Creating Artwork for NFT Blockchain

Learn how we create vector artwork for the blockchain using our current software and workflow.

When I first set off with creating artwork for the consideration of NFTs, I had absolutely no idea where to start, how to start, and whether or not to start.

Confused by the popular NFT collections I would see everywhere online, like that Bored Ape project, something told me…

...creating an NFT Artwork collection is going to be a long and tedious slog...”

However, I soon discovered that NFT Artwork does not have to consist of a huge number of variants. And can be a one-off, or just a small collection. In fact, an NFT can also be attached to photography and even music. But for this page we‘ll just focus on vector artwork.

How we create Artwork for NFTs using our existing workflow and software

Using our usual workflow and vector graphics software. With the aid of layers for separating different items we are able to create and export variations of a drawing by simply switching the different layers on or off.

So, for example, the emoji on this page has been exported from a layered master (.afdesign) file  created using Affinity Designer.

As with our emoji drawing on this page, Layers have allowed for easy adjusting; adding and removing of items such as the headphones, sunglasses, facial features and hands…

But what if like Bored Ape, you want to create 1000s of art versions?

Generate an NFT Art Collection

Well, apparently there is an easier way of quickly generating 1000s of versions of your layered artwork using Figma and its NFT generator plugin. After launching Figma, you will need to install the NFT Generator plugin from what is available.

So continue below if you are after that Bored Ape collection approach….

Creating Collections with Figma NFT generator plugin.

In case you didn’t know Figma is a handy creative tool for planning; wire-framing, app design and prototyping.

Here is roughly how it works for generating artwork collections:

After creating your artwork and saving the different items as component sets. For example, you may want to create a profile avatar using different items such as hairstyles, hats and eyes, etc.

Well, save all the different item types together as component sets. And then allow the plugin to automatically generate artwork using all the possible combinations of the different items you have drawn.

In the meanwhile I am not sure exactly why you might want to create 1000 of variations of an artwork, but maybe you do?

Maybe, you think collections consisting of 10,000s of NFTs can be useful. Remember these are programmable digital artworks on a blockchain. Whatever you think, why not join our social media group on Facebook and share your thoughts, and work.

Okay, now lets get back on track….

Fortunately, NFTs can be of any format and doesn’t have to consist of 100s to 10,000+ variations.

Continue below to discover more about the software we use.

Here Are The Software Apps We Use For Creating Artwork...
Where it comes to artwork, and that includes photographic works, there are two main applications we currently use.

For vector illustrations we use Affinity Designer and Luminar Neo for photographic work.

You can see examples of the type of work you can achieve below using the software we recommend.