As an artist, I struggled to find my place in the world and to call myself an artist. I suffered from imposter syndrome and doubted my abilities. But with the encouragement of my wife and those around me, I dove headfirst into the NFT space.
I had heard of NFTs before and was confident I could make something better than some examples I had seen with a quick Google search. So I spent a few weeks watching YouTube videos and experimenting with different tools and techniques. And after a few more weeks, I'd created enough layers for a randomly generated collection. I quickly learned that the NFT world is more than just JPEGs and crypto. It's a vibrant community of like-minded individuals passionate about art and technology. I realized that I needed to respect the depth and complexity of this world and not treat it as a simple side hustle or fad.
I initially tried to build my own NFT project, but I quickly realized I had much to learn about the space. So I decided to step back and explore Discord, Twitter, and different NFT communities. I learned a lot about Web3 and the fundamentals of the NFT world and learned some tough lessons that were necessary for growth. But most importantly, I found a few communities that I came to call "home."
I've tried to do more with my art, but I always found ways to hold myself back. Through my fan art and willingness to express myself without boundaries, I built a recognizable name in the NFT world. The ample support of the people that followed me helped me to grow as an artist and to gain more confidence in my abilities. As I matured and truly embraced my identity as an artist, I learned that it doesn't always matter what others think of me. What matters is what I believe about myself. And now, I have the confidence in myself and my abilities to call myself an artist.
As I wandered through the NFT space and discovered new communities and opportunities, I also learned more about myself and what it means to be an artist. I found that being an artist isn't just about creating art; it's also about exploring new ideas, expressing yourself honestly, and connecting with others who share your passion. And that's a journey I'm excited to continue; welcome to VaughnGogh Arts.