New Chapter by ccdesignart
“NFTs have given me the freedom to create and sell artwork that I want to make, which has given me a real sense of joy and purpose.”
-Cal Carmichael
Over the last two years, the world has changed thanks to the blockchain and the internet. The traditionally illiquid art market has united with the liquid cryptocurrency-holding public through the use of NFTs.
In this ten part series, we travel virtually to unique locations across the globe to meet individual creators using NFT technology.
In this installment, part eight (8) of our series, it is my pleasure to introduce you to an artist and designer from Newcastle, England in the U.K.!
An Inside Look with Cal Carmichael
“Hearing and reading comments from others telling me how much they vibe with the creations that I have made is incredible!” -Cal Carmichael
Location: United Kingdom
0. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a 31-year-old artist/designer from Newcastle, UK, who has a passion for creating vibrant, colourful, and tranquil art. I mainly create my works using a combination of photography, illustration, and adobe software which are inspired by nature, dreams, serenity, and life!
1. How and when did you get into art?
I’ve always had an eye for art for as long as I can remember! As a kid, all I wanted to do was draw and recreate the characters I saw on the TV screen — I had an obsession with Pokemon and Dragonball Z, and was absolutely hooked on cartoons and animation. I used to love cutting up magazines and sticking too, which led to me unintentionally creating collage art!
My fascination with video games then took me into a passion for digital art, which led me to discover Flash and Photoshop. From there, a pathway to becoming a full time creator just seemed like the right thing to do. I am now lucky enough to work full time as a graphic designer, and create my own artwork & NFTs in my free time.
2. What makes you excited to create?
That feeling of truly putting myself in the moment, emerging myself in the worlds that I create, and letting whatever emotion that I’m feeling guide me.
3. What is the biggest barrier you face as an artist?
Myself! How much I create and actively engage is all down to me and how I manage my time. Luckily, creating art is something that I love doing, although it can be pretty exhausting sometimes, especially after a day of working a full-time normie design job! My schedule regularly consists of creating new collages, photography, and learning 3D (Blender).
Supporting others, promoting my own artwork and engaging with others on social media is also something that can be very time-consuming. It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding 🙂
4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as an artist?
The fact that people enjoy and resonate with my work. Hearing and reading comments from others telling me how much they vibe with the creations that I have made is incredible!
In terms of recent accomplishments, my ‘Serenescapes’ NFT collection was featured on Opensea and completely sold out — it has now passed 10 ETH in volume.. which is still crazy to me.
5. Who is one person living or dead you wish you could have lunch with?
My grandma. She was my earliest supporter and one of the strongest, kindest people I have ever known.
6. What is your favorite color and why?
Green — It’s always been my favourite colour. To me, there’s something very tranquil about it that I’ve always loved. I think this probably came from being around nature a lot as a kid, growing up near parks and forests always gave me a real sense of escapism.
7. What is your favorite movie?
There are so many but if I had to choose it would probably be Pulp Fiction! Iconic, quotable and just a fun movie.
8. If you could move to one place in the world, where would that be?
Probably Amsterdam, I’ve visited maybe six or seven times. It’s such a beautiful and cool city that I feel a deep connection with.
9. What do you think about crypto? Which one is your favorite?
I love the concept of a decentralized currency, and NFTs seem like such a great way of giving artists more freedom, independence, and financial security.
NFTs are ultimately the main reason I got into crypto, so I would have to say my favourite is Ethereum.
10. What new things have you been able to do since working with NFTs?
NFTs have given me the freedom to create and sell artwork that I want to make, which has given me a real sense of joy and purpose. It has allowed me to invest further in myself, and has given me an opportunity to meet, and regularly network with a plethora of talented creatives from around the globe. I have also had the opportunity to build relationships with collectors, and selling my artwork has allowed me to invest in others and start my own art collection 🙂
11. How do you feel NFTs will change the financial condition or artists and other creators over the next 10 years?
I’m certain that giving artists more creative and financial freedom will allow this space to keep growing in a positive way. Judging by the confused looks on my friend’s and co-workers’ faces when I mention NFTS, I would say that we are definitely still early! I’m very excited to be here and see where this road takes us in the future.
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This content is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute trading advice. Past performance does not indicate future results. Do not invest more than you can afford to lose. The author of this article may hold assets mentioned in the piece.
