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Interview: serc
“My collectors add a lot of value to my path because when someone understands your art, your vision and chooses to buy your art, you are on the same path and mindset.” – serc
QUESTION #0 - Are we back?
Serc: We are so back, because we never left!
QUESTION #1 - Unique background story
People might not know your unique background in depth. How did you get into art? Can you share a defining moment or experience that set you on the path to becoming an artist?
serc: It all started when I was 12. I was drawing letters in bold shapes. Once I was in art class and my teacher saw these drawings and told me that they looked like “graffiti”. That moment was the start of my art journey. Thanks to her, I started to do research about graffiti and street art.
In weekly art classes, the teacher gave me special tasks to improve my lettering/graffiti skills. After a few years of training myself, creating my own style, I started to paint on the walls. I met world-class street artists in my region, learned more from them. Starting from middle school until now, I have defined myself as an artist.
In early 2021, I was following and engaging with artists on Instagram. Once I saw an artist posting about NFTs. I asked her what it meant and how I could learn more about this. And she sent me reading materials and also told me that I need Twitter. I created my Twitter account and started engaging with NFT hashtags and met a lot of people.
QUESTION #2 - Barriers of the blockchain
As the NFT space evolves rapidly, artists often face challenges as they don’t know enough about the technology itself. What challenges have you encountered in your NFT journey, and what would you advise for the artists who fancy jumping into this world?
serc: In my early days, there was not much helpful content, blogs or articles. Because of this I tried everything, every chain, every possible pricing strategy. Also it was really hard to find “web3 people” as you start from scratch. But I see people starting by belonging to a community or being onboarded by their friends, which makes this process easier and better.
The second struggle was creating your own contract. To do that, you should have known solidity or pay a developer to create a contract for you. Currently, this is also fixed thanks to manifoldxyz, TransientLabs etc.
QUESTION #3 - Tools for today
Not only around the technological nature of NFTs or blockchain, but also including daily life; are there any tools, programs, or websites that you use? How do these tools support your digital art creation and do NFTs allow you to explore ideas as an emerging medium too?
serc: I recently started using a meditation app via brain waves. It helped me a lot with my ADHD and stress level. With the help of meditation, I improved my focus.
QUESTION #4 - Traditional art Vs NFT
Which one is your favorite NFT artwork and what, if any, is your favorite piece before NFTs, whilst do your NFT artworks include a message or emotion that you aim to leave with those who experience them other than your traditional artworks?
serc: My favorite artwork in the traditional art space is Pop Shop by Keith Haring.
NFTs are a revolution for the art space. Back then we had Behance, DeviantArt, Tumblr for art to showcase digital art. But when NFT was born, things changed parabolically. Especially exposure to art and artists, appreciation and valuation of art found a new role.
Thanks to NFTs, now you can just send a DM to ask anything to an artist. It’s turned into a light-speed communication. I was a street artist for a long time and it was really hard for me to connect and find “street art” collectors.
But now, it’s way easier when you establish a good artist profile and dedicate yourself to what you are doing.
QUESTION #5 - Community Management
Many NFT projects have a specific 'community' aspect. How do you engage with your collectors, and does their feedback influence your work?
serc: I really like to engage and be in touch with my collectors. I got my own Discord since 2021 and I somehow built a good collector base and also a good community there. Starting from my early collections it evolved to be a place for art in general. We discuss art and new projects, as well as my upcoming projects.
My collectors add a lot of value to my path because when someone understands your art, your vision and chooses to buy your art, you are on the same path and mindset.
QUESTION #6 - Technology vs. Art
How do you balance the intersection of art and technology? Are there any technical aspects of NFTs that inspire or challenge your artistic vision?
serc: My art is mostly connected with technology, as well as blockchain technology. One of my notable collection; Silhouettes, was created by an algorithm based on variations that I create.
In my recent collection; Veil of Echoes I use both technology and science. I use an EEG device to stream brain waves to an algorithm that I built to generate artwork.
QUESTION #7 - Storytelling for your audience
How do you weave a storyline or thematic consistency into your body of NFT work and how do these resonate with your community, while engaging with your audience? And does this affect your approach to building your artistic identity in the virtual world of NFTs?
serc: As I always mention, artists create their own brand in web3. Since I come from business, I take it as business and build my artistic profile professionally. For example, I never skip GM. I don’t post my photos every day. Everything is planned.
It’s up to you how you build your own persona. But it doesn’t mean you fake it until you make it. It should be you, but you should build it like a business.
QUESTION #8 - Artist frens
What is your favorite NFT, and why, also which artists do you follow closely? Do you have any on display in your home?
serc: One of my favorite pieces that I created is “Birth” It has a deep meaning that it’s a Birth of Sensation. It’s a collection that I created back in 2022, my first 3D collection. And that piece was also a tribute to All Time High in the City by XCOPYART
QUESTION #9 - Future thoughts
How do you see the NFT space evolving in terms of art and what would you tell for the emerging artists & collectors that have their attention on you?
serc: Ten years! That feels like ages to be honest. I strongly believe that ‘everything’ will be tokenized, as we witnessed with Christie’s, Sotheby’s – Notable museums, galleries probably understand the importance of tokenization of art and join the movement. Maybe we, someday able to pay 6900 ETH for a Picasso piece (comes with physical lol)
My plan is to stick to blockchain technology, improve myself to dive deeper on-chain art and after I die, not to rely on IPFS or clouds.
Thank you!
Dear serc massive thanks for opening up and sharing your journey, insights, and unique perspective. Your time and the wisdom you brought to the table are incredibly appreciated. It was truly an honor and a total pleasure to have you on for the interview! 💙
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