We lack understanding of so many things in our lives, in my opinion, because we cease to look beyond the obvious. Most of the time, in most cases, we must look beyond the surface to truly comprehend their essence. Consider fashion and music. At first glance, fashion appears to be just garments, whereas music appears to be a simple arrangement of notes and lyrics. Is this, however, what they truly are? No. If we peel back the surface layers, we can see that they are profound expressions of our identity, emotions, society, and a variety of other things. They are fundamentally about connection, reflection, and expression. They are the painters of our collective consciousness' delicate intricacies.
I believe that NFTs are in the same category as music and fashion. They are the next cultural element that needs to be explored beyond their surface-level interpretation to actually be understood. I comprehend that there is a lot of skepticism surrounding NFTs, which, in my opinion, stems from a lack of curiosity or a reluctance to embrace the new, and if you are in that category, I invite you to keep reading because I may have another perspective from which you can see the positive impact that NFTs can have in our lives.
When we look closely at NFTs, we will notice that they are more than just tokens of ownership. They are a realm for cultivating genuine connections and empowering individuals in both the digital and physical worlds. In my opinion, the essence of NFTs is the personal and communal bonds they foster. NFTs provide a framework for engagement that goes beyond the transactional and into the relational for both creators and consumers, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the intrinsic value embodied in each creation.
NFTs have the power to transform the core of our social interactions today, both online and in real life. If we look beyond the obvious, we might see NFTs as a driving force behind a new era of digital and physical fellowship and empowerment. Consider music and fashion once more. Each note, lyric, or stitch is part of a larger narrative that resonates with our human desire for expression, connection, and shared experience. Now return to NFTs. Their beauty is embodied and mirrored by fashion and music.
In the digital age, creativity often collides with sustainability. Existing models in the creative realm, whether in music or artistry, constantly silence emerging voices, relegating them to the fringes. Consider indie musicians or digital artists who often find themselves trapped in the cages of traditional platforms that sell them a dream of success while underpaying them for all of their efforts. Due to the need to juggle multiple responsibilities to support themselves, these smaller yet talented voices often find their musical or artistic pursuits relegated to mere dreams. Yet, thanks to NFTs, they now have a ray of hope. NFTs provide a platform for artists to directly monetize their creations. There is no need for third parties who often take a large cut and may not prioritize the artist-fan relationship. The creator of an NFT, whether it is a song, painting, or poem is able to sell it directly to their supporters. This approach not only ensures fair compensation for their work but also fosters (or strengthens) a direct bond between the artists and their fans, which, as I previously stated, is often lost in the platforms artists have today.
Similarly to how they enable artists to pursue their passions and make a living doing what they love, NFTs are establishing a new paradigm in the brand-consumer relationship. In today's model, brands dictate the narratives, with consumers merely "obeying" their behaviors. Nonetheless, I believe that the digital age, as well as the pandemic, has shifted people's perspectives, fostering a desire for a more reciprocal relationship. People want to have a say in the brands they love. They are no longer keen on purchasing a simple garment. They desire something more. They want to feel connected to and appreciated by the brand they are supporting. NFTs, in my opinion, are at the forefront of this transition. They are the catalyst for the shift from transactional to relational relationships between brands and consumers. Consider your favorite brand and the possibility of owning an NFT associated with it. That NFT gives you a voice in the brand's journey, making your feedback an invaluable asset rather than just a simple solicited opinion. This symbiotic relationship goes beyond simply providing feedback; our collective voices will shape and influence the brand's ethos, trajectory, and even cultural imprints.
However, the empowerment provided by NFTs is more than just financial gains or a voice in brand narratives; it is a path to increasing individual happiness and societal empathy. As artists discover that they can make a living from their passion, or as people receive something more from the brands they love (which is usually an emotion), they become happier, and a positive ripple effect is set in motion. If you ask me, I believe that this sense of fulfillment and empowerment will manifest itself in a more compassionate and empathetic society. When people are empowered, they feel much better, their vibe changes, and they may be more willing to spread values such as love, kindness, and empathy, which I believe are essential for creating a harmonious society.
NFTs, as I stated in the first lines of this article, are a tool that heralds empowerment and connection. Only two examples that, in my opinion, demonstrate the empowerment that NFTs provide were presented in the preceding paragraphs.
But what about connection? How will NFTs strengthen our bonds with one another? Is it possible to be more connected to one another in our society? Yes, I believe that NFTs can rekindle the flame of genuine human connection, which has sadly been extinguished in today's society. Please allow me to provide some examples.
The digital era, while theoretically bringing the world closer together, has diluted the personal touch in artist-fan interactions. Our admiration for artists is mostly expressed through the impersonal channels of social media or streaming platforms, where it's usually a one-sided communication from us to the artist. A genuine and simple comment from the artist is merely a drop in an ocean of interactions. (I'm not saying this is the fault of the artist, but rather of how the industry works - you can't see who your listeners are, who are your true fans, as a small artist you can't even support yourself, and the list goes on.). Nonetheless, I believe that NFTs have the potential to change the artist-fan connection. Fans, for example, can own a unique piece of an artist's creation through Music NFTs, forging a direct bond with the artist. The musician, for example, will know who collected their song ( who their fan is ) or receive the full remuneration for their work ( support himself or herself ). To be honest, I feel like everything that was not previously possible or received due to the way the industry worked, will now become a reality. The simple act of collecting an NFT isn't simply a transaction; it's a digital handshake between the artist and the fan, a catalyst for a more direct, united, and genuine connection. Music NFTs have the power to reshape human connection. ( The same is true if we are purchasing a painting, poem, garment, or any other creation as an NFT )
Fashion is a medium that has always been about connection yet only recognized by a select few. Still, I believe that with the advent of NFTs, this will change. A simple POAP ( Proof of Attendance Protocol – You can think about it as a digital stamp ) embedded within a garment that allows for interaction with each tap will completely change the way people connect with one another (9dcc – A Native Web3 Luxury Fashion Brand – is at the forefront of this movement). Consider going to an event. You're wearing a T-shirt with this activation. Every time you meet someone, they will tap your T-shirt, collect the POAP, and have proof that they have met you. It seems to be a simple thing, a futuristic fashion statement with no noticeable effect on our lives. Yet, think about the emotions that were exchanged. Consider the communities or tribes you will form with the people who have collected your POAP. This is not a simple or futuristic activation; it is connection reimagined, where the digital and physical unite to weave a new social fabric.
As previously stated, thanks to NFTs, the brand-consumer dynamic will shift from a monologue to a dialogue. Assume the brand from which we are holding an NFT provides a co-creation experience. This simple experience will elevate us from mere observers to collaborators, giving us a voice in the brand's evolution. However, this co-creation isn't about making products or experiences; it's about cultivating a community that values collective input, fostering an inclusive culture, and shared experiences. In these co-creations, you will not only be working with the brand but also with other members of its community. You will learn to collaborate, understand, and embrace one another. You will learn to appreciate each other's differences and become more united than ever before. On the surface, it appears to be a simple activation, but in essence, it is human connection redefined.
This connection, however, does not end with brand interactions. Consider purchasing an NFT from a collection with which you resonate. What is going to happen? You will be joining a community of like-minded individuals with whom you share not only a digital asset but also a common vision and enthusiasm. And sometimes, these interactions create sub-communities, fostering a rich tapestry of digital tribes under the umbrella of a larger community. What appears to be a simple purchase is actually a catalyst for new relationships and human connection.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of connections that NFTs can foster. There are many more, but I hope I've planted a seed in your mind so you can see them by yourself. NFTs become more than just a token in the examples above; they become a conduit for community, collaboration, and a shared ethos. We're not just transferring assets with NFTs; we're adding a human touch to the digital realm, fostering connections that go beyond digital tokens and turn into heartfelt interactions. And, if we consider our human needs for physical interaction, I believe you can imagine how all of these connections, and especially the attitude and ethos fostered by NFTs, will be brought to the physical world, having the same if not a greater, impact on society.
When most people think of NFTs, they focus on their financial and technological aspects; however, when we peel back the surface layers, the essence of connection and empowerment shines through. They are not only a path to sovereignty for creators, but also a means for deep connections between people, communities, and even brands and consumers. We can think of NFTs as a two-edged sword, with one edge carving out financial paths and the other nurturing a society rooted in a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
Don't misunderstand me. The technological merits of this tech are undeniable, and they deserve all of the praise that they are receiving, but I believe that the human-centric aspect of NFTs can resonate deeply with more people. They are a canvas for expression, a catalyst for genuine connection, and a means of achieving individual and collective empowerment.
I'd like you to think about what was covered in this piece again. Take a moment to reflect and envision. Now, how has your perspective on NFTs changed? For me, they have transcended digital assets and become heralds of a new era of kinship and empowerment. I envision a world imbued with a deeper and stronger essence of connection, creativity, and collaboration, which some of us, sadly, only dream about today.
NFTs are more than just another digital innovation; they are a reflection of our innate human desire to connect, create, and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
Artist Spotlight
Erin Hyvin
Erin is a lovely artist with whom I recently became connected. I'll be honest and admit that I had never heard of her before seeing her on a post by a friend of mine on Twitter (X). Nonetheless, seeing her tagged by him piqued my interest, and I checked out her profile. I went to her bio link and listened to her latest song "La La Land." I had a lot of fun listening to it. I closed my eyes and focused on feeling the music. Her voice, her lyrics, the melody, and everything else in the song blended so beautifully that it evoked a wide range of emotions in me. It was fantastic!
I'm glad I can now follow Erin's journey because I believe a voice like hers can't be silenced for much longer. She deserves to be heard by more and more people, and I believe her star will continue to rise. I invite you to follow her on social media, and if you dare to go deep into your La La Land, close your eyes, and listen to this wonderful creation.
Midwestmisfit
Midwest is one of the people I met in the early days of my NFT journey for whom I will be eternally grateful. At first, I was captivated by the art, but when I stopped looking at the obvious, I discovered a very beautiful, kind, and empathic human being. MM is a 3D artist, AI fashion creator, and of course, music enthusiast
Midwest has been posting his AI creations more frequently recently. What I like about them is the inspiration that each has. For example, I recently fell in love with the piece shown above. I had to ask MM to tell me more about it. Just let me know how you feel about the creation now that you know that the song Jericho by Iniko and some of MM's past experiences were the inspiration for it. I agree that you can't know the exact details of MM's past experiences, but based on the song and our innate desire to think, we will make connections that are tailored to ourselves, and thus the creation will take on a whole new meaning! (This is why I enjoy asking about the source of inspiration.)
MM, along with the names of two other artists whose work I greatly admire, are working on creating something that blends two of the most beautiful realms: music and fashion. I don't have any additional information, but if you're curious, want to learn more about MM, or simply want to support an artist's journey, this realm is the best place to do so.
Furthermore, I believe that there is always a need to redesign our digital walls and hence this could be a great place to grab some MM embellishments.
Thank you for reading!
Have a fantastic day!
Eduard🌹
