The NFT Droplets Podcast

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Max “0xguru” Diewold, with a focus on the current state & trends of the Web3 gaming ecosystem. Max updates us and shares top-tier insights on a few of the most notable projects in blockchain gaming today, including a few that he himself is an advisor to (full-disclosures given, with transparent, objective views on everything covered).This is part two of our two-part conversation, so be sure to listen to part one first if you haven’t yet! Both episodes offer amazing insights on the current Web3 gaming ecosystem, and what lies ahead in the future of the biggest sector in entertainment.👉 Add NFT Droplets to your podcast app of choice 👈Check out the NFT Droplets newsletter at nftdroplets.xyz, and be sure to subscribe to be among the first to know about new articles & episodes, updates, announcements, and giveaways!Summary* It is crucial for teams to be well capitalized, regardless of market conditions, so that teams can continue building, especially in nescient, cyclical markets as volatile as crypto.* Blockchain gaming has amazing potential for creativity & potential revenue in games, but sustainable tokenomics for in-game currencies & NFTs are crucial to get right for each unique gaming community. Above all else, quality gameplay experience must always be the top priority.* In order for Web3 gaming to scale and meet the demands of modern gamers, projects will likely need to utilize a combination of on-chain (mainnet, layer-2), off-chain (private servers), and hybrid (permissioned blockchain networks, i.e. proprietary ZK-proof rollup chains with cross-network tokens that Max described as “ZPTs”).* ZK-Rollups on Ethereum (technical documentation)* ZK-Rollups & Optimistic Rollups (simpler explanation)Show Notes[00:00:00] Intro [00:00:29] Welcome Back [00:01:45] Max - Axie Infinity: Where Things Stand & Where Things Go from Here [00:04:05] Max - Updates on Sky Mavis (Axie Parent Company) & the Ronin Sidechain [00:08:53] Max - Yuga Labs: Bored Apes Break On Through to the Otherside! [00:15:51] Max - A Quick L2 Summary of the ImmutableX Network [00:16:25] Max - IMX Project Spotlight #1: Illuvium [00:20:36] Max - IMX Project Spotlight #2: Guild of Guardians [00:25:35] Max - Sipher: A Flagship Blockchain Game on Polygon [00:32:51] Max - Scaling Blockchain Gaming: Off-Chain & Rollup-Based Hybrids [00:37:29] Max - Solana - A Great Network for NFTs (If They Ever Address Their Outages) [00:40:26] Max - Avalanche & Flow - Underutilized Launchpad Networks for Web3 Games? [00:45:39] Max - Why Do Gamers Hate NFTs? [00:49:08] Max - Wrap-Up [00:49:40] Key Take-Aways [00:50:38] Wrap-Up [00:50:57] OutroLinksMethod the the Mythos* MTTM Website (mttmofficial.xyz)* Discord* Notion* TwitterMax “0xguru” Diewold* Instagram* Twitter* YoutubeNFT Droplets* The NFT Droplets Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!* NFT Droplets Website (nftdroplets.xyz)* NFT Droplets on Twitter (@nftdroplets)* Mas on Twitter (@masangri_art)* Mas on LinkedIn* Email inquiries: [email protected]“In the bear market, you really gotta understand where the money is…where you don’t have as much income coming in, you need to have that backing…that runway.”- Max Diewold (on the importance for a project to be well capitalized to be viable)Extra ResourcesProject Spotlights* Sky Mavis/ Axie Infinity* Jiho & the Team at Sky Mavis* Built on the Ronin network (Etherium sidechain)* Axie Infinity newsletter for recent announcements on Axie v3, a.k.a. “Origin* * Similar gameplay to Sly the Spire, Pokémon, Monster Train, & Hearthstone* $600 million Ronin bridge hack* Recent TIME Into the Metaverse article on the perils of the Play-to-Earn dream* Token ecosystem:* $AXS, $SLP* NFTs: Axies, Lunacia land* Yuga Labs/ BAYC/ Otherside/ Improbable* Built on Ethereum (mainnet)* Otherside pitch deck* * * Token ecosystem:* $APE* NFTs: BAYC, BAKC, MAYC, Otherdeed & Koda* Illuvium* Gameplay verticals:* Illuvium Arena: auto-chess battler with Illuvials (think DOTA 2 Auto Chess (mod) & TFT (TeamFight Tactics)* Illuvium Otherworld: exploration + Illuvial capture-&-collect* Illuvium Zero: Land-based resource builder (details yet to be fully revealed)* Founded by Kieren Warwick* Built on ImmutableX (ZK-STARK L2)* Token ecosystem* $ILV* NFTs: Illuvium Land* Guild of Guardians* Mobile dungeon crawler; similar gameplay to Diablo & Torchlight* * Built on ImmutableX (“ZK-STARK” layer-2)* Token ecosystem:* $GOG* NFTs: Avatars, Guilds, Heroes, Pets* Sipher Odyssey* Gameplay verticals:* Dungeon-running shooter-looter (primary, similar game genre as GOG above)* Open-world builder (similar to Runescape)* Arena-based PvP (similar gameplay to Brawl Stars & LoL )* Large-scale PvP (similar gameplay to Albion Online)* Founded by Tin Nguyen, currently with a team of 100+* Project inks* Build on Polygon (Etherium sidechain)* Token ecosystem:* $SIPHER* NFTs: Sipher Spaceships, Sipherian Flash, Sipherian SurgeReferenced* Avalanche (Crabada)* Flow (Chainmonsters)* SolanaAs always, thank you so much for taking time to share this journey together with me into the world of NFTs. If you got value out of today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a positive review on your podcast app of choice! 😁If you’re not yet subscribed to the NFT Droplets newsletter, enter your email below and be among the first to find out when fresh NFT articles get dropped (I promise that you will never get spammed, nor will your email ever be shared with anyone). ✅👇If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics o guests, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. 💬⚠ Disclaimer ⚠ Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are a speculative asset class. Be aware of the risks involved and know that you could lose money. Everything I share references an opinion and is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any investment decision. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit masaki.substack.com

In this episode, we speak with Max “0xguru” Diewold. Max is a life-long gamer and in the past, was a competitive e-sports player in games such as Call of Duty and League of Legends. He later went on to create a consulting business focused on the start-up & enterprise ecommerce space. However, his passion for gaming, coupled with the potential of Web3, recently pivoted him completely into the blockchain gaming industry. Today, he leads as the founder of Method to the Mythos - a Web3 gaming guild with a vibrant, growing community, as well as a key advisor to several notable projects in the Web3 gaming space, including Axie Infinity and Sipher Odyssey.In part one of this two-part conversation, we touch on Max’s entry into Web3 games (starting with Axie Infinity), the rise of gaming guilds, how tokenomics, & play-to-earn models must improve to survive, and the true value unlocked by NFTs and the Metaverse by Web3 gaming.👉 Add NFT Droplets to your podcast app of choice 👈Check out the NFT Droplets newsletter at nftdroplets.xyz, and be sure to subscribe to be among the first to know about new articles & episodes, updates, announcements, and giveaways!Summary* Max’s journey in blockchain gaming is similar to many success stories in Web3: gaining hands-on experience in an industry he was passionate about and actively building valuable content for the community, generating genuine connections from it. When Axie Infinity went parabolic, he was already well positioned in the sector.* MTTM started as a personal account for creating Axie-related content, before taking on a life of its own, fostering a community of Web3 gamers. It then grew into a gaming guild, and is now leading innovation in the Web3 gaming space in its transition from extractive play-to-earn to sustainable play-and-own/play-to-own models, with a focus on Web3 education, professional services, and project incubation with members. gaming.* Max sees digital autonomy and community & collective development as the key drivers of value for long-term success in Web3 gaming projects.Show Notes[00:00:00] Intro [00:00:29] Presenting: Max "0xguru" Diewold [00:01:41] Max - Intro [00:02:07] Max - Growing Up with Games [00:05:08] Max - Professional E-Sports as a Career? [00:06:42] Max - Gaming was Fun, but Back to Business [00:08:15] Max - 2021: The Year Axie Infinity Took Over [00:11:02] Max - Forking Identities: Method to the Mythos [00:11:58] Max - What's a Web3 Gaming Guild? What Makes MTTM Unique? [00:15:34] Max - Ponzinomics: The Current Guild Model is Broken, & How to Fix It [00:19:29] Max - Play-to-Earn Needs a Rebrand [00:21:17] Max - Web3 Gaming is Built on Community & Collective Development [00:23:19] Max - Axie Infinity: A Case Study on Early Web3 Game Economies [00:28:13] Max - What Can NFTs Add to Games Beyond Financial Incentives & Speculation? [00:30:56] Max - Digital Autonomy [00:34:56] Max - Define: The Metaverse [00:40:03] Max - Minecraft, Not Your-Craft: Protecting IP in the Metaverse [00:47:46] Key Take-Aways [00:48:42] Wrap-Up [00:49:08] OutroLinksMethod the the Mythos* MTTM Website (mttmofficial.xyz)* Discord* Notion* TwitterMax “0xguru” Diewold* Instagram* Twitter* YoutubeNFT Droplets* The NFT Droplets Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!* NFT Droplets Website (nftdroplets.xyz)* NFT Droplets on Twitter (@nftdroplets)* Mas on Twitter (@masangri_art)* Mas on LinkedIn* Email inquiries: [email protected]“(The Metaverse is) an interoperable, organic network of multiple different Metaversal structures.”- Max DiewoldExtra ResourcesMTTM Core Team* OrielWay, Toxic, TwoBags, WealthineerReferenced* E-sports:* Major League Gaming - Call of Duty, CSL - League of Legends* Web3 Games:* Axie Infinity , CryptoKitties, Illuvium, NBA Top Shot, Sipher Odyssey, Yield Guild Games (YGG)* Adam McBride, NFT Archaeologist 🕵️‍♂️* Minecraft's press release statement on blockchain & NFTs* NFT Worlds, a Web3 Metaverse experience built on Minecraft 💀* Response by Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic GamesAs always, thank you so much for taking time to share this journey together with me into the world of NFTs. If you got value out of today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a positive review on your podcast app of choice! 😁If you’re not yet subscribed to the NFT Droplets newsletter, enter your email below and be among the first to find out when fresh NFT articles get dropped (I promise that you will never get spammed, nor will your email ever be shared with anyone). ✅👇If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics o guests, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. 💬⚠ Disclaimer ⚠ Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are a speculative asset class. Be aware of the risks involved and know that you could lose money. Everything I share references an opinion and is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any investment decision. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit masaki.substack.com

In this episode, we speak with Matt Chessco, the creative visionary behind the Pop Art Cats NFT project. Matt is Montreal-based artist with a crazy-diverse background that ranges from industrial design and mechanical engineering, to venture capital and working on-set in the film industry! In January 2020, he went all-in on his artistic dreams, and has since gone viral on social media with over 1M subscribers on YouTube and 2.6M followers on TikTok!After many months of hard work, Matt and his team recently launched the Pop Art Cats NFT collection, and they have some big plans for the future. We speak about this and so much more, including what it takes to make it as a modern-day creative professional, and the social media and Web3 strategies behind successful NFT projects today.👉 Add NFT Droplets to your podcast app of choice 👈Check out the NFT Droplets newsletter at nftdroplets.xyz, and be sure to subscribe to be among the first to know about new articles & episodes, updates, announcements, and giveaways!Summary* “Dessin sans-dessein,” or “drawing without drawing,” was the art style that Matt became obsessed with, starting at an early age. He describes it as a form of abstract art in which shapes are formed using line and filled with different colors.* Artists must learn to run their art career as if they were owners of a business, if their goal is to create art professionally. They must be mindful of marketing, budgeting, planning, and all the unglamorous work that doesn’t come easily to most of us.* Tips for launching your own NFT collection:* NFTs are here to stay, so plan a creative roadmap and share it before launching your collection.* The most ROI from marketing comes during the two weeks prior to when your project mints. Put outsized effort into the time leading up to the presale and/or public sale, aiming to get as much attention on the project and as many followers on your socials as possible.* Collaborate with other projects before launching, especially if you are starting out as a creator without a significant following. Be creative and find novel ways to participate in NFT communities you vibe with, and organic engagement will eventually grow.* Like with any difficult goal:* have conviction and a clear vision* plan how you will manage your existing responsibilities & obligations (i.e. family, work, money, etc.)* stay true to your values* experiment and make adjustments as needed* control what you can, and set yourself up for as many opportunities for luck to strike as possible* Pop Art Cats Roadmap 2.0* Disclosure:* Please note that I (Mas) am an owner of an NFT from the project featured in this episode at the time of recording, and no compensation was accepted from the guest(s) and/or affiliated project(s).Show Notes[00:00:00] Intro [00:00:29] Presenting: Matt Chessco [01:33:00] Matt - Intro [00:02:13] Matt - From Mechanical Engineer to Artist [00:08:42] Matt - The Business of Being a Professional Artist [00:11:11] Matt - The Artist's Journey Continues [00:13:42] Matt - How to Leverage Social Media as an Artist [00:18:45] Matt - Getting into NFTs [00:21:22] Matt - Popping Off with Pop Art Cats! [00:22:20] Matt - The Mission Behind Pop Art Cats [00:25:25] Matt - What Role Does the Artist Have in NFT Projects? [00:26:51] Matt - Thinking of the NFT Market as an Investor [00:28:04] Matt - What's Next for Pop Art Cats? (Roadmap 2.0) [00:30:17] Matt - Upcoming Events [00:32:01] Matt - Upcoming Collaborations? [00:34:08] Matt - Advice for Releasing Your Own NFT Collection [00:36:47] Matt - Wrap-Up & Matt's Warning on Investing in NFT Collections Today [00:38:56] Key Take-Aways [00:40:02] Wrap-Up [00:41:47] Outro [00:42:46] Bonus - Matt's Stint in the Movie Industry (Outtake)LinksPop Art Cats* Pop Art Cats Website (popartcats.xyz)* Pop Art Cats NFT Collection on OpenSea* Pop Art Cats on Discord, Instagram, and TwitterMatt Chessco* Matt’s Website (mattchessco.com)* Matt (@mattchessco) on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube* Keep an eye out for The Chessco Show podcast, coming soon (accounts will soon be active on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter)NFT Droplets* The NFT Droplets Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!* NFT Droplets Website (nftdroplets.xyz)* NFT Droplets on Twitter (@nftdroplets)* Mas on Twitter (@masangri_art)* Mas on LinkedIn* Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected]“…the next day, I went to the office, I learned how to use the printer, and I printed my resignation letter.”🤣 - Matt Chessco (final day as a mechanical engineer)“Use your imagination because there’s no limit in what you can do…it’s a marketing game in the beginning…before you launch, marketing is everything!” - Matt Chessco (on creating your NFT collection)Extra ResourcesReferenced* Coolman’s Universe (by Danny Casale a.k.a. Coolman CoffeeDan)Matt Chessco & Pop Art Cats 2022 Event Forecast* SXSW* NFT|LA* NFT Week Miami* VeeCon* NFT.NYC* Art Basel Miami BeachAs always, thank you so much for taking time to share this journey together with me into the world of NFTs. If you got value out of today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a positive review on your podcast app of choice! 😁If you’re not yet subscribed to the NFT Droplets newsletter, enter your email below and be among the first to find out when fresh NFT articles get dropped (I promise that you will never get spammed, nor will your email ever be shared with anyone). ✅👇If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics o guests, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. 💬⚠ Disclaimer ⚠ Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are a speculative asset class. Be aware of the risks involved and know that you could lose money. Everything I share references an opinion and is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any investment decision. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit masaki.substack.com

In this episode, we speak with Santiago Jaramillo, Chief Product Officer at GameOn Entertainment Technologies, a new Web3 Vancouver-based startup, focused on the fan experience in sports, gaming, and NFT projects. Santiago’s experience speaks for itself. After a successful tenure at EA Sports, he got into the NFT game at Dapper Labs as the project visionary behind NBA Top Shot, one of the most successful NFT projects from the last couple years. Today, he’s bringing the heat as part of another stellar team at GameOn.Join me, as we learn about the product and UX considerations that teams building NFT projects often overlook, the current landscape of Web3, the Metaverse, and NFT gaming, and so much more!👉 Add NFT Droplets to your podcast app of choice 👈Check out the NFT Droplets newsletter at nftdroplets.xyz, and be sure to subscribe to be among the first to know about new articles & episodes, updates, announcements, and giveaways!Summary* It doesn’t matter how good your NFT project is if the majority of your audience isn’t willing to go through the typical barriers of entry associated with Web3 and NFTs, such as setting up a wallet on their own and adding funds to it, or even requiring complex actions on non-Web3 apps like Discord. The first goal for any project should be aiming to build a remarkable experience from start to finish.* Pointers on designing with a product-focus for NFTs (or project really):* Create retention, stickiness, and long-term value* Capture the “tangible” quality of the product, whether it’s physical or digital (i.e. that giddiness a fan gets when they open a pack of trading cards, or that moment of being early to a growing fandom)* Consider the Primary Motivation Factors (PMFs) of your intended audience - the motivation that comes from looking at the things you want and realizing what it takes to get them (i.e. competition, collectability, status, etc.)* Curate the First Time User Experience (FTUE) - the relationship your user shares with the product (often referenced for apps, F2P games, etc.)* Create an engaged community first with outsized value from the get-go, and the revenue will follow; leverage your existing brand and reputation, if applicable.Show Notes[00:00:00] Intro [00:00:29] Presenting: Santiago Jaramillo [00:01:31] Santi - Intro [00:02:07] Santi - Working at EA on FIFA [00:04:15] Santi - Starting Up with Dapper Labs [00:05:48] Santi - Designing a Quality NFT Product: NBA Top Shot [00:07:13] Santi - Is Knowing About Crypto Required to Get into NFTs? [00:10:18] Santi - The Strategy Behind NBA Top Shot [00:12:11] Santi - The Value of Social Signalling [00:16:32] Santi - Game On! [00:18:22] Santi - Applying Gamification to Anything [00:22:09] Santi - GameOn x Chibi Dinos [00:22:49] Santi - GameOn x MX Player [00:23:47] Santi - Start-Up Business Escape Velocity [00:25:56] Santi - Charting the Metaverse [00:30:01] Santi - Ditch the META Metaverse. Let's Focus on Web3 & NFTs! [00:35:43] Santi - What's Next for NFTs? [00:38:22] Santi - The NFT Gaming/ Play-to-Earn Landscape Is Still Early [00:40:29] Santi - What's One Thing That Needs to Change for NFT Games to Go Mainstream? [00:44:42] Santi - Why Are So Many Gamers Opposed to NFTs? [00:46:46] Santi - Why Aren't More AAA Game Studios Adopting Web3? [00:48:19] Santi - The Real Problem with NFTs Games: Lack of Imagination [00:49:11] Santi - The Value of Digital Scarcity [00:51:01] Santi - Addressing Some of the Arguments Against NFTs [00:53:18] Santi - What's the "Dapper Labs Mafia" up to Today? [00:55:36] Santi - Santiago's First NFT (& Regret for Not FOMOing) [00:57:15] Santi - Where to Learn More About GameOn & Connect With Santi [00:58:19] Santi - Remember: We ARE Still So Early [01:00:13] Santi - Wrap-Up [01:01:04] Key Take-Aways [01:01:38] Wrap-Up [01:03:24] Outro [01:04:22] Bonus - The Santi Show (Outtake)LinksGameOn Entertainment Technologies* GameOn Website* GameOn ($GET) on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE)* J Moses (Board of Directors, Take 2 Games)* Chibi Dinos* GameOn x MX PlayerSantiago Jaramillo* Santiago on LinkedIn* Santiago on Twitter (@santiagoj83)NFT Droplets* The NFT Droplets Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!* NFT Droplets Website (nftdroplets.xyz)* NFT Droplets on Twitter (@nftdroplets)* Mas on Twitter (@masangri_art)* Mas on LinkedInQuotes“One of the things you need to gain more and more business and more and more traction is to have a track record.”- Santiago Jaramillo (on start-ups)“…make it as easy as setting up a social media account…as going on Nike and buying a pair of shoes with your credit card…”- Santiago Jaramillo (on a Web3 consumer’s first time user experience)Extra ResourcesReferenced* Dapper Labs* Roham Gharegozlou (Co-Founder/CEO)* Cryptokitties* NBA Top Shot* NFL ALL DAY* Cheeze Wizards* NFTs Projects* Axie Infinity, Bored Ape Yacht Club, CryptoPunks, Decentraland, Nifty Gateway, Sorare, Zed Run* AAA Games* Fortnite, Apex Legends, FIFA* A few other members of the “PayPal Mafia” of Dapper Labs:* Mack Flavelle (Big Head Club)* Fabiano Soriani (KLKTN)* Jordan Castro a.k.a. @poopie (Doodles)* Referenced tweet on how early NFTs areAs always, thank you so much for taking time to share this journey together with me into the world of NFTs. If you got value out of today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a positive review on your podcast app of choice! 😁If you’re not yet subscribed to the NFT Droplets newsletter, enter your email below and be among the first to find out when fresh NFT articles get dropped (I promise that you will never get spammed, nor will your email ever be shared with anyone). ✅👇If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics o guests, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. 💬⚠ Disclaimer ⚠ Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are a speculative asset class. Be aware of the risks involved and know that you could lose money. Everything I share references an opinion and is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any investment decision. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit masaki.substack.com

In this episode, we speak with stop-motion animation wizard and full-time NFT artist, Jeremy “0fish0” Fisher. With a wealth of creative drive and industry experience, Jeremy is very active in the NFT creative community today, and set to launch a much anticipated NFT collection as a founding member of the Lucky Ducky NFT team. It was a blast getting to know Jeremy and gain insights on the medium of stop-motion, hear how he went from being a studio artist to going full-time into NFTs, and all the lessons and tips he learned along the way. Whether you’re into art and animation, planning your own NFT project, or looking for a new, passionate community in the NFT space, you’ll definitely get a ton a value from this episode.“Let’s Ducking Go!” 🦆👉 Add NFT Droplets to your podcast app of choice 👈Check out the NFT Droplets newsletter at nftdroplets.xyz, and be sure to subscribe to be among the first to know about new articles & episodes, updates, announcements, and giveaways!Summary* If you’re a tactile, traditional artist, don’t assume that NFTs aren’t for you. The empowering technology is available and customizable for artists of almost any medium and genre. 3d skulls and monkeys not your thing? No problem! Plenty of demand and support for non-degen art. 😉* The best way to learn about NFTs is by immersing yourself in communities you find engaging. Take your time, do your research, and ask questions. Most users are very friendly and share valuable tidbits like which platforms to try or what to consider when minting an NFT, so jump in a Twitter space and join a few Discords!* Meaningful connections online can happen through something as simple as bonding over a PFP in a Twitter Space. This is how the Lucky Ducky NFT founders met!* In Web3, reputation is everything. Having a mutual, trusted network is crucial, and how Jeremy and Shrimp were able to establish a bond over trust so quickly.* Create your own luck. Jeremy relocated to the other side of the country for an internship opportunity, which in turn put him in the right place and the right time for Robot Chicken started hiring.* The real disruptive factor of bottom-up, NFT-native IP for entertainment is that there can be a proven fanbase and community for a property, even before being announced and created by a studio!* The exact mint date is yet to be announced, but the Lucky Ducky team is aiming for mid-February. The collection will feature 7,777 family friendly PFP (profile pic) NFTs, each with a unique set of traits (including ten fully animated uniquely composed 1-of-1s), with a mint price of 0.0777 ETH.Show Notes[00:00:00] Intro [00:00:29] Presenting: Jeremy "0fish0" Fisher [00:02:12] 0fish0 - Intro [00:02:33] 0fish0 - Animation as a Career, Whatever It Takes [00:09:51] 0fish0 - 2020: A Pivotal Year [00:11:05] 0fish0 - Drawn to NFTs [00:12:50] 0fish0 - NFT Art = Digital Art? [00:13:31] 0fish0 - Creative Side Hustle: To NFT or Not to NFT? [00:14:36] 0fish0 - Diving into the NFT Community + Genesis Drop [00:16:31] 0fish0 - Finding Your NFT Niche & Collaborating [00:18:58] 0fish0 - Going Full-Time as an NFT Artist [00:19:36] 0fish0 - Derivative Projects: Collaborating With the Cool Cats [00:23:37] 0fish0 - Keep Doing Derivative Work and Commissions? Or... [00:26:46] 0fish0 - A Chance Encounter With Mister Shrimp [00:29:45] 0fish0 - Let's Make an NFT Project [00:31:33] 0fish0 - Another Artist Joins the Team [00:32:45] 0fish0 - We Like the Ducks [00:34:31] 0fish0 - How Could NFTs Disrupt the Entertainment Industry? [00:36:32] 0fish0 - Embrace Web3 and #GMI. Don't and #NGMI [00:38:13] 0fish0 - Aiming for the Stars Without Going to the Dark Side [00:39:30] 0fish0 - Meet the Lucky Ducky Team [00:41:46] 0fish0 - Planning Forward, Paying It Forward [00:42:46] 0fish0 - Capturing That NFT Community Spirit [00:45:20] 0fish0 - Family Friendly NFTs Are Hot! [00:47:32] 0fish0 - NFTs: Opportunity for an Animation IP? [00:49:28] 0fish0 - No Appeal? No Deal! [00:51:09] 0fish0 - Advice for NFT Artists: To Be Competative, Be Collaborative [00:54:33] 0fish0 - Project Details [00:56:46] 0fish0 - Partnership Announcements [00:57:55] 0fish0 - Project Details (cont'd) [00:59:04] 0fish0 - Wrap-Up [01:00:57] Key Take-Aways [01:02:47] Wrap-Up [01:03:20] Giveaway Details [01:05:04] Outro [01:06:02] Bonus - What Do You Think of Stoner Cats? (Outtake)LinksLucky Ducky NFT* Lucky Ducky NFT Website* Lucky Ducky NFT on Medium* Lucky Ducky NFT on Twitter (@LuckyDuckyNFT)* Lucky Ducky Discord* Other Members of the Team:* Shrimp (@shrimpyuk)* Gooblin Town (@gooblintown)* William Tong (@williamtong)Jeremy Fisher* Jeremy on Twitter (@jeremyfisher)* Jeremy on IMDB* Jeremy’s Genesis NFTs (“Nifty Bones”) on Foundation (@0fish0)* Clay Cats on OpenSea (0fish0)NFT Droplets* The NFT Droplets Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!* NFT Droplets Website (nftdroplets.xyz)* NFT Droplets on Twitter (@nftdroplets)* Mas on Twitter (@masangri_art)* Mas on LinkedInQuotes“I think we have a responsibility to pay people appropriately, and to clue them into what they’re being a part of.”- Jeremy Fisher on leading a Web3 animation projectExtra Resources🔥Giveaway Details🔥* Follow @LuckyDuckyNFT and @NFTDroplets on Twitter* Join the LuckyDucky Discord* Go to the NFT Droplets pinned tweet for this episode on Twitter and:✅ Like 💖✅ Retweet 🔃 ✅ Reply 💬 with LDG! in your reply and tag a friend ⚡Referenced* Buddy System Studios (now Stoopid Buddy Stoodios)* Laika (animation studio)* Marcel the Shell with Shoes On* Mike Winkelmann, a.k.a. Beeple* BitBones (@bitbonesnft)* Crypto Devils (@crypto_devils)* Clon (@cloncast)* Ali (@officialalim)* Cryptopunks (@thecryptopunks)* Bored Ape Yacht Club (@boredapeyc)* Cool Cats (@coolcatsnft)* Deadfellaz (@deadfellaz)* Creature World (@creaturenft)* Doodles (@doodles)* Robotos (@robotosnft)* Toy Boogers (@toyboogers)* Shiba Shelter (@shibashelternft)* Starcatchers (@starcatchersnft)As always, thank you so much for taking time to share this journey together with me into the world of NFTs. If you got value out of today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a positive review on your podcast app of choice! 😁If you’re not yet subscribed to the NFT Droplets newsletter, enter your email below and be among the first to find out when fresh NFT articles get dropped (I promise that you will never get spammed, nor will your email ever be shared with anyone). ✅👇If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics o guests, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. 💬⚠ Disclaimer ⚠ Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are a speculative asset class. Be aware of the risks involved and know that you could lose money. Everything I share references an opinion and is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any investment decision. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit masaki.substack.com

In this episode, we speak candidly with Michael Olivieri, better known by his twitter handle, “NFT CEO.” Michael is very active in the NFT community, both as a supportive collector of many NFT artists and projects, and as an educator and, somewhat of a motivational speaker, in the NFT space. He also has an extensive background in entrepreneurship and social media marketing, and regularly shares his business expertise with the NFT community on platforms such as Twitter spaces. With an intoxicating growth mindset and a strong following on social media, the CEO shares a ton of value in this episode from the view of an NFT collector. We also discuss his past successes, the lessons he’s learned, and how it’s all led up to his next upcoming project, which we go into during our conversation.👉 Add NFT Droplets to your podcast app of choice 👈Check out the NFT Droplets newsletter at nftdroplets.xyz, and be sure to subscribe to be among the first to know about new articles & episodes, updates, announcements, and giveaways!Summary* Check out the Collectors Club Twitter space every Wednesday at 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST.* Work to learn; not (just) for money, and eventually, aim for both. Get involved and experiment with new things like NFTs, but do your research (🚫#YOLO) and in a way that doesn’t put you in a stressful financial position. Consider cheaper networks such as Tezos and Solana (or BSC if you must), and/or Ethereum L2s/side-chains like Immutable and Polygon.* Test the market for what price points make sense to sell your NFTs, like Michael did for his first collection by gradually increasing the price in line with the quality of the product. Important: remember to give proper attribution to all contributors, especially when the art is done is done by other artist(s) and/or commissioned. Collaborations are to key to the majority of NFT projects. * Advice for artists:* Think long-term: use NFTs to create value for your community and form stronger connections with collectors.* Come up with creative ways to add ongoing value to projects after the initial mint (i.e. airdrops, exclusive merchandise, etc.).* Listen to feedback, but don’t abandon your original plan; filter out the noise from distracting Discord comments and remember why you created a project in the first place.* Note that the term “doxed” in the NFT space generally refers to individuals (especially creators behind NFT projects) that choose to “self-dox” (voluntarily share their true name and identity with the community).* To clarify: NFTs to be launched under the Collectors Club brand are like any other NFT on Ethereum - only primary sales will be exclusive to members, and secondary sales are not limited solely to the platform.Show Notes[00:00:00] Intro [00:00:29] Presenting: Michael Olivieri [00:01:56] NFT CEO - Intro [00:02:34] NFT CEO - Starting Businesses at an Early Age [00:05:56] NFT CEO - Getting into Crypto [00:06:46] NFT CEO - Translating Businesses Skills to Crypto [00:07:46] NFT CEO - Going Down the NFT Rabbit Hole [00:11:02] NFT CEO - First NFT Project [00:13:57] NFT CEO - Go in with a Long-Term Mindset [00:15:49] NFT CEO - How to Evaluate NFT Projects [00:17:22] NFT CEO - How NOT to Do an NFT Project [00:23:02] NFT CEO - Building a Presence in the NFT Community [00:25:02] NFT CEO - What's a Rug Pull? [00:25:52] NFT CEO - How Important Is It for Creators to Be Doxed? [00:28:25] NFT CEO - What Led You to Come Up with Your Next Project? [00:34:34] NFT CEO - What is the Collectors Club? [00:38:42] NFT CEO - Opinions on Influencer NFT Projects [00:41:51] NFT CEO - More on the Collectors Club Vision [00:43:24] NFT CEO - Jab, Jab, Right Hook [00:47:50] NFT CEO - Projects Details & Announcements [00:50:06] NFT CEO - Value in NFTs Beyond Money [00:53:42] NFT CEO - Staying on Track When Times Get Tough [00:57:44] NFT CEO - Most Important Advice for NFT Collectors [01:00:03] NFT CEO - Most Important Advice for NFT Creators (Especially Newbies) [01:01:50] NFT CEO - Wrap-Up [01:02:08] Key Take-Aways [01:04:42] Wrap-Up [01:06:15] OutroLinksNFT CEO* NFTceo on Twitter (@nftceoclub)* Collectors Club on Twitter (@collectorsclub7)* Collectors Club Discord ServerNFT Droplets* The NFT Droplets Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!* NFT Droplets Website (nftdroplets.xyz)* NFT Droplets on Twitter (@nftdroplets)* Mas on Twitter (@masangri_art)* Mas on LinkedInQuotes“You know your value best, but…don’t focus so much just on the upfront value. Think more so five years down the road for now…That’s when you can really make the money.“ - Michael Olivieri“Those who seek to please everybody please nobody.” - AesopExtra ResourcesReferenced* The MFCEO Process Podcast (Michael’s business podcast)* Toker Pets Collection (collaboration project on Ethereum with Drippies™ (@drippieverse) and Blockchain Heroes (@bc_heroes) on a now defunct NFT platform)* CyberKongz and the $BANANA token* Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki* Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, by Gary VaynerchukAs always, thank you so much for taking time to share this journey together with me into the world of NFTs. If you got value out of today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a positive review on your podcast app of choice! 😁If you’re not yet subscribed to the NFT Droplets newsletter, enter your email below and be among the first to find out when fresh NFT articles get dropped (I promise that you will never get spammed, nor will your email ever be shared with anyone). ✅👇If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics o guests, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. 💬⚠ Disclaimer ⚠ Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are a speculative asset class. Be aware of the risks involved and know that you could lose money. Everything I share references an opinion and is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any investment decision. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit masaki.substack.com

In this episode, we meet Pam Voth and N☉M∆DIC FR∆Mミ: two of the founding members of the Wildlife Collective - an organization of philanthropic photographers brought together by their passion of raising wildlife awareness, and through supporting and empowering artists in the medium through NFTs. 👉 Add NFT Droplets to your podcast app of choice 👈Check out the NFT Droplets newsletter at nftdroplets.xyz, and be sure to subscribe to be among the first to know about new articles & episodes, updates, announcements, and giveaways!SummaryPam Voth* Known in the Collective as “The Tiger Whisperer.” 🐯* If you’re a new female photographer looking to get into the NFT art space, be sure reach out to Pam and check out the First Roll program on the Sloika platform (links below).* The imnotArt BALANCΞ exhibition took place from December 10-19, 2021, but the website and information is still live on the website here.N☉M∆DIC FR∆Mミ* It can literally pay to experiment with different genres of your art, and different activities in crypto. Nomadic used “Alien Worlds,” a play-to-earn game to fund some NFT purchases, and applied to curated platforms, such as MakersPlace and KnownOrigin, multiple times before finally getting accepted (don’t give up! ✊). For more details on play-to-earn games, see this previous article:* If you mint on different platforms, make an intentional strategy out of it. Nomadic became known across various platforms for specific genres of work.* Check out the NFT Showcase Twitter space hosted by Nomadic every Wednesday morning (10AM EST/7AM PST). 👈Show Notes[00:00:00] Intro [00:00:28] Presenting: The Wildlife Collective [00:01:17] Presenting: Pam Voth [00:01:47] Pam Voth - Intro [00:02:33] Pam Voth - Always a Photographer [00:05:34] Pam Voth - Developing a Focus on Wildlife [00:08:48] Pam Voth - Taking a Shot on NFTs [00:10:00] Pam Voth - What do NFTs Do for Photographers? [00:11:45] Pam Voth - How to Be Successful NFT photographer [00:13:29] Pam Voth - Talking Connection and the Metaverse [00:15:15] Pam Voth - New Life, New Job, New Opportunities with NFTs [00:15:52] Pam Voth - Sloika, a New Platform for NFT Photography [00:18:26] Pam Voth - The 1Roll Program [00:18:56] Pam Voth - The imnotArt BALANCE Exhibition [00:20:09] Pam Voth - The Wildlife Collective [00:22:40] Pam Voth - NFT Art and Charity [00:24:50] Pam Voth - Wrap-Up [00:25:16] Presenting: Nomadic Frame [00:26:17] Nomadic Frame - Intro [00:27:02] Nomadic Frame - Starting the Journey With a Camera [00:28:33] Nomadic Frame - Crossing Borders and Making Connections through Photography [00:29:50] Nomadic Frame - Enter Crypto [00:30:49] Nomadic Frame - Photography and Growth in 2020 [00:33:04] Nomadic Frame - Art and NFTs as a Revenue Stream? [00:34:32] Nomadic Frame - Getting Back into Crypto [00:35:55] Nomadic Frame - Starting on a Solid Foundation [00:36:32] Nomadic Frame - The Art of Marketing [00:38:06] Nomadic Frame - The Strategy of Being Everywhere [00:40:54] Nomadic Frame - We Love Tezos! [00:44:24] Nomadic Frame - NFT Photography Vs. Non-NFT Photography [00:47:58] Nomadic Frame - The Wildlife Collective [00:48:52] Nomadic Frame - Supporting Charities With NFT Sales [00:52:16] Nomadic Frame - Where Are We at With NFTs? [00:55:40] Nomadic Frame - #WAGMI [00:59:11] Nomadic Frame - Connecting With People Through NFTs [01:00:21] Nomadic Frame - Art Basel and Metavirtual [01:01:24] Nomadic Frame - PHOTEZ and Wildlife Collective Sub-Groups [01:03:12] Nomadic Frame - Work, Life, and NFTs [01:04:14] Nomadic Frame - Where to Connect [01:04:58] Nomadic Frame - Wrap-Up [01:05:23] Key Take-Aways [01:06:48] Wrap-Up [01:07:51] Outro [01:08:48] Bonus - The Origins of "Sloika"LinksThe Wildlife Collective* The Wildlife Collective on Twitter (@wildlife_nfts)* The Wildlife Collective gallery on CyberPam Voth* Pam Voth on Twitter (@pamvoth)* Sloika.xyz (NFT photography platform)* 1Roll.xyz by Sloika (grants for young/female NFT photographers)* imnotArt (physical NFT gallery in Chicago)* imnotArt gallery on Cryptovoxels* imnotArt BALANCΞ exhibition on OpenSeaN☉M∆DIC FR∆Mミ* N☉M∆DIC FR∆Mミ on Twitter (@nomadic_frame)* NFT Showcase gallery on Cyber* NFT Showcase on Discord* PHOTEZ gallery on Cyber* The Macro Collective on Twitter (@macrophotography_nfts)* The Macro Collective gallery on Cyber* Artists United gallery on Cyber* Metavirtual gallery on CyberNFT Droplets* The NFT Droplets Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!* NFT Droplets Website (nftdroplets.xyz)* NFT Droplets on Twitter (@nftdroplets)* Mas on Twitter (@masangri_art)* Mas on LinkedInQuotes“Safari is a state of mind, and I’m always on safari.” - Pam Voth“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” - UnknownExtra ResourcesReferenced* Art Basel* Hic et Nunc "HEN” (NFT art marketplace on Tezos)* OrangutanOutreach on Twitter (@redapes)* Laughing Camera, by Hanns Reich* The RAW DAO on Twitter (@therawdao)* NFT UAE on Twitter (@nftuae)* Matt Doogue on Twitter (@mattdoogue)* Ryan Sault on Twitter (@sault_photo)* Vanessa Coleman on Twitter (@veeeecoleman)* Alien Worlds (blockchain game built with $WAX and $TLM)News* Sloika.xyz raises $2M in seed funding* Ubisoft announces game NFTs on Tezos* Rarible announces Tezos integrationAs always, thank you so much for taking time to share this journey together with me into the world of NFTs. If you got value out of today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a positive review on your podcast app of choice! 😁If you’re not yet subscribed to the NFT Droplets newsletter, enter your email below and be among the first to find out when fresh NFT articles get dropped (I promise that you will never get spammed, nor will your email ever be shared with anyone). ✅👇If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics o guests, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. 💬⚠ Disclaimer ⚠ Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are a speculative asset class. Be aware of the risks involved and know that you could lose money. Everything I share references an opinion and is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Please consu This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit masaki.substack.com