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How NFTs and Blockchain Are Transforming Digital Art [Beginner’s Guide]

  • Writer: Mina Variants
    Mina Variants
  • Sep 21
  • 3 min read

Introduction: Why NFTs Matter for Digital Art

When I released a series of NFTs combining poetry and images, I realized something important: creating art and protecting art are equally essential.　　This guide explains the basics of NFTs and blockchain technology—and why they may become the foundation of the digital art world.


The Ownership Problem in Digital Art


The Double-Edged Sword of Easy Duplication

The greatest strength of digital art is also its weakness: it can be copied infinitely without losing quality.


Traditional vs. Digital Art:

  • Physical Art: The original is unique, and copies are distinguishable.

  • Digital Art: Originals and copies are technically identical.


Why Proving Ownership Is Difficult

A digital file doesn’t contain information about its creator or owner. As a result:

  • Works are easily copied or distributed without permission.

  • Fake versions circulate online.

  • Artists lose potential income.

  • It’s hard to prove true ownership.


Blockchain Explained: How It Works as a Decentralized Database


Centralized vs. Decentralized Systems


Traditional System:

Server → User A, B, C
(Data controlled in one place)

Blockchain System:

User A ↔ User B ↔ User C
(All users share and verify the same data)
Figure 1: Basic structure of blockchain. Transaction data (blocks) are linked in chronological order, preventing tampering.
Figure 1: Basic structure of blockchain. Transaction data (blocks) are linked in chronological order, preventing tampering.

How Blockchain Creates Tamper-Proof Records

  1. Blocks: Data stored in units called blocks.

  2. Hash Values: Each block has a unique digital fingerprint.

  3. Chained Links: Blocks are connected by referencing the previous block.

  4. Consensus: Changes require approval from the majority of users.

This makes blockchain data practically impossible to alter.


NFT Basics: What Are Non-Fungible Tokens?


Definition and Key Features of NFTs


Examples of Non-Fungible and Fungible Assets
Examples of Non-Fungible and Fungible Assets

NFT = Non-Fungible Token

  • Non-Fungible: Unique and irreplaceable.

  • Token: A digital certificate on a blockchain.

  • Purpose: Proves ownership of a digital asset.


NFTs vs. Fungible Tokens (Cryptocurrency)

  • Fungible Tokens (e.g., Bitcoin): Identical, interchangeable, divisible.

  • Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): One-of-a-kind, indivisible, unique value.


What Information Is Stored in an NFT?

  • Creator (the original “minter”)

  • Ownership history

  • Metadata (title, description, creation date)

  • Royalty settings for resale


NFT Benefits for Digital Artists

1. Direct Sales Without Intermediaries

Traditional Distribution: Artist → Gallery → Collector (30–50% fees)

The fee structure for major NFT marketplaces has changed significantly. For example, OpenSea has reduced its sales fee from 2.5% to 1% and even charges 0% for private sales. Foundation has also lowered its fee from 15% to 5%.


2. Earning Royalties on Resales

NFTs allow artists to receive royalties (typically 5–10%) on secondary sales, a feature baked into the smart contract. However, it's important to note that the enforcement of these royalties can depend on the marketplace. For example, some platforms like OpenSea now allow buyers to choose whether to pay royalties, which has become a key point of debate in the creator community.


3. Transparency and Authenticity in the Market

  • All transactions are public

  • Counterfeits are easily identified

  • Market prices are visible

  • Authenticity is guaranteed


NFT Success Stories: Beeple, CryptoPunks, and Art Blocks


Beeple’s Everydays: The First 5000 Days

  • Collage of works created daily for 13 years

  • Sold at Christie’s in 2021 for about $69 million

  • A landmark in digital art history


Why it succeeded:

  • A powerful story of long-term dedication

  • Validation by a respected auction house

  • Massive global media coverage


Other Notable NFT Examples

  • CryptoPunks: 10,000 pixel portraits launched in 2017, still highly valued.

  • Art Blocks: Generative art platform where both artwork and code are considered part of the art.


NFT Marketplaces Compared: OpenSea, Foundation, SuperRare


Key Features of Major Platforms

  • OpenSea: The largest NFT marketplace, beginner-friendly, supports multiple blockchains.

  • Foundation: Curation-focused, invitation-only, quality-driven.

  • SuperRare: Specializes in unique 1/1 digital art, strict vetting for high-quality works.


NFT Challenges and Future Outlook

Current Issues: Energy,  Transaction fees (gas fees) , Complexity

  • The environmental impact of NFTs, while a valid concern, has been significantly addressed. Ethereum, the blockchain used for most NFTs, completed its transition from the energy-intensive Proof-of-Work (PoW) to the much more efficient Proof-of-Stake (PoS). This change, known as "The Merge," is estimated to have reduced the network's energy consumption by approximately 99%.

  • Transaction fees (gas fees) : High transaction costs during peak times.

  • Complexity: Managing wallets is still difficult for newcomers.


Future Trends: Greener Tech, Market Maturity, New Art Forms

  • Technology: Energy-efficient chains, better UX, cross-chain compatibility.

  • Market: Shift from speculation to practical use, backed by legal frameworks.

  • Expression: VR/AR art, interactive NFTs, and multimedia works.


Conclusion: The New Era of Digital Art with NFTs and Blockchain


NFTs and blockchain are not perfect, but they give artists powerful tools to:

  • Secure ownership and authenticity

  • Sell directly to collectors

  • Earn royalties on resales

  • Build transparent markets


As technology evolves, more creators around the world will be able to secure their work, reach new audiences, and thrive in the digital art ecosystem.

 
 
 

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