In a world that's increasingly specialized, weâre losing sight of the value of the polymathâthe Renaissance person who can think across disciplines, connect dots others donât see, and solve complex problems in innovative ways.
The world doesnât just need experts; it needs people who can weave together knowledge from art, science, technology, and humanities to find solutions that are both creative and practical.
Polymaths see the bigger picture.
They bring fresh perspectives, challenge conventional thinking, and drive progress by making unexpected connections.
We need more of these thinkersâpeople who are unafraid to explore beyond their primary field and who embrace the messy, interdisciplinary nature of real-world problems.
Itâs not just about knowing a lot; itâs about knowing how to think differently. The future belongs to those who can do both.
Assigning a "floor price" to an artist was the topic in last week's Cryptoart Question of the Week. While some view it as a necessary aspect of market dynamics, many argue that it does more harm than good, reducing art to a financial asset rather than appreciating it for its intrinsic value.
Floor Prices Mislead and Restrict Artistic Value
Several voices in the community have spoken out against the idea, highlighting how assigning a floor price can be restrictive and misleading. As @gtsewell bluntly put it, âAnyone who thinks each intrinsically created original artwork by any artist should have a floor price is a moron.â [1] This sentiment reflects the frustration felt by many artists and collectors who see floor prices as a commodification of creative work, driven by speculation rather than genuine appreciation.
Artâs True Value Goes Beyond Market Prices
Artâs value goes far beyond numerical metrics, and many argue that trying to assign a rigid price floor undermines this complexity. @antwoman pointed out that while floor prices might make sense for projects, they don't fit well with individual artists, particularly those creating one-of-a-kind pieces. âArtistsâ value comes from so many different aspects besides price,â she said, emphasizing that art is a dynamic expression that can't be distilled down to a market value alone. [2]
Financial Motives Can Distort Art's Value
The impact of collectors' mindsets on artistsâ perceptions was another key point in the discussion. The drive to assign a floor price often stems from an investment-first approach that prioritizes financial gain over artistic integrity. @niftytime.eth noted that âfloor prices are unavoidable in this space; they're simply a fact of crypto life.â [3] However, he cautioned that collectors who focus solely on price movements add little value to the art and can distract from the more meaningful aspects of the artistâs work.
@y0b added, âBlockchain has a transparency quality that makes money trails and incentives visible. Yes, it's ugly. But it's basically just the same as in the traditional world where everything is just as ugly, orders of magnitude larger, but demurely hidden from sight.â [4] This highlights how the visibility of financial motives in blockchain can amplify the investment-driven focus seen in traditional art, making it more apparent but no less problematic.
Floor Prices Add Unnecessary Pressure on Artists
For many artists, floor prices bring unnecessary pressure. @carlos28355 expressed that being assigned a floor price âfeels like too much added pressure,â especially when prices fluctuate, leading to stress and potential negative perceptions of an artistâs evolving body of work. [5] This pressure can turn the artistic process into a constant struggle to maintain market value rather than a journey of creative exploration.
Reframing Artâs Value Requires Educating Collectors
Looking forward, thereâs a clear need to reframe how we think about the value of art. Instead of getting caught up in market dynamics, the community suggests fostering a deeper understanding between artists and collectors. As @catswilleatyou highlighted, itâs essential to educate buyers about the unique stories and significance behind each piece of art, allowing them to appreciate value beyond the numbers. [6] This shift can help build more respectful and meaningful connections in the art world, where the focus returns to the creativity and individuality that define an artistâs work.
Balancing Financial Metrics with Artistic Integrity Is Key
The ongoing conversation around floor prices shows that while financial considerations are an inevitable part of the art market, they should not overshadow the essence of artistic expression. By promoting transparent and respectful dialogue, we can help ensure that art is valued for its true worthânot just its market price.
Notes:
Choosing between Open Editions, Limited Editions, and 1/1 artworks goes beyond numbersâit's a strategic choice that affects both the artist and the collector.
Open Editions (OE) make art more accessible, allowing a wider audience to engage with it. In the digital age, where network effects play a significant role, having thousands of collectors support a single piece can help it reach millions. By offering OEs, artists can tap into a broader community, creating a sense of shared ownership and connection.
Limited Editions (LE) strike a balance between accessibility and exclusivity. With a set number of copies, each piece is usually numbered, adding a sense of scarcity and urgency. The LE format appeals to collectors who want something special without the exclusivity of a 1/1, and it can increase in value over time.
1/1 Artworks cater to collectors who value exclusivity and uniqueness. Owning a 1/1 means holding something truly one-of-a-kind, which can significantly drive up the artwork's perceived value and desirability.
I believe artists should carefully consider how these different formats align with their creative vision and the kind of experience they want to offer their collectors.
AI is rapidly reshaping our world, altering how we think, create, and engage with technology. What began as a niche pursuit in the 1970s has grown into a central force, sparking critical debates about the nature of intelligence, creativity, and ethics.
As AI capabilities evolve, so do the questions surrounding its impact. The ongoing discussions about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) aren't just about pushing technological boundaries; theyâre about redefining our understanding of intelligence itself.
Our responsibility extends beyond developing AI technologiesâwe must guide its growth thoughtfully. Ensuring that AI aligns with our values is crucial, as it can enhance rather than overshadow our creative and technological pursuits. The focus shouldnât just be on what AI can achieve, but on how we direct its impact to benefit society as a whole.
Ultimately, AIâs success will be measured by how well it reflects our shared principles, amplifying our creative and intellectual potential while safeguarding the human element at its core.
The "halo effect" is a psychological bias where perceived success in one area enhances overall perceptions. In the onchain world, selling on prestigious platforms like Christie's or Sotheby's can create this "halo," suggesting high quality and value. However, for emerging artists, building this perception takes deliberate effort.
To cultivate your halo:
Get Media Coverage: Being featured in articles or interviewed on podcasts signals that your work and perspective are worth sharing. Reach out to media outlets and podcasts, highlighting your unique angle to get noticed.
Win Awards or Competitions: Awards and recognitions can significantly boost your perceived value. Enter competitions relevant to your nicheâwinning or even being shortlisted can position you as a leader in your field.
Leverage the Superstar Effect: Specialize in a hyper-niche area where you can stand out. Becoming the go-to artist for a specific style or concept sets you apart and builds a unique halo around your work.
While building a halo is about perception, creating meaningful connections along the way is key to lasting recognition and success. The halo effect can capture attention and open doors, but itâs up to you to truly win hearts. Keep creating, keep engaging, and let your continued efforts speak for yourself.
The single best piece of career advice I read was in Jack Canfieldâs The Power of Focus. He quotes Jim Rohn as saying,
âif you read one book every month about your industry, in 10 years youâll have read 120 books. That will put you in the top 1% of your field.â
Itâs been over 20 years since I was inspired by that quote. And Iâve read hundreds of book since. That said, Iâm not sure it would hold the same exact weight today because the internet has changed how we find and consume information so dramatically.
However, what I also learned from all of this consuming was how to get better at identifying the nuggets of information that I can use in my own path to success.
Over the last 20 years, Iâve been able to use YouTube, blogs, Blinkist, eBooks, Masterclass, ChatGPT, and other amazing tech to enhance and target my information consumption habits.
Each time learning how to get better at identifying and retaining the information I need to be in the top of my field.
In the world of onchain art, collectors play a crucial role in supporting and amplifying the work of artists. But too often, collectors enter the space with an investment-first mindset, driven by potential returns rather than a genuine appreciation for the art itself. This approach can undermine the artistâs work, reducing it to a mere asset rather than a meaningful piece of creative expression.
I believe itâs time for artist to take more control. Artists should seek out collectors who are not just buying art for its financial potential but because they truly value the art and the artist behind it. These are the collectors who see the humanity in the work, who care about the stories being told, and who engage with the art on a deeper level.
Art should be about more than just numbers and floor prices. Itâs about connection, storytelling, and shared experiences. By actively seeking collectors who respect and understand this, artists can build more authentic relationships that honor their work. Itâs not just about finding buyersâitâs about finding people who care, who support the artistâs journey, and who believe in the art for what it is, not just what itâs worth on the market.
Navigating the intersection of art and commerce can be a tricky balancing act. The drive for financial success often runs up against the desire to stay true to oneâs artistic vision. In the onchain art space, this tension is especially pronounced, where the pressure to sell and market art can sometimes feel at odds with maintaining creative integrity.
I believe thereâs a sweet spot where financial success and artistic integrity can coexist. Itâs about recognizing that while earning a living is essential, it doesnât have to come at the expense of your artâs deeper meaning. When artists strike this balance, they can thrive economically without compromising their vision.
Art that sells doesnât have to lose its soul. The real value lies in creating work that speaks authentically to who you are, while also engaging with the market in a way that sustains your craft. Finding that balance isnât always easy, but itâs where I believe the most rewarding and fulfilling artistic journeys happenâwhere art remains true, and success follows naturally.
The ideal of âart for artâs sakeâ is a beautiful concept, but in the onchain space, itâs not always practical. Here, artists are not just creatorsâtheyâre entrepreneurs navigating a complex and rapidly evolving marketplace. In this environment, financial sustainability is as crucial as creative expression.
Art onchain isnât only about the emotional or expressive reasons behind the work; itâs also about recognizing the value of that work in a commercial context. Artists are building their own brands, managing their own sales, and making strategic decisions that directly impact their livelihood. This entrepreneurial mindset doesnât diminish the art; it empowers artists to define their own paths and engage more actively with their audience.
This perspective advocates for a space where artists can openly discuss their workâs value, share their stories, and embrace their roles as entrepreneurs. Art as a business doesnât make it any less meaningful; it ensures that artists can continue to create on their terms, sustaining both their craft and their careers.
Artists, collectors, and enthusiasts are navigating a creative and connected space, yet these deeper values are often misunderstood or overshadowed by surface-level perceptions. Here's a look at what some members of our art community had to say about the challenges and what they wish more people understood in our community's first-ever Cryptoart Question of the Week: Whatâs One Thing You Wish More People Understood About the Art Community?
Art is About More Than Money
A recurring theme in our discussions is the misunderstanding that Web3 art is solely driven by profit. While financial aspects are certainly part of the landscape, many artists stress that thereâs so much more behind the work. @wgmeets summed it up well, saying, âI truly wish more people understood that for a great deal of us, itâs not just about selling; thereâs an art-focused culture and bond with CryptoArt that goes beyond buzzwords, marketing, or hype.â [1] Similarly, @push- emphasized that âArt in Web3 is not profit; itâs more meaningful and deeper than that,â [2] highlighting the importance of education over mere spreading of art.
Sharing Art is Vulnerable
Creating art and putting it out into the world can be a deeply vulnerable act, yet this aspect often gets overlooked in favor of conversations about price and market value. @juliakponsford captured this when she said, âSharing art publicly can be a very vulnerable thing.â [3] This vulnerability is particularly pronounced in a space where value is frequently measured in floor prices and sales. As @bay-photography noted, âArt can be someoneâs escape, and is vulnerable. Sharing that with the world can be scary.â [4]
Community and Connection Matter
One of the unique aspects of CryptoArt is the direct and often personal connections between artists and collectors. This dynamic fosters a sense of community that goes beyond transactional relationships. @wevans247.eth pointed out, âThe big difference between Web2 and Web3 art for me is the ease of communication with the artists. As a collector, I can respond, converse, get to know them, and in some small way, also help promote their work.â [5] This connectedness offers a unique opportunity for artists to build deeper relationships with their supporters.
Education Over Hype
Many in the community believe that a shift in narrativeâfrom focusing on financial gains to appreciating the cultural and emotional significance of artâis essential. As @showadot shared, collectors often âget it because it somehow crosses with the current meta/hype without understanding the value, influences, or the history behind your medium/piece.â [6] This disconnect highlights the need for collective efforts to educate both collectors and the broader audience, ensuring the message behind the art is not lost in the noise.
Challenges of Recognition
Emerging artists often face the challenge of finding their place in a highly competitive digital landscape. As @sgt-sl8termelon noted, âModerate giftedness that is growing towards greatness is discouraged because we all have to compete with the âchampionsâ on a daily basis.â [7] This sentiment resonates with many who feel that the art world can sometimes be more about visibility than talent, making it harder for up-and-coming artists to thrive without additional support.
Need for Deeper Conversations
There is also a strong desire for spaces that go beyond showcasing work to foster genuine conversations about art and the artist's experience. @amanrasouli expressed a longing for a space âto talk and not just chat about ourselves and our works,â [8] suggesting that these more intimate settings could strengthen bonds within the community and help bridge understanding gaps between artists and their audiences.
Closing Thoughts
The art community is a complex and vibrant space that extends far beyond the surface-level buzz of sales and trends. Itâs about connection, vulnerability, education, and the shared journey of creators and collectors alike. By recognizing these deeper layers, we can shift the conversation to celebrate the true value of art and foster a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone involved. As we continue to navigate this evolving landscape, letâs remember to honor the human element at the heart of all artistic endeavors.
Notes: