Minting with Purpose with Michael Sidofsky

For someone who’s been in the NFT space for such a short amount of time, Michael Sidofsky (AKA Mindzeye) has assimilated seamlessly and found an astounding level of success. He joins us today to share his career journey, as well as his photographic process from location scouting to capturing and editing an image. He generously shares insight into his time-blended images and his philosophies around continuous escalation and repurposing past work.  He opens up about the freedom NFTs have afforded him as an artist, and shares his views on rejection and criticism and his mindset when it comes to creativity and productivity. 

Tune in to find out how the editing process acts as a form of meditation for him, how he overcomes FOMO, and why it’s essential to take a step back and mint with purpose! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing photographer Michael Sidofsky (AKA Mindzeye).
• Michael’s photographic process from location scouting to capturing and editing an image.
• Insight into his experimental approach and distinct aesthetic.
• The story behind Michael’s time-blended image, “Gotham”.
• His process of repurposing past work and his goal to continue escalating.
• His approach to teaching his workflow and inspiring unique adaptations of his style.
• What he attributes to his successful career in photography.
• His philosophy on criticism and rejection.
• What inspired him to explore landscape photography.
• Where in the UK he wants to shoot and why.
• How he discovered and assimilated into the web3 space.
• The space afforded by the current bear market.
• How NFTs have benefited Michael as a photographer.
• His interests outside of photography.
• How photography permeates his thoughts, even in his downtime.
• The meditative state he enters while editing.
• What he finds exciting about Transient Labs’ dynamic NFTs.
• Michael shares his mindset when it comes to creativity and productivity.
• His biggest takeaway from his experience in the NFT space.
• Advice for avoiding/overcoming FOMO and minting with purpose.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Michael Sidofsky (Mindzeye)

Michael Sidofsky on Twitter

Michael Sidofsky on Instagram

“Gotham” by Mindzeye

Transient Labs

The Me Llamo Art Podcast

Me Llamo Art

Me Llamo Art on Instagram

Me Llamo Art on Twitter

In this episode, Jordan is joined by Me Llamo Art Team Director and photographer, Brynn Alise, who shares about her photography and Web3  journey. Tuning in, you’ll learn how an unfortunate injury led her to discover her greatest passions and find a community in the NFT space. Brynn opens up about what she loves about the Web3 space and why she chose to take on the role of team director, as well as her short and long-term focus for Me Llamo Art. With Web3 still being quite novel, it’s easy to make slip-ups along the way, and in this conversation, Brynn also shares her greatest regrets and her resolve to mint and vault her own work from here on out for the sake of her sons and her legacy. To find out how Brynn and Me Llamo Art are uplifting other artists, why Brynn hopes editions are here to stay, and what she’s most inspired by in the Web3 space, be sure to listen in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The story of how Brynn discovered her love for photography.
• Increased challenges that come with shooting wildlife and what Brynn is exploring as a result.
• Her non-profit work and her involvement in the Web2 and Web3 spaces, respectively.
• What she loves about Web3 and why she chose to take on her role at Me Llamo Art.
• Insight into Brynn’s short and long-term focus for Me Llamo Art.
• Why Me Llamo Art is so intentional about being inclusive.
• A look at Brynn’s Web3/NFT journey thus far.
• Reasons that she wants to mint and vault her own work.
• Her mode of uplifting other artists.
• Why she hopes editions are here to stay.
• Brynn’s happy place (outside of work and Web3).
• What she currently finds inspiring in the Web3 space.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brynn Alise on Instagram

Brynn Alise on Twitter

Brynn Alise on LinkedIn

Comp Stomp Studios

NFT NYC

Clubhouse

The Me Llamo Art Podcast

Me Llamo Art

Me Llamo Art on Instagram

Me Llamo Art on Twitter

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This quote is attributed to the Roman philosopher, Seneca, but it is also a concept that today’s guest takes quite seriously!

Fidel Amos is a photographer, community builder, avid NFT collector, and the creator of the top-selling black and white photography collection on OpenSea. Today, Fidel joins us to share his journey through Web3 and offer some insight into the apparent overnight success of Black & White Nights, his now-famous collection of 50 nightlife photos, taken mainly in New York between 2006 and 2014. 

Tuning in, you’ll also find out how Fidel stepped into his role as Community Head at the online marketplace and photography magazine, Picture This, why he is excited about recent AI innovations as a photographer, and why he encourages artists in the NFT space to be kinder to themselves, especially as we navigate this tough bear market. For all this and more from a self-proclaimed old-school photographer trying to find his way in this new school world, make sure not to miss today’s episode of Me Llamo Art!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How being a “military brat” inspired Fidel to become a photographer.
• Film versus digital in a professional context.
• The importance of asking questions and facilitating your own learning.
• Insight into how Fidel developed his distinctive photographic style.
• How Black & White Nights became a top-selling verified collection on OpenSea.
• Why it’s crucial to be prepared for every “lucky” opportunity.
• A look at the NFT collection Fidel has built and his role with Picture This.
• Why it’s difficult for him to say where he is “from” as a lifelong nomad.
• What Fidel would do if he weren’t a photographer and how he chooses to relax.
• The innovative use of AI (and why innovation is important in the NFT space).
• Why Fidel encourages his fellow artists to “go easy” on themselves.

Links

Fidel Amos

Black & White Nights

Picture This

Fidel Amos on Instagram

Fidel Amos on Twitter

Fidel Amos LinkTree

The Me Llamo Art Podcast

Me Llamo Art

Me Llamo Art on Instagram

Me Llamo Art on Twitter

With the rise of NFTs, many art collections have moved online, exposing artists to the opportunity to sell their work to buyers on a global scale. But how can you build your brand in the space and leverage this reliable and inclusive environment to sell your work?

To answer this question, we are joined by investor, community-builder, and writer, Tim Salikhov. Tim is the author of This Week in Photography and Tatarin Digital, digital newsletters where he uncovers key insights about the digital art market and the artists who are propelling the crypto space forward. Today, he offers his perspective on community, art, and technology within the space. 

We discuss the value of being an entrepreneur first and an artist second, how you can grow your brand in the NFT space, and why Tim believes that photography is a solid investment. We also touch on the challenges that come with building scarcity, what goes into creating a “fair price” for an artwork, and so much more! 

Through his in-depth writing and analysis, Tim helps collectors, institutions, and artists alike get more comfortable with Web3 and take a front seat in the next technological evolution. Tune in today to learn more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A look at Tim’s career path and what sparked his interest in digital art.
• Why he looks forward to the day that we stop using the word ‘NFT’.
• The value of building IRL relationships with collectors and artists.
• What we can learn about balance and preparation from the current bear market.
• Pricing your artwork, timing releases, building scarcity, and more.
• The importance of doing what works for your unique portfolio.
• How Tim’s 15 years as an investor have served him in the crypto space.
• Why he views photography as a solid investment that will hold its value for years to come.
• How photography became a blockchain-native medium.
• Ways that artists can benefit from sharing their creative process.
• Applying an investor’s eye for pattern recognition to art collection.
• What draws Tim to a specific artist or piece of art, from aesthetics to longevity.
• Insight into his due diligence process and how he tracks an artist’s progress.
• Reflecting on what constitutes a “fair price” for a piece of digital art.
• How traditional art world knowledge can benefit you in the crypto world.
• More about Tim, including his love for motorcycles and sports.
• Why Michelle Viljoen is a great example of an artist Tim would bet on in the long run.
• Some of the technological innovation that Tim is witnessing in the space.
• Advice for collectors: remember what game you’re playing!
• Tim’s reflections on the current state of the crypto market and his predictions for the future.

Links
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Tim Salikhov

Tim Salikhov on Twitter

JN Silva

Justin Aversano

'Hidden Stories' by Michelle Viljoen

Transient Labs

Fellowship

Me Llamo Art Podcast

Me Llamo Art

Me Llamo Art on Twitter

Me Llamo Art on Instagram

Rach Stewart believes that life is amazing and that we are really lucky to be here. That passion shines through in her incredible work as a photographer, having been featured by National Geographic, Canon, and the Daily Mail, among other global names in the media industry.

During today’s conversation, we speak to Rach about her experience as an artist on web2 and web3, her introduction to NFTs, and her predictions for the future. She offers some valuable advice to artists entering the space, shares her future plans, and gives us the scoop on why she intends to slow down on minting her pieces. Tune in to hear more today!

Key Points From This Episode

• We welcome photographer Rach Stewart to today’s conversation.
• The story of how Rach fell in love with photography.
• How she learned and refined the long exposure style that characterizes her work.
• Influences from her work in design that inform her work as a photographer.
• Building a digital presence via Instagram during web2.
• Finding a community using Instagram and Twitter during web3.
• Why Rach prefers Twitter to Instagram.
• Being an F-Stop ambassador.
• What the NFT space might look like in 10 years’ time and how artists could reap the rewards.
• Why Rach sees NFTs as a method of preserving art.
• The role of writing in creating new content and keeping people engaged.
• Why she considers her introduction to NFTs a baptism of fire.
• Releasing a collection of her best-known work in New Zealand.
• Engaging with a global audience while raising three kids.
• The role of secondary sales for artists.
• Advice for those starting out: connect with the community and have a plan with your minting.
• What motivates Rach in art and life.
• How she decompresses and relaxes in life.
• Growing up with ballet dancer parents, surfing, and playing music.
• How she was inspired by Rich Caldwell’s 12 Days of Art project.
• How Rach sees her future unfolding with the bear market in mind.
• Why she intends to slow down on minting her work.
• TIMEPieces with Deepak Chopra.
• Her closing message: we’re all in this together, so ask for advice!
• Rach’s shoutouts: Me LLamo Matt, and her partner Pete.

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Links:

Rach Stewart

Rach Stewart on Facebook

Rach Stewart on Instagram

Rach Stewart on Twitter

Sarah Hatton on Instagram

F-Stop

Rich Caldwell on Twitter

TIMEPieces

Me Llamo Art Links:

The Me Llamo Art Podcast

Me Llamo Art

Me Llamo Art on Instagram

Me Llamo Art on Twitter

Me Llamo Matt on Twitter

Me Llamo Matt on Linktree

© 2023 Me Llamo Art Podcast

Welcome to Episode 0 of the Me Llamo Art Podcast. Our host Jordan Banks is joined by Me Llamo Art founder, entrepreneur, collector, and community builder Me Llamo Matt.

Matt became fascinated with NFTs and the underlying technology and immediately recognized their potential to revolutionize the art scene. He decided to leverage the technology available and founded Me Llamo Art, a Web3, nonprofit supporting artists and helping them reach their full potential.  It is a platform committed to inclusivity, transparency, and positivity while providing significant opportunities for the Web3 art community. In this episode, Matt shares his knowledge and insights into Web3, NFTs, art, and Me Llamo Art itself.

Learn about his background and past business experience, the journey to starting Me Llamo Art, and how his personal collection helped form the community. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about connecting with other artists, collectors, and enthusiasts, the role digital art can play in bringing attention to the importance of social justice, managing expectations in a bear market, why some artists are struggling right now, and much more.

Sit back and enjoy the ride as Matt takes us through his journey into web3 and NFTs as he searches for the next big opportunity.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Matt’s NFT journey and how the idea of Me Llamo Art originated.
• The experience Matt had that led him to start and manage Me Llamo Art.
• Find out how Matt leverages technology to manage his businesses.
• The community event that caused Me Llamo Art to change its trajectory.
• We discuss the future potential of Me Llamo Art as a community for artists.
• Matt highlights Comp Stomp Studios and the upcoming collaborations planned.
• He shares his method and approach to art collecting.
• Matt tells us about the art piece that got him hooked on collecting.
• Why supporting artists through a community approach is so important.
• Hear about a controversial auction that Matt hosted regarding Drift’s work.
• His opinion on using editions to sell art pieces to the community.
• Learn some essential advice for using editions successfully.
• Advice for artists to help them through bear markets and remain sustainable.
• We find out more about Matt, his passions, and what motivates him.
• How Matt is able to manage his expectations regarding digital art.
• We discuss emerging technology in the space and its potential.
• Reasons why artists need to remain current regarding technology.
• We unpack the current state of the market and its future. 

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Episode Links

Me Llamo Art

Me Llamo Art on Instagram

Me Llamo Art on Twitter

Me Llamo Matt on Twitter

Me Llamo Matt on Linktree

Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can't F*ck With

Comp Stomp Studios

Transient Labs