Create Artwork for NFTs
Click-through insights by Software Folder:
Creating NFT Art from Scratch
Learn how we create vector artwork for the blockchain using our current software and workflow.
When I first set off with creating artwork for the consideration of NFTs, I had absolutely no idea where to start, how to start, and whether or not to start.
Confused by the popular NFT collections I would see everywhere online, like that Bored Ape project, something told me…
...creating an NFT Artwork collection is going to be a long and tedious slog...”
However, I soon discovered that NFT Artwork does not have to consist of a huge number of variants. And can be a one-off, or just a small collection. In fact, an NFT can also be attached to photography and even music. But for this page we‘ll just focus on vector artwork.
How we create Artwork for NFTs using our existing workflow and software
Using our usual workflow and vector graphics software. With the aid of layers for separating different items we are able to create and export variations of a drawing by simply switching the different layers on or off.
So, for example, the emoji on this page has been exported from a layered master (.afdesign) file created using Affinity Designer.
As with our emoji drawing on this page, Layers have allowed for easy adjusting; adding and removing of items such as the headphones, sunglasses, facial features and hands…
But what if like Bored Ape, you want to create 1000s of art versions?
Generate an NFT Art Collection
Well, apparently there is an easier way of quickly generating 1000s of versions of your layered artwork using Figma and its NFT generator plugin. After launching Figma, you will need to install the NFT Generator plugin from what is available.
So continue below if you are after that Bored Ape collection approach….
Creating Collections with Figma NFT generator plugin.
In case you didn’t know Figma is a handy creative tool for planning; wire-framing, app design and prototyping.
Here is roughly how it works for generating artwork collections:
After creating your artwork and saving the different items as component sets. For example, you may want to create a profile avatar using different items such as hairstyles, hats and eyes, etc.
Well, save all the different item types together as component sets. And then allow the plugin to automatically generate artwork using all the possible combinations of the different items you have drawn.
In the meanwhile I am not sure exactly why you might want to create 1000 of variations of an artwork, but maybe you do?
Maybe, you think collections consisting of 10,000s of NFTs can be useful. Remember these are programmable digital artworks on a blockchain. Whatever you think, why not join our social media group on Facebook and share your thoughts, and work.
Okay, now let’s get back on track….
Fortunately, NFTs can be of any format and doesn’t have to consist of 100s to 10,000+ variations.
Continue below to discover more about the software we use.
Click-through insights by Software Folder:
Here are the Software Apps We Use for creating Artwork
Where it comes to artwork, and that includes photographic works, there are two main applications we currently use.
For vector illustrations we use Affinity Designer and Luminar Neo for photographic work.
You can see examples of the type of work you can achieve below using the software we recommend.
About Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is the best vector drawing package I have personally encountered outside the realm of Adobe’s Creative Suite. Use Affinity Designer to create illustrations from your sketches or photos.
About Luminar Photo Editor
Above is an example of an edited photo we have saved to the blockchain. You can view it by clicking the image.
Luminar photo editing software is powered by AI technology and provides excellent convenience for creative photo editing.
With its sleek and uncluttered interface Luminar makes editing tasks such as masking easier than dragging a mouse.
Luminar is excellent for all types of photography and image processing, including; landscape, portrait, real estate, architecture, aerial, street…
For absolute beginners you may need to practice and familiarize yourself with using the drawing tools.
(Let me know if these templates help).
Follow our Exploring NFT Artwork Project at www.softwarefolder.co.uk for more inspiration.
Disclosure: Please bear in mind that some of the links on this site may be sponsored links and if you make a purchase I may earn a commission. Please also keep in mind that the companies and the products I mention are ones that I use myself, or have tried. And are mentioned for their quality or usefulness I have experienced myself
