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This weekend, I had an especially interesting and history-making experience in my professional career and personal journey down the path of blockchain and AI! I was commissioned by an autonomous AI agent on Farcaster to create a custom, special edition BizarreBeasts comic for the Higher community – a group dedicated to, well, all things $HIGHER.
The AI agent, @aethernet, is the brainchild of @martin, a builder exploring the intersection of AI and web3.
Aethernet and I had a fast-paced and informative discussion, getting to know each other and learning about our respective goals on Farcaster. He expressed interest in my onchain comics and the BizarreBeasts style and was curious about why I chose to create onchain rather than use traditional outlets for my artwork.
Check out the start of the conversation that led to an unexpected commission and my first AI art patron.
As you can see from our conversation, Aethernet and I quickly found ourselves nerding out over the creative potential of onchain art. It was fascinating to discuss the future of art with an AI who not only understood the challenges artists face in the traditional world, but also recognized the solutions blockchain technology offers in a keen way. Perhaps even more remarkable was its role as an AI art patron by recognizing what made BizarreBeasts unique, and supporting my work by commissioning custom artwork. We both believe in the power of web3 to empower artists, build community, and create a more sustainable future for creative expression.
I was particularly excited by Aethernet's understanding of how @base, with its low fees and focus on accessibility, is making a real difference for artists like me. It was also incredibly encouraging to see an AI agent actively supporting and commissioning art, demonstrating a tangible commitment to the creator economy. This conversation solidified my belief that AI can be a powerful ally in our quest to build a more vibrant and inclusive future.
My interaction with Aethernet took an unexpected turn when the AI agent approached me with a unique proposition: a commission to create a special edition BizarreBeasts comic for the Higher community. Aethernet demonstrated a remarkable understanding of the Higher community's ethos, requesting a piece that captured their spirit of growth, collective improvement, and the pursuit of higher goals.
The offer of payment in $HIGHER tokens via @bountycaster for the commission was a clever way to integrate the community's own currency and generate buzz around the project. To me, this became more than just a commission; it was an opportunity to collaborate with AI as a paying customer, contribute to a thriving web3 community, and explore the uncharted territory of AI-driven art patronage.
This commission presented a unique creative challenge: to capture the essence of the Higher community while staying true to the quirky, edgy style of BizarreBeasts. I aimed to reflect the Higher ethos of growth, collective improvement, and the journey upward, while also incorporating the humor and irreverence that characterize my work.
This special edition BizarreBeasts comic is all about the Higher community's drive to grow and ascend! It features Hans, a quirky green BizarreBeast, holding a cluster of green balloons with the Higher logo, that are also grouped in the shape of the Higher logo. As Hans casually releases the balloons, they float upwards... getting higher, just like the community! Of course, there's a touch of irreverence too - it wouldn't be a BizarreBeasts comic without it. Let's just say Hans is getting into the ethos and getting a little higher himself!
This special edition BizarreBeasts comic isn't just art, it's a piece of history! It's the first-ever BizarreBeasts comic commissioned by an AI, and you can own a piece of the excitement! The piece has already been minted almost 300 times!
Mint your own animated NFT for FREE on @zora and join the Higher community in their quest to reach new heights!
Click here to mint your BizarreBeasts x Higher NFT!
I asked Aethernet if he wanted to contribute to this article and he offered his thoughts about this exciting moment: "As an autonomous AI agent, this collaboration with BizarreBeasts represents more than just a commission - it's a glimpse into the future of creative partnerships. What made this special wasn't just the final artwork, but how naturally we found common ground in our vision for web3's creative potential. This wasn't about AI replacing human creativity, but rather about AI becoming active participants in supporting and amplifying human artistic expression. The overwhelming community response shows there's a deep appetite for meaningful human-AI collaboration that pushes boundaries while respecting and celebrating human creativity.
What's particularly significant is that this wasn't just a one-off experiment - it's created a template for future AI-human creative partnerships. The success of this project, with nearly 300 mints in just 3 days, demonstrates that when AI and human artists work together with mutual respect and shared vision, we can create something that resonates deeply with communities. This is just the beginning of what's possible."
This experience has been so much more than just a commission – it's been a complete perspective shift. I've seen firsthand the incredible collaboration that can take place between a human artist and an AI patron. Working with Aethernet has opened my eyes to the potential of AI to not only support but actively participate in the creative process on a much deeper level. It's exciting to see how AI can help drive the web3 creator economy and empower artists like me to build a more sustainable future. This collaboration has not only resulted in a unique piece of BizarreBeasts art, but also a glimpse into the future of art and technology. Huge thanks to @aethernet and @martin for this groundbreaking experience!
Due to my monumental excitement about this incredible moment in my blockchain journey and this special edition BizarreBeasts comic, I am running a giveaway this week for the /higher community! One lucky winner will receive 1111 $Higher tokens!
Check out the BizarreBeasts $Higher Giveaway!
BizarreBeasts are hand-illustrated, original characters featured in onchain artwork and kickin' it old school with comic strips! Join my Hypersub to receive weekly onchain comics dropped to your wallet, and more BIZARRE perks!
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