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: What’s 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 there’s so much more behind the work. @wgmeets summed it up well, saying, “I truly wish more people understood that for a great deal of us, it’s not just about selling; there’s an art-focused culture and bond with CryptoArt that goes beyond buzzwords, marketing, or hype.” [1] Similarly, @push- emphasized that “Art in Web3 is not profit; it’s more meaningful and deeper than that,” [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, “Sharing art publicly can be a very vulnerable thing.” [3] This vulnerability is particularly pronounced in a space where value is frequently measured in floor prices and sales. As @bay-photography noted, “Art can be someone’s escape, and is vulnerable. Sharing that with the world can be scary.” [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, “The 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.” [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 narrative—from focusing on financial gains to appreciating the cultural and emotional significance of art—is essential. As @showadot shared, collectors often “get it because it somehow crosses with the current meta/hype without understanding the value, influences, or the history behind your medium/piece.” [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, “Moderate giftedness that is growing towards greatness is discouraged because we all have to compete with the ‘champions’ on a daily basis.” [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 “to talk and not just chat about ourselves and our works,” [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. It’s 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, let’s remember to honor the human element at the heart of all artistic endeavors.

Notes:

1. https://warpcast.com/wgmeets/0x5970a563

2. https://warpcast.com/push-/0xc42ebef3

3. https://warpcast.com/juliakponsford/0xf3074cc4

4. https://warpcast.com/bay-photography/0x72ddaae9

5. https://warpcast.com/wevans247.eth/0x3c5a678c

6. https://warpcast.com/showadot/0x4d5e20f4

7. https://warpcast.com/sgt-sl8termelon/0x586c19a1

8. https://warpcast.com/amanrasouli/0xb10feb88

Art, while often a solitary endeavor, can flourish in collaboration.

Partnering with other artists introduces fresh styles, techniques, and perspectives.

These joint ventures, marked by open communication and mutual feedback, can lead to creations that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Think of your favorite fashion brand. It’s not just about the clothes—it’s the entire experience. From the design and quality to the brand’s story, vibe, and how they make you feel when you wear their pieces, every aspect builds a connection that goes beyond the product. Artists can take a similar approach.

Creating art is more than producing individual pieces; it’s about building a brand. It’s your unique style, your narrative, and the way you present yourself to the world. Just as fashion brands cultivate a strong identity through their designs, campaigns, and customer interactions, artists need to think about how they present their work and engage with their audience.

Your brand is shaped by everything you do—your art, social media presence, the story behind your creations, and the connections you make. It’s not just about making great art; it’s about creating a memorable, engaging experience that keeps people coming back. Just like with fashion, it’s the brand that people fall in love with and want to be a part of.

Think of a fine restaurant you love—what keeps you coming back? It’s not just the food but the consistent experience: the impeccable service, the ambiance, and the quality of each dish. Diners know what to expect, and that consistency builds trust and loyalty. For artists, the same principle applies.

Consistency doesn’t mean churning out the same art over and over. Instead, it’s about maintaining a reliable level of quality, engagement, and a recognizable voice. Just as a restaurant wouldn’t serve a perfect meal one night and a subpar one the next, artists must aim to meet their audience’s expectations every time they engage—whether it’s a new piece, a social media post, or a gallery showing.

Consistency helps artists build their brand. It’s not just about creating; it’s about showing up, engaging with your audience, and delivering a quality experience time after time. Keep your creative standards high, stay true to your style, and communicate clearly with your audience. Just like loyal diners, your audience will keep coming back for more.

Back when I was working in book publishing, I saw firsthand how technology reshaped the industry. In 2006, blogging and social media started to disrupt traditional publishing. Authors were nervous—worried about stolen ideas, lost writing time, and losing focus on their craft. But those who adapted quickly discovered something important: engaging with readers through new platforms only amplified their visibility.

Social media, ebooks, and podcasts didn’t replace the writing process; they enhanced it. Authors who embraced these tools became more than just writers; they became part of a community, sharing their journey and building anticipation for their work. Readers, publishers, and agents all paid more attention to those who were active online.

Today’s artists face a similar crossroads. You can resist new technology or use it to connect with your audience in meaningful ways. Just as the publishing industry learned, embracing digital tools doesn’t detract from the art—it deepens the relationship between creator and audience.

The digital art space is complex, but mastering these new tools can set you apart. Art is evolving, and so must you. Resistance is futile—adapt, connect, and let your work resonate in the digital world.

The art world evolved rapidly with Web3 and blockchain technologies, reshaping traditional norms and introducing new dynamics. Art is now created and shared at an unprecedented pace, allowing it to capture and reflect cultural moments instantly.

Memes, once just a part of internet culture, have become a driving force in the art world, amplifying reach and reshaping how art connects with audiences. Recognition now depends on digital relevance, cultural impact, and your art network.

Blockchain technology further disrupts the art market, enabling real-time monetization and direct interaction between creators and collectors. This shifts the perception of value, making a piece's worth more about its cultural resonance.

As these elements come together, they pave the way for a more dynamic and responsive art landscape, redefining how art is expressed and valued in the digital age.

Years ago, I learned a lesson more valuable than mixing paints from an art teacher and mentor: the power of interdisciplinary thinking.

This approach has guided me throughout my career. I’ve experienced firsthand how ideas from unrelated fields can come together to create something impactful. But it’s not just about blending disciplines; it’s about discovering meaningful connections between them.

Today, that lesson shapes nearly everything I do—from leading workshops on human-centered design at tech leaders like Twitter and Google to my work as a pioneering artist in Web3. It’s a mindset that turns a career into a life, enriched by diverse experiences rather than a monotonous path.

More recently, I’ve recognized how my work in Web3 technology could profoundly impact the future of work by leveraging my background in change management. This connection is opening up new avenues for how organizations might approach digital transformation and human experiences in the evolving workplace, which led me to enroll in a graduate program in Industrial Relations at Rutgers to further explore these intersections.

Here’s the key point: The real world isn’t divided into neat categories. It’s interconnected and full of potential for those who can see the links. Whether you’re an artist, a technologist, or someone navigating a complex world, the ability to connect different ideas is invaluable.

The challenge is to look beyond the obvious and see the strategic, integrative connections that lead to deeper insights and understanding. But this isn’t just about professional life. It’s a way of seeing the world—a perspective that reveals more than a single viewpoint ever could.

So, what if we all embraced a bit of interdisciplinary thinking? Imagine the solutions we could find and the connections we might make in all aspects of our lives. After all, the world isn’t made up of isolated patterns; it’s a mosaic waiting to be understood, piece by piece.

When it comes to building new skills, volume matters more than intensity. The key to growth isn’t in pushing yourself to the limit a few times a week, but in showing up every day with consistent, manageable effort.

Practicing daily at a sustainable level allows you to make steady progress without burning out. It’s tempting to think that harder, more intense sessions will lead to faster improvement, but this often results in fatigue and diminished motivation. Instead, consistent practice ensures continuous improvement, even if the gains are gradual.

This approach echoes the philosophy of MMA trainer Firas Zahabi, who emphasizes training at a moderate intensity to avoid burnout and stay engaged long-term. Zahabi believes that maintaining a steady "flow" of practice—where you’re challenged but not overwhelmed—leads to better results over time.

By focusing on consistency rather than sporadic intensity, you create a routine that builds momentum. Daily, intentional practice is what truly drives growth, leading to significant improvement without risking burnout. So, instead of going all out in a single session, remember that it’s the steady, moderate effort that makes the difference.

But it is for me, and it might be for you too. Navigating this decision is all about understanding yourself and what you want from life.

First, take a moment to reflect on your strengths, interests, and career goals. Are you someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, or do you feel drawn to the academic world? Understanding where your skills and passions lie is crucial in deciding whether college is the right fit.

Consider the alternatives as well. Trade schools, apprenticeships, or jumping straight into the workforce can lead to fulfilling careers without the time and financial investment that college requires. These paths are often overlooked, but they can be just as rewarding.

Timing also plays a big role. College may not be right for you at this moment, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future. Your goals and circumstances can change, so stay open to the possibility that what’s not right for you now might become the perfect choice later on.

Finally, seek guidance. Talk to mentors, professionals, and people who are already working in fields that interest you. Their experiences and insights can offer valuable perspectives that help you make an informed decision.

The bottom line? The right path is the one that aligns with your aspirations and where you see yourself in the future—not just what society expects.

Shifting from simply solving problems to identifying them marks a crucial change in how we think and engage with challenges. Traditional problem-solving locks us into finding answers within existing frameworks, which often limits creativity and reinforces outdated assumptions. By focusing on uncovering new problems or areas of uncertainty, we push beyond surface-level fixes, broadening our understanding and sparking innovation.

This approach changes the conversation. Instead of asking, "How do we fix this?" we ask, "What are we missing?" It shifts our mindset from seeking quick solutions to embracing curiosity and exploration, examining underlying assumptions, and questioning the status quo. This deeper level of engagement opens up new avenues for insight and prepares us to navigate complex, real-world situations where the problems aren’t always clear-cut.

Embracing this way of thinking transforms us from passive problem-solvers into active explorers, valuing the process of discovery as much as the solution. It encourages a culture of continuous inquiry, where questioning what matters most leads to fresh perspectives and adaptable, innovative thinking. In a world that constantly changes, learning to find the right questions is just as important as having the right answers.