After a year-long rebranding process at FLOC*, we've embraced a powerful new identity as a Strategic Design Collective: An Idea To Reality Studio.
It's true that this definition resonates deeply with our vision of continually generating ideas. However, the problem has been that many of these ideas never turned into realities. We identified several reasons why our visions weren't executed as we hoped:
Lack of human or financial resources (slaves to our time).
Mis-timing (arriving too early).
Failure to communicate our purpose effectively (the audience didn't grasp or receive the message correctly).
During our transformation, some of us delved deeper into Farcaster. Those of us who started early saw the benefits of building within a sufficiently decentralized ecosystem brimming with opportunities. We also noticed that the builders present at the time were shaping an open, collaborative, and shared environment. This is what I termed the Farcaster Landscape—a digital space where various Web3 brands were emerging, evolving, and cooperating. Finally, the concept of Brand3 and everything we were analyzing and experimenting with started to make sense.
We might pinpoint the tipping point with our success in designing the Degen brand; if you're interested in this story, I recommend the publication "Birth of Degen". However, I like to think that our success has been due to perseverance, effort, and learning accumulated over more than five years building FLOC* alongside the best possible partners.
That's why now is the time to showcase our journey over the past months, to take stock and become aware of where we stand as we continue to create our legacy in the field of strategic design and idea construction.
Our original idea to introduce the general public to Web3, before it was known as Consumer Crypto, capitalized on the universal appeal of "BIRRA*" (beer in several languages), reimagined within the onchain ecosystem. Our strategy isn't confined to the limitations of traditional beer; instead, BIRRA* in Web3 can take various forms, transcending physical limitations. This conceptual flexibility turns BIRRA* into our "Trojan Horse," gaining exposure across the world’s most popular social networks: bars, festivals, and events. As FLOC* expands as a decentralized strategic design studio, we'll find producers in each region where a Flocker collaborates. The first two editions are Sold Out, and we continue to explore the trajectory of this idea to take it to the next level…
It All Started on a Wild Night Testing Dropframe—This could be the title of this meme. Because the most powerful memetic movements emerge from spontaneous ideas. This collection marked the beginning of a catch-all drawer for collectibles designed to provoke thought about the cultural moments unfolding on Farcaster. It represents an open space for regular FLOC* collaborators to quickly express a nod, joke, or narrative at its peak moment. Interestingly, the first Fartone emerged from this collection, and due to its overwhelming reception, we later had to rethink its direction…
The tones of the Top Brand3s in the Farcaster Landscape. Those from the design world will be familiar with the Pantone color card. As a tribute to these hues, we aimed to elevate the Web3 brands present on Farcaster to a new level. Using a minimalist layout, we began structuring a limited-edition minting dynamic, focusing on color combinations and their main claims, and adding value for the collection's holders. The result was a resounding success with over 5000 NFTs collected and more than 2000 collectors engaged. What’s next? As I mentioned earlier, bringing these colors to life—and that's all I can disclose for now. If you want to learn more, you'll find out at FarCon…
During the Easter Holidays, our very own Dsorder came up with a brilliant idea: create 100 one-of-a-kind Easter eggs to give away for free to the quickest odegens. This drop was also conducted through a frame and contained a hidden surprise. Inside each egg, there was a chance to win prizes in $Degen and NFTs. A week later, through another frame, the lucky finders could open their eggs and automatically receive their coveted prize. This new experience and gameplay dynamic allows us to learn, experiment, and deliver surprises to the community. But this is not the end. Whoever holds an egg holds a treasure, and I advise holders to keep them safe because, on an unexpected day, they might just open again…
Old Decentralized Advertising emerges from concerns about the evolution of Farcaster as a community network. With the influx of new users, we've observed several practices and dynamics that don't favor the atmosphere cultivated at the platform's inception. This ode serves as a space to reflect on behaviors, with each poster paying homage through references to classic advertisements. We've drawn inspiration from the golden age of visual communication for its aesthetics, product depiction, and narrative. By associating with brands and products from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, we open a dialogue through irony to engage the audience. These works will be available in various edition sizes and, leveraging the capabilities of Zora, will offer diverse payment methods. In the future, these posters will also be available in physical format for fans of the collection…
What's Next? We're continuously crafting new creative paths to unveil first at the grand event in Los Angeles. Moreover, we aim to further explore collaborations and relationships with other collectives, brands, protocols, and artists. This is undoubtedly an ideal time to turn our dreams into reality. In addition to working alongside other projects through our strategic design services, we are discovering ourselves as a collective and launching internal projects that are both innovative and sustainable. This approach arose during our strategic processes and is something we will continue to explore with all the friends around us.
If you are passionate about strategy, design, creativity, digital products, or just want to be part of the creators' revolution, here you have a faithful companion. And remember, anything you can imagine, we can build together. Just ask us the magic question: Why not?
🎶 The Music
🔎 The Links
A Brief History of Memecoins: Their Past and Future
Ever wondered how memecoins like Dogecoin became a craze? This article delves into the origins, evolution, and cultural impact of memecoins in the cryptocurrency landscape. From their playful beginnings to their significant market presence, discover how these digital assets blend internet memes with financial value, capturing both mindshare and market share.
Introducing Nektar Network: The New Era of Restaking
Discover the transformation of Nektar Network, rebranded by FLOC*, and dive into its innovative Restaking ecosystem. This breakthrough in blockchain technology enhances Ethereum's scalability and security, introducing concepts like Active Validated Services and Distributed Validator Technology. Learn how Nektar is reshaping staking practices, offering a decentralized solution that significantly improves the integrity and efficiency of network operations.
Unbounded: A Revolutionary Open Source Typeface
Step into the world of typography with "Unbounded," the first open-source, on-chain funded font. Created through a collaboration between Koto, NaN, Parity Technologies, and the Web3 Foundation for the Polkadot Network, Unbounded supports an extensive range of languages, including underrepresented African languages. With over 1300 glyphs covering Latin and Cyrillic scripts, this typeface embodies the spirit of innovation and accessibility in the digital age.
💜 The Cast
🗝 The Key
“We are creating a world that all may enter without privilege or prejudice accorded by race, economic power, military force, or station of birth.”
John Perry Barlow
🖋 The Word
wowow — " Farcaster Vibes ”
The popular exclamation used by users on Farcaster when they encounter something truly spectacular or astonishing. It has evolved into a powerful claim and reaction within the community, often used to express admiration or surprise in response to various casts. This expression highlights the vibrant and engaged culture of the Farcaster community, embodying their enthusiasm and collective excitement.
🌌 The NFT
Warpcast is not made to feed your ego, but to feed the community.
True value is built in community, if you want to be feeding your ego alone, we are sure you can find better places. Killing your ego's appetite is not the same as feeding your self-esteem.
Feeding is not the same as eating.
Written and designed by @esdotge
