Delving into the Digital: ogunkizmaz’s Journey from Cryptocurrency Curiosity to NFT Creation
Thank you for joining us today. Let’s begin by understanding how your background and previous experiences led you to the NFT domain. Can you share your narrative?
Definitely. My intrigue towards cryptocurrencies during 2020-2021 laid the foundation for my foray into the NFT sphere, which began with the 2021 crypto bull run on Rarible. Although I minted four distinct NFTs, my lack of connections in the space made selling them a challenge. The high costs led me to a hiatus, during which I delved into a Turkish NFT community. Their support and a chance to have my OpenSea registration fees covered reignited my creative spark. Despite financial constraints, I crafted my Imok collection, which marked a turning point in my NFT journey.
Interesting! What would you say was the spark that drew you towards NFTs and digital art?
The allure of etching a part of oneself in the immutable annals of blockchain, to be passed down to posterity, was incredibly captivating. It felt like becoming a fragment of history, a notion too enticing to resist.
How has venturing into NFTs impacted your artistic style or the exploration of themes in your work?
It’s been profound. Unlike the physical realm where commissions dictated my creations, the NFT space empowered me to express my style and build my brand. This freedom has been invaluable.
Engaging with the NFT community surely must have had its share of insights. Could you share some?
Absolutely. The camaraderie and the spirit of collective growth in the NFT community has been enlightening, especially coming from a background where individualism predominated. It’s a milieu where I could evolve artistically.
The blockchain is the bedrock of NFTs. What facets of blockchain technology intrigue you the most?
It’s the creation of an immutable reality! We’re at the rudimentary stages of this groundbreaking technology, akin to cavemen, with an exhilarating future ahead.
Among your works, do you have a favorite project or artwork? Could you share the story or inspiration behind it?
My cherished project is the Imok NFT collection, mirroring daily experiences and embodying the philosophy of Heraclitus’s ‘Fire Arches’ symbolizing change. Connecting with over 100 art aficionados through this collection has been gratifying.
Collaboration often breeds innovation. Have you collaborated with other NFT artists or blockchain projects?
Certainly. Collaborations are potent avenues for brand building and forging robust connections. It’s an exemplary marketing strategy, bolstering mutual growth.
The learning curve in the NFT space can be steep. What challenges did you encounter and how did you surmount them?
The realm wasn’t devoid of scams and deceptions, but my love for creation acted as a therapeutic anchor, helping me navigate through the rough waters.
As you look ahead, what are your aspirations in the NFT landscape and how do you envisage contributing to it?
It’s a canvas of endless possibilities. Meeting brilliant minds here fuels new ideas and paths. Like any artist, striving for a legacy and contributing to the NFT ecosystem is the dream.
Lastly, any pearls of wisdom for budding artists eyeing the NFT space?
Embrace the freedom, keep honing your unique style, forge meaningful connections, and never halt the learning process. The journey is as remarkable as the destination.
You can learn more about ogunkizmaz here
https://ogun.tasseo.xyz/
TLDR: The interview unveils ogunkizmaz journey from cryptocurrency exploration to NFT creation, emphasizing the importance of community support, the allure of blockchain’s immutability, and the liberation the NFT space offers to artists. Through hurdles and collaborations, the narrative unfolds a path of continuous learning and the aspiration for a lasting legacy in the burgeoning NFT ecosystem.
