communities.

Why NFT Characters are so Popular

Now, you might be wondering - why do people buy NFTs, specifically characters? There are actually a few reasons these are so popular, from the thrill of collecting rare items to the community and the utility many characters provide.

Unique Digital Ownership

As we touched on earlier, these characters offer something that traditional digital assets can’t: verifiable ownership and uniqueness. 

Each is a one-of-a-kind asset stored on the blockchain, meaning no two characters are exactly alike. This sense of exclusivity drives demand, as owning a character often feels like possessing a rare or limited-edition item, much like a collectible toy or piece of art.

Community and Social Status

Many NFT projects, such as Pudgy Penguins, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and others, are not just about the characters themselves but the communities that form around them. 

Ownership of these characters gets your foot in the door of exclusive online spaces, events, and other perks, creating a sense of belonging. People enjoy being part of something larger, especially when it involves a vibrant, active community like NFT brands are known for curating.

Creative Expression

These characters provide a platform for creative expression, both for the creators and the owners. Artists can design characters with distinct styles, traits, and stories, often exploring new artistic mediums. 

Owners, on the other hand, can express their personalities through the characters they choose, curating a digital identity that resonates with their tastes and interests.

No matter which side of the fence you’re operating on in the NFT realm, the creativity associated with these characters is worth the price of admission alone!

Interactivity and Utility

One of the biggest misconceptions is that NFTs are simply a jpeg file. On the contrary, many come with additional functionality within virtual environments, games, or metaverse platforms. 

For example, certain characters can be used as avatars, participate in games, or unlock special features within a digital world. This utility adds an extra layer of value, making the characters more than just static images - they’re interactive assets that transform the digital experience.

Our Favorite NFT Characters 

Whether it’s simply the thrill of collecting these digital characters that has you interested or you want to join an exclusive community centered around your favorite characters, we want to introduce you to a few of the most popular names and faces in the NFT space - starting with Pudgy Penguins.

Pudgy Penguins

Our brand was born in 2021 with the goal of curating a community focused on spreading good vibes and positivity. We minted 8,888 unique, adorable penguin characters, each with its own flair and personality.

Since then the movement has exploded in popularity becoming a worldwide movement. We have accumulated one of the most loyal communities in the NFT space, across socials and in our own Discord channel exclusively for owners.

Along the way, we’ve introduced another batch of unique NFT characters, Lil Pudgies. The 22,222 tiny, cute characters might be small in stature, but make no mistake - they’re powerful allies in the fight against the evil bears of negativity that hold you back from living life to the fullest!

There are so many unique options at your disposal, whether you’re searching here on our own website or the best NFT marketplace. From shy, reserved characters to those who aren’t afraid to make a statement, there is truly a companion for every penguin lover out there!

Part of what makes our brand unique is that we’ve led the charge of taking our Web3 brand back into the physical realm with our penguin merch. You can buy physical penguins toys, from our highly popular penguin plushies to penguin figurines and other penguin collectibles.

These toys all come with a digital adoption certificate that grants you access to PudgyWorld.com where you can unlock special traits, play games, and engage with the community in a whole new way.

So, browse our NFT offerings or treat yourself or a loved one to a physical Pudgy Penguin character. No matter how you join the huddle, we can’t wait to welcome you in with open arms!

CryptoPunks

CryptoPunks are often credited with kickstarting the entire NFT movement - or at least taking it from the shadows to the mainstream. Created by Larva Labs in 2017, these 10,000 pixelated characters are among the earliest examples of NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain. 

Each CryptoPunk is a 24x24 pixel art image that has been algorithmically generated to be entirely unique, with traits like hats, pipes, or sunglasses that make some Punks rarer than others. 

What makes CryptoPunks particularly unique is their status as “OG” NFTs. The Punks have been featured in high-profile auctions, with some selling for millions of dollars. If you can ever get your hands on one and have the money to spend, don’t hesitate!

Bored Ape Yacht Club

The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) is a collection of 10,000 hand-drawn, algorithmically generated ape characters, each with its own unique combination of traits, such as clothing, accessories, and facial expressions. 

This brand was launched by Yuga Labs in April 2021. It quickly became one of the most recognized and valuable NFT collections in the space. 

Owners of Bored Apes gain membership to an exclusive club, which includes access to special events, parties, and other perks. The apes are known for their laid-back, irreverent vibe, often depicted with a variety of humorous or stylish outfits. 

BAYC has also expanded into the metaverse and gaming, making the apes not just collectibles but also functional avatars in digital environments.

How to Create an NFT Character Yourself

Maybe you’re not interested in buying an NFT character, but creating your own - good on you! The emergence of NFT technology has created a whole new world of possibilities for creators.

There’s no better place to learn about character creation than a brand like ours at Pudgy Penguins as we’ve done it firsthand. Here are some tips on getting started.

Conceptualize Your Character

If you already have a character in mind for your project, great! If not, it’s time to start brainstorming conceptual ideas as a starting point.

What is it that makes your character unique - is it their personality, appearance, or the story behind them? It could be a combination of these things. Are they a hero, a villian, or something else entirely? There are no right or wrong answers.

Let your creativity guide you as you begin sketching your character, or perhaps different variations of your character if you intend to release a series. Don’t worry about perfection or details at this stage, you just need a jumping-off point.

What matters most is that you’re thinking about the traits that make the character stand out. Will they have different outfits, accessories, or expressions? 

There are so many different places you can draw inspiration, so don’t rush this process. Let creativity come to you instead. After all, this early foundational stage is what will make or break your project’s success.

Digitize Your Character

With a rough starting point you can now start to get more precise in designing your character. Determine whether you’ll go with pixel art, 3D modeling, or hand-drawn illustrations.

You can use a variety of tools for this process - like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Procreate. If you don’t have the ability to actually bring your character to life, you can hire help on Upwork or Fiverr. 

Be sure to come with a variety of characters with different poses, outfits, or accessories. The goal is scalability, so give yourself room to grow and for the character itself to evolve.

Prepare Your Artwork for Minting

Make sure your digital artwork is in a high-resolution format, such as PNG or SVG, to maintain quality when displayed on various platforms.

If you’re creating a generative NFT collection (where traits are randomly combined), organize your artwork into layers (such as body, clothes, accessories) to facilitate the process.

Mint Your Character

Now, you’ll need to navigate the minting process - which is where your character actually comes to life through the blockchain. Ethereum is the most popular approach for minting but there are alternatives at your disposal like Solana or Binance Smart Chain.

As you weigh your options, focus on the gas fees, as this will be the primary determinant of how much it costs to create and sell an NFT.

Once you’ve created your character successfully, it’s just a matter of learning where to sell NFT. We have a guide to help you find the perfect marketplace here in our blog - but you can’t go wrong with Magic Eden or OpenSea.

Then, you just need to start building a community around your project via social media, engage with potential buyers, and eventually, make the sale of your characters. 

You can browse other resources on topics like how NFTs will change the world, how to transfer NFT to another wallet, how to buy NFT on OpenSea, how to find upcoming NFT projects, why are NFTs so expensive, where are NFTs stored, are NFTs safe, are people still buying NFTs, and much more. 

At this point, though, it’s time we brought our NFT character guide to a close and left you with a few parting thoughts.

Bringing Our NFT Character Guide to a Close

That does it for our guide on NFT characterization! This style of digital art offers a blend of creativity, community, and innovation, and is what most people associate with the NFT space.

Whether you’re intrigued by popular characters like Pudgy Penguins or inspired to create your own, the possibilities are endless in this digital realm - and we encourage you to explore them all yourself today.

If you’re ready to dive in headfirst and see for yourself how much fun it can be, explore our selection here at Pudgy Penguins and find your next NFT character! Your new penguin companion is just a few clicks away ready to meet you.

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