When looking for NFT art examples online, it’s hard not to get lost in a sea of different collection types, both common and obscure. In the past, we’ve covered some of those NFT types (How to Start an NFT Collection), and suggested reasons why artists should consider getting into the space (NFT Art: 7 Reasons Why You Should Make It). But when we specifically think of what kind of NFTs exist, you realize that many of these differing collection formats actually fall under a few broad umbrellas.
With that in mind, let’s take another look at the NFT scene, as we break down 5 of the main NFT formats you’ll see online today. Along the way, we’ll share some notable examples from each category. If you’re interested in making your own collection, hopefully these will inspire you as to what NFTs can encompass.
1/1 Art
1/1 (one of one) art is the most scarce form of NFT, in which only a single unique piece of work is created. This type of NFT is easy for anyone new to the scene to wrap their head around, as it works, at least on the surface, the same as physical art. Like an artist who makes a solitary painting before moving onto their next piece, so too is 1/1 art, but as a digital format, and on the blockchain. Easy enough to understand, right? (If we lost you on “blockchain”, check out The Ultimate Guide to Digital Collectibles for a primer).
Many artists entering the space favor this approach of producing 1/1s (also called single editions) in conjunction with a mix of other strategies, including making some pieces limited editions (a set number of copies and/or time to mint them), or open editions (no time limit to mint). Limited editions can be thought of as similar to when an artist releases prints of their work: they’re technically reproductions, although released in artificially small batches. True open editions are always available to mint, and as many people can own those pieces as are interested.
It should be mentioned however, that there’s some debate over the nomenclature, and limited editions that are available only for a brief period of time are still commonly referred to as open editions by many online. A bit confusing? For sure, but not much in the NFT scene is logical; sometimes you just need to roll with it.
Risk and Reward with 1/1 Art
Unsurprisingly then, 1/1 art is generally priced higher than any other work by an artist, as its inherent scarcity informs its price. With that being said, art collectors may be happy to learn that 1/1 art, especially from undiscovered or less well-known artists, is considerably more affordable than a lot of artwork in “the real world”. It’s not uncommon for 1/1 work to (initially) sell for as little as 0.01 – 0.05 ETH (around $15-$80 USD at the time of this writing). And that’s just on Ethereum, the most popular blockchain for NFT art. Art found on other blockchains such as Tezos or Solana often goes for a fraction of that price. This variance in cost means that it’s possible for almost anyone interested in NFT art to get into collecting.
1/1 art, especially from a relatively unknown artist, is the riskiest, but also potentially the most lucrative of all NFT purchases a collector can make. This is why it’s typically advised to start by only buying work from artists you love and wish to support, as most will not explode in popularity. And if that’s the case (it usually is), you can take comfort in still owning a piece of work that really resonates with you.
Finding 1/1 Art
NFT art examples of 1/1 artists can be found all over the space. These artists experiment with mediums all across the field, from: illustration, paintings, digital sculptures, generative art, photography, AI art, music, and more.
Beeple, XCOPY, and Michah Johnson are well known entities, but there are already thousands of artists in the space, with more joining every day. No matter your taste or artistic sensibilities, there is almost certainly work that’ll appeal to you, if you’re willing to look for it on marketplaces like OpenSea (Ethereum, primarily) and Objkt (Tezos).
Collectibles
Think trading cards, but as NFTs on the blockchain.
Commonly found in the form of sport card collectibles like NBA Top Shot, Swoops, and Blokpax, as well as digital tabletop and blockchain games where players battle it out.
Collectibles appeal to many people interested in NFTs. They’re a great choice for creators who are interested in gamifying large collections, or have an entertaining product that would naturally appeal to completionists.
As a collector on the other side of the aisle, the markets and communities built around collectibles are extremely passionate and knowledgeable. Being a part of them is often like being transported back to your youth when you and your friends were obsessed with Magic: The Gathering, and Pokémon. That sort of feeling of a fun community all rallied around a specific interest remains popular in the NFT scene today.
Meme Art & Derivatives
Memes are often derided by those who first step foot into the space, especially if they’re not used to seeing them in their everyday life. At first glance it’s easy to see how someone could underestimate a bunch of trolls, clowns, and viral tweeters, or assume that they don’t know what they’re doing.
But don’t be mistaken. Anyone who has been in NFTs long enough (or even social media over the past 15 years) knows the power and value of memes and virality. As far as NFT art examples go, there’s a plethora to choose from, and entire collections have risen or fallen on nothing more than a meme.
Anything which has captured the mind and imagination of people online, even for a brief moment in time, has the potential to rise again in the NFT space.
Derivatives
Another thing commonly seen in NFT art examples are derivative projects, which are usually satirical takes or a spin on a familiar collection. While most fail, it is a sign of a strong meme or collection which has captured the public imagination. There are dozens of derivations of some of the largest and most notable collections, like CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club. Some even suggest that you can partially assess a collection’s value based off of how many copycats are born from it.
Real World Assets
Real world assets are typically brands and products coming into web3. In the past couple of years we’ve seen various NFT sneaker companies and jewelry brands test the waters, as well as Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Tiffany’s, and more.
NFTs of this sort are essentially impossible for creators to make, as they’re built upon years and years of cultural influence and public recognition. Instead, this type of NFT mostly appeals to super-fans or speculators who collect work by well known and notable brands who’ve entered the space.
One especially prominent example was Tiffany & Co. 250 pendants targeting the CryptoPunks community were sold for 30 ETH a piece (around 12.5 million dollars at the time), and sold out in under 20 minutes.
This sort of demand shows not only a fierce loyalty to a real world brand, as well as to the OG NFT collection, but also is a public means of displaying one’s support for the digital future.
Identity Through PFPs & Memberships
Identity in NFTs primarily started in the form of profile pictures (PFPs), led by CryptoPunks with their 24×24 pixel art. It was followed several years later by the PFP boom of 2021. Bored Ape Yacht Club, Moonbirds, and Curious Addys are all examples of profile picture collections: many people in the space like to find projects that they vibe with and take on that image as their own, choosing to represent themselves with their PFPs online.
Another way people may choose to identify in NFTs is through exclusive clubs, usually in the forms of memberships. Groups like The 333 Club, and Proof Collective are two well known figures in the membership pass scene. Typically, collectors who buy a membership pass do so because of their their trust in the team and what they can deliver. This can make a membership pass a difficult route for potential NFT creators, unless they have a particularly strong narrative or history which they can leverage to web3 degens. As collectors however, the right membership community can be a vital chance for networking, information, and community building.
Finding Inspiration
We’re still very early in the NFT scene. While these are some popular forms of NFTs and NFT art examples online today, the space is constantly maturing and developing. The art and utility of NFTs continues to be redefined on a regular basis, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Are you a creator and imagine a purpose wildly outside of any of these examples? Does nothing here inspire you? Not only is that fine, that’s great! This is the space to be in if you are open to experimentation and exploring new avenues of thought and technology. And, as the NFT scene is generally welcoming to novel concepts, you could very well be on the forefront of the next new thing.
If you want to explore making your own NFT collection, be sure to check out Launchpad, our NFT no-code toolkit that can handle every facet of turning your ideas into the project of your dreams.
Until next time! 🍬
Further Reading
NFTs for Dummies
The Ultimate Guide to Digital Collectibles
How to Make an NFT for Free
How On-Chain NFT Royalties Enforcement Works
NFT Art: 7 Reasons Why You Should Make It
Curious Addys Substack
