SAGISAG EXCLUSIVE: The rise of Filipino artists in the NFT scene

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are one-of-a-kind digital assets verified using blockchain technology. It could be artworks, music, videos, and even tweets.

NFTs have been around since the mid-2010s, but only rose to popularity in late 2017 with CryptoKitties. Currently, the cryptocurrencies or virtual currency are reaching record highs, with investors buying or trading NFTs for expensive prices. 

The latest multimillionaire is Indonesian student Sultan Gustaf Al Ghozali who was able to earn over $1 million for selling his selfies.
 

Pinoy artists and NFTs

Just recently, four Filipino artists were able to earn $300,000 worth through NFTs.

It started in 2021. Amid the still looming threat of the Covid-19 pandemic, a group of Filipino artists in search of investment opportunities saw an opening at The Sandbox—  a virtual world where players or creators can monetize digital assets and gaming experiences on the Ethereum blockchain using SAND, the main utility token of the platform.

The group, after their Founder’s Edition NFT Launch, were able to gain $300,000 worth of SAND. Part of their earnings were reinvested into the Sandbox’s Staking platform, while the rest were allocated to fund the creation of their NFT collection, to create a Sandbox experience, and to launch a campaign called “Mech-it-happen,” where they would donate to pandemic-hit Filipino artists.
 

Here are quick particulars to get to know them more: 

KradSuperSoldier - VoxaMech Founder/3D Artist

 

KradSuperSoldier is a 3D artist venturing into game development since 2017 and is constantly making a name in the NFT world. He is one of the early artists who got into the Sandbox Creator Fund program and is now preparing his first NFT collection together with his team. He had been featured in one of the articles on CoinDesk as a Pinoy making a living through NFTs.

 

Gareth - Marketing Specialist

 

Gareth has more than 5 years of knowledge in Crypto Marketing and 2 year experience on NFTs. He specializes in marketing startups such as Gaming, DeFi, and other blockchain related efforts. He's currently part of a big project focusing on the Metaverse and is actively contributing technical ideas on NFTs and marketing.

 

Kaye - 3D Artist/Social Media Manager

 

Kaye works as a graphic artist/internal communications associate. She has worked with several marketing agencies and started in the NFT space in 2020. She is currently joining the force to create the best metaverse. 

 

Lance - 3D Artist/Developer

 

A self-motivated artist and programmer, Lance previously worked for a gaming company and helped develop mobile games while leading the art team on the technical side. He is also well versed in web3 programming. He adapts fast with new technologies.

 

Future plans

These young minds are currently preparing for the creation of their 10K NFT collection and a game experience inside the Sandbox. More information, including the overall plan and road map, will be soon released on their website that’s still currently underway.

Asked for advice to Filipinos who want to delve into the NFT world, the group said: “NFT is still an early concept and it may scare most of us to try, but going towards a road less taken may lead to a more successful version of yourself rather than staying in one place without improvement. If people will see how hard you work, success and trust will come to you in time.”