A hands-on artist explores how NFTs actually work, what they could mean for mixed-media creators, and why the technology feels both fascinating and complicated for someone who values the irreplaceable nature of handmade work.
Last week, someone asked me if I'd ever consider making NFTs of my Dreamshard characters. My immediate reaction was honestly a bit defensive: "But they're not digital art—they're physical sculptures with real clay and actual LEDs!"
But the question stuck with me. In a world where digital ownership is becoming increasingly important, what does NFT technology actually mean for artists like me who work primarily in physical media? And more importantly, am I missing something important by not understanding it better?
So I did what any curious artist would do: I dove down the rabbit hole to actually understand what NFTs are, how they work, and whether they make any sense for mixed-media art. Here's what I learned.
Let's start with the basics, because honestly, most explanations of NFTs are unnecessarily confusing.
NFT stands for non-fungible token. "Non-fungible" means something is one-of-a-kind and can't be replaced. Think about it this way: a dollar bill is "fungible"—you can trade one dollar for any other dollar and have the exact same value. But the Mona Lisa is "non-fungible"—there's only one original, and no copy could ever replace it.
Now imagine I create a character sculpture from my Dreamshard universe—let's call her the Memory Keeper. She's a one-of-a-kind piece: hand-sculpted clay details, integrated LED circuits I wired myself, a specific placement of 3D-printed elements, and a unique patina that only happened because of how I mixed that particular batch of paint.
An NFT would be like a digital certificate of authenticity for that sculpture. Each NFT has a unique signature that verifies authenticity and any transactions related to it—who created it, who owns it, who sold it and for how much.
But here's where it gets interesting (and complicated) for physical artists: that NFT doesn't have to represent the physical sculpture itself.
After researching this extensively, I can see several ways NFTs might apply to my work:
Option 1: Digital Documentation NFTsI could create an NFT that represents ownership of exclusive digital content about a physical piece—high-resolution 360° photos, time-lapse videos of the creation process, the character's complete backstory from my Dreamshard universe, even audio of me explaining the inspiration behind each element.
Option 2: Hybrid Physical-Digital NFTsHybrid NFTs are an exciting trend that combines traditional and dynamic NFTs, allowing them to evolve or change over time. I could sell a physical sculpture that comes with an NFT containing additional digital elements—maybe an augmented reality component that shows the character's memories when you view it through your phone, or digital short stories that unlock over time.
Option 3: Utility NFTs for CollectorsUtility NFTs bring real-world functionality to digital assets, giving holders access to exclusive perks, services, or experiences. An NFT collector could get access to studio visits, early previews of new work, input on character development, or even commission slots that aren't available to the general public.
Option 4: Real-World Asset NFTsReal-world assets (RWA) NFTs allow investors to buy fractional shares of valuable assets that were once hard to access. For expensive pieces, people could own percentages of a sculpture through NFTs, making art collecting more accessible while still keeping the physical piece intact.
The more I think about it, the more I realize my Dreamshard universe is actually perfect for NFT applications. Each character already has:
I could create NFTs that let collectors participate in expanding the Dreamshard universe—voting on character developments, accessing exclusive lore, or even commissioning specific characters to fill gaps in the world's mythology.
Despite understanding the technology better now, I still have reservations:
The Environmental Question: Many blockchains use enormous amounts of energy. As an artist exploring themes of light versus darkness, of hope in broken worlds, the environmental impact feels contradictory to my values.
The Speculation Problem: You only make money with NFTs if you find someone else willing to pay more for it in the future, known as the 'greater fool'. I want people to connect with my art emotionally, not see it as an investment opportunity.
The Community I'm Building: My followers are drawn to the tangible nature of my work, the human touch evident in every piece. Would introducing NFTs change the conversation from "this piece moves me" to "this might be valuable"?
Technical Barriers: Learning to navigate NFT marketplaces, understanding different blockchains, setting up crypto wallets—it's a significant time investment that could take away from actually making art.
Traditional art market players like auction houses and galleries are increasingly selling NFTs, with increased focus on canonization and education around digital art. Museums are acquiring NFTs and staging shows that explore the intersection of physical and digital art.
The most successful artists in this space seem to be those who use NFTs to enhance their existing practice rather than replace it. They're creating additional value for their communities, not trying to turn their physical art into purely digital assets.
After this deep dive, I understand NFTs much better, and I can see legitimate applications for mixed-media artists. The technology isn't inherently good or bad—it's a tool that could enhance storytelling and community building around physical art.
But I'm not rushing to mint my first NFT tomorrow.
For now, I'm focused on perfecting the physical craft that makes each piece irreplaceable—the way clay feels under my fingers, the precise moment when an LED placement transforms a sculpture's entire personality, the stories that emerge only through the slow, meditative process of handmaking.
If I ever do explore NFTs, it will be to enhance that experience, not replace it. Maybe as a way to let collectors go deeper into the Dreamshard universe. Maybe as a method for making art more accessible through fractional ownership. Maybe as exclusive documentation of the creative process that only fellow artists and serious collectors would appreciate.
But it would always be in service of the story, the craft, and the human connection that drew me to art in the first place.
If you're also trying to understand where NFTs fit into your practice, here's my advice:
Don't feel pressured to jump in immediately. The technology isn't going anywhere, and taking time to understand it thoroughly is better than diving in unprepared.
Think about your existing community. Would NFTs enhance what you're already building, or would they fundamentally change the relationship you have with your collectors?
Consider starting small. Maybe explore NFTs as additional documentation or community-building tools rather than as your primary art form.
Stay true to your values. If the environmental impact concerns you, research eco-friendly blockchain options. If you're worried about speculation, design your NFTs to reward long-term engagement rather than quick flips.
The future of art isn't about choosing between physical and digital—it's about thoughtfully combining both to tell better stories and build stronger communities.
