The Now Podcast

What does it take to create 300 consecutive days of art while redefining your place in a volatile NFT market? Meet Mendezmendez, a digital artist who turned a creative slump into a groundbreaking daily art practice that transformed his career. From viral Reddit posts to collaborating with top record labels, his journey merges timeless artistic inspiration with cutting-edge Web3 technology. In this episode, we dive into his bold pivot from editions to one-of-one pieces, how he’s navigating the evolving digital art space, and his sold out-release on LG Art Lab. Join us as we explore the stories behind his most compelling works, his approach to blending AI tools with traditional art aesthetics, and his insights on balancing digital platforms with the allure of traditional galleries. Plus, we uncover how consistency, community-building, and seizing opportunities have propelled his career, even in a challenging market. Presented in partnership with LG Art Lab. https://www.lgartlab.com Follow Mendezmendez on X here: https://x.com/mendezmendezart Follow nft now on X here: https://www.x.com/nftnow Follow LG Art Lab on X here: https://www.x.com/lgartlab To listen to the audio version, go to https://www.pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we chat with Emi Kusano, a multi-disciplinary Japanese artist blending AI and web3 in her work. Emi discusses her journey from music to creating AI-driven art, including her LG art lab debut, "Advertising Humanity," inspired by 1980s Japanese commercials. She reflects on the challenges of working with AI and the ongoing debate around its impact on art. Emi also shares key moments in her career, from collaborating on an NFT project with her son to being mentored by Claire Silver. She offers valuable advice for digital artists on building a collector base and finding the right platforms. Emi's 1/1 artwork, “Advertising Humanity,” is now available on LG Art Lab in the United States. https://www.lgartlab.com/drops/detail... Presented in partnership with LG Art Lab. https://www.lgartlab.com Follow Emi Kusano on X here: https://x.com/emikusano Follow nft now on X here: https://www.x.com/nftnow Follow LG Art Lab on X here: https://www.x.com/lgartlab Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the groundbreaking world of AR gaming with the creators behind Onmi. Joining forces with the innovative minds from Borderless, the Onmi team shares their journey of merging the physical and digital worlds through cutting-edge XR technologies. From the inception of their project during the COVID-19 lockdown to the intricate partnerships with fashion icons and Web3 pioneers, this conversation unpacks the unique blend of technology, art, and culture that drives Onmi. Discover how Onmi plans to revolutionize mobile gaming with a blend of AR, fashion, and music, and hear about the exciting future ahead, including the launch of their native token, PVP games, and a global AR scavenger hunt. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, gamer, or someone intrigued by the convergence of fashion and digital assets, this episode offers an in-depth look at a project that's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the gaming world. #partner Presented in partnership with LG Art Lab. https://www.lgartlab.com Follow Onmi on X here: https://www.x.com/amadon Follow nft now on X here: https://www.x.com/nftnow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, artist Amadon shares his transformative journey from graffiti to digital art. He recounts the intense story behind his controversial "No Rioters" piece, which sparked international attention and an arrest warrant in Hong Kong. Amadon dives into his passion for using art as a tool for protest and social change, highlighting the importance of privacy and freedom in the digital age. Amadon also discusses his groundbreaking collaboration with LG Art Lab, "Passive Observer," where he’s poised to push the boundaries of digital art distribution. He offers insights into why now is the perfect time for artists to create, despite market challenges, and how his multi-chain innovations are reshaping the future of the art world. Presented in partnership with LG Art Lab. https://www.lgartlab.com Follow Amadon on X here: https://www.x.com/amadon Follow nft now on X here: https://www.x.com/nftnow Follow LG Art Lab on X here: https://www.x.com/lgartlab To listen to the audio version, go to https://www.pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this must-listen nft now podcast episode, Coinbase’s Jesse Pollak recounts his journey from launching the Base Layer-2 to scaling it into a powerhouse for builders and creators in a little over a year. He reflects on the 'chewing glass' periods—times of intense difficulty and doubt—but also on the triumphant phases of validation and growth spurred by community engagement and strategic pivots. Pollak speaks to critical growth catalysts like memecoins and the Farcaster ecosystem, weaving technical insights with personal reflections to offer a compelling glimpse into the transformative potential of blockchain technology for creating open, efficient digital platforms. Follow Jesse Pollak on X here: https://twitter.com/jessepollak Follow Base on X here: https://twitter.com/base To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you ensure that CryptoPunks age gracefully? In our latest nft now podcast episode, Natalie Stone, General Manager of CryptoPunks, dives into her ambitions for the historic project, emphasizing efforts to integrate the collection into both digital and traditional art worlds. She highlights initiatives aimed at establishing CryptoPunks not just as collectibles, but as key cultural and artistic phenomena. With plans to engage with traditional art institutions and enhance the cultural relevance of NFTs, Stone's leadership is focused on cementing CryptoPunks' position in digital art history, aiming to bridge the gap between innovative digital expressions and established artistic mediums. Follow Natalie Stone on X here: https://twitter.com/NaughtalieStone Follow CryptoPunks on X here: https://twitter.com/cryptopunksnfts To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is digital art the next trillion-dollar asset class? In this episode, Grail Capital founder Jean-Michel Pailhon, a key player who left a lengthy tenure at Ledger to launch his own fund, shares invaluable insights on how digital art is reshaping art collection and investment. Drawing from his journey and the parallels between street art and digital art, he highlights his investment thesis and details which projects he believes will stand the test of time and deliver exponential returns to investors. This episode offers a singular look into the evolving landscape of the digital art market, making it a must-listen for anyone keen to understand where art and blockchain intersect, straight from an industry insider's perspective. Follow Jean-Michel Pailhon on X here: https://twitter.com/jmpailhon Follow nft now on X here: https://twitter.com/nftnow To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From traditional art collector to digital art visionary, Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile tackles the web3 art world with passion and, at times, controversial insight. This episode explores the evolving dynamics between collectors and artists and challenges preconceived notions about artist royalties and the need for broader audience engagement through the U.S. dollar denomination. With candid discussions around his historic $400,000 loan against a Beeple piece and the monumental donation of a Refik Anadol work to MoMA, Pablo details the path for digital art's integration into traditional cultural institutions. Follow Pablo on X here: https://twitter.com/pablorfraile Follow nft now on X here: https://twitter.com/nftnow To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pioneering artist Sarah Meyohas chronicles her innovative work at the intersection of art and blockchain technology, particularly her trailblazing projects like Bitchcoin and overcoming adversity as an early adopter. Her journey from academia to exploring the boundaries of digital and physical art forms illustrates a deep engagement with conceptual art and market dynamics. Through experimenting with unconventional mediums like holograms and custom plotting technology, Sarah reflects on the challenges and achievements in her career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and creative exploration in the evolving art landscape. The conversation also touches on the integration of digital art into traditional institutions and the potential impacts of AI and new technologies like the Apple Vision Pro on the art world, offering insights into future directions for artists and the broader implications for immersive art experience. Follow Sarah on X here: https://twitter.com/SarahMeyohas Follow nft now on X here: https://twitter.com/nftnow To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is Magic Eden winning the marketplace war? In our nft now Podcast season 3 debut, Magic Eden's CEO Jack Lu delves into the heart of the web3 revolution, revealing how the platform is shaping the future of digital ownership by embracing Ethereum and championing creator royalties. From its bold inception on Solana during the 2021 bull run to its rise as a Bitcoin Ordinals marketplace innovator, Magic Eden's journey is a testament to the power of vision, simplicity, and rapid adaptation in a dynamic blockchain world. Lu's passionate discourse not only highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the NFT landscape but also underscores a steadfast commitment to creators and the broader community. This episode isn't just an insight into Magic Eden's strategy; it's a compelling narrative on the transformative potential of NFTs, making it a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology, art, and digital empowerment. In this talk, we cover: Follow Jack Lu on X here: https://twitter.com/0xLeoInRio Follow Magic Eden on X here: https://twitter.com/MagicEden To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Web3 has a perception problem. How do we fix it? Dive into a compelling discussion with digital pioneers Simone Berry, Amanda Cassett, and Krista Kim as they explore taking web3 from niche to mainstream. From creating immersive, inclusive digital spaces that celebrate diversity to tackling the challenges of AI and securing digital identities, this panel explores the transformative potential of web3. The discussion underscored the role of art and creativity in bridging web3 technologies with mainstream audiences, advocating for projects that not only entertain but educate and empower users. In this talk, we cover: Follow Simone Berry on X here: https://twitter.com/sberrynyc Follow Amanda Cassatt on X here: https://twitter.com/amandacassatt Follow Krista Kim on X here: https://twitter.com/Krista_Kim To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you build a multi-billion dollar media empire? David Maisel, the visionary behind Marvel Studios and Mythos Studios, shared his enthralling journey from comic book aficionado to cinematic game-changer -- and why he's all in on web3 with Ekos -- in an exclusive fireside chat at Gateway Miami moderated by Now Media co-founder, CEO and EIC Matt Medved. Maisel revealed the inception of Marvel Studios, driven by his love for comics and an innovative approach to storytelling that catapulted the MCU to staggering heights with hits like Iron Man, thanks to strategic casting and relentless belief in his creative vision. Transitioning into the digital realm with Ekos, Maisel is pioneering a new mythology through web3 and digital art, aiming to merge storytelling, technology, and community in unprecedented ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Decoding Digital Collectability" panel at Gateway Miami, featuring insights from the creative minds behind Mercedes-Benz NXT, delved into the fascinating intersection of NFTs, digital art, and the future of collecting. Highlighting stories of personal collections, from Pokémon cards to watches, Ben Roy, Felix Schubert, and Timo Heuer underscored the deep emotional connections that drive our desire to collect. The conversation seamlessly navigated through the evolution of NFTs, emphasizing the shift towards creating digital objects with enduring value and significance beyond mere financial investment. By exploring the potential of merging traditional heritage with cutting-edge technology, Mercedes-Benz NXT aims to redefine digital collectibles, making them accessible and meaningful to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the web3 space. In this talk, we cover: Follow Mercedes-Benz NXT on X here: https://twitter.com/MercedesBenzNXT Follow Ben Roy on X here: https://twitter.com/benroy__ To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Decoding Digital Collectability" panel at Gateway Miami, featuring insights from the creative minds behind Mercedes-Benz NXT, delved into the fascinating intersection of NFTs, digital art, and the future of collecting. Highlighting stories of personal collections, from Pokémon cards to watches, Ben Roy, Felix Schubert, and Timo Heuer underscored the deep emotional connections that drive our desire to collect. The conversation seamlessly navigated through the evolution of NFTs, emphasizing the shift towards creating digital objects with enduring value and significance beyond mere financial investment. By exploring the potential of merging traditional heritage with cutting-edge technology, Mercedes-Benz NXT aims to redefine digital collectibles, making them accessible and meaningful to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the web3 space. In this talk, we cover: Follow Mercedes-Benz NXT on X here: https://twitter.com/MercedesBenzNXT Follow Ben Roy on X here: https://twitter.com/benroy__ To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready for RTFKT's next chapter? In this special Gateway Miami conversation, RTFKT founders Zaptio and ClegFX (Chris Le) dive into their pioneering journey in blending digital and physical fashion and its impact in both the web3 and sneakerhead communities. Moderated by Alejandro Navia, the conversation covers everything from their landmark Nike acquisition to the Dunk Genesis sneaker launch and forthcoming Animus project, exploring blockchain’s power to democratize creativity and how to humanize the design process. In this talk, we cover: Follow RTFKT on X here: https://twitter.com/RTFKT Follow Zaptio on X here: https://twitter.com/Zaptio Follow ClegFX on X here: https://twitter.com/clegfx To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a panel discussion hosted by Lens Protocol at Gateway Miami, an all-star lineup explored the intersection of web3 social platforms, artist empowerment, and the innovative use of new tools in creating opportunities and realities. Moderated by curator and creative entrepreneur Lady Phe0nix, the panel featured AI collaborative artist Emi Kusano and musician Heno. In this talk, we cover: Follow Emi on X here: https://twitter.com/emikusano Follow Heno on X here: https://twitter.com/mynameisheno Follow Lady Phe on X here: https://twitter.com/yesladypheOnix Sign up for our free weekly nft now newsletter: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Generative art and skincare? While it may seem an unlikely marriage, Shiseido's embrace of web3 offers key insights for brands. Learn more in this panel hosted by Shiseido at Gateway Miami, featuring Art Blocks founder Erick “Snowfro” Calderon, and artist Jen Stark and moderated by Alessio Rossi, Executive Vice President of Shiseido Americas. The speakers explore the global beauty brand’s “Future Reflections” generative art collection, which features artists Stark, Kaoru Tanaka, Hannah Yan, and Robert Hodgin and is powered by Art Blocks Engine. In this talk, we cover: Follow Shiseido on X here: https://twitter.com/SHISEIDO_USA Follow Jen Stark on X here: https://twitter.com/Jen_Stark Follow Snowfro on X here: https://twitter.com/ArtOnBlockchain To listen to the audio version, go to pod.link/1561616636 To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a panel discussion hosted by Christie's at Gateway Miami, the stage was set for an engaging conversation that delves into the journeys of some of the biggest names in digital art and Web3. Moderated by Sebastian Sanchez, Manager of Digital Art Sales at Christie’s, the panel featured Jack Butcher, artist and founder of Visualize Value, and AC, renowned art collector and partner of 6529 Capital. The three digital art heavyweights chatted about the impact of Butcher’s projects Checks and Opepen, what AC looks for in physical and digital art, and the evolution of generative art. In this talk, we cover: - Why Jack Butcher’s Checks and Opepen took off - AC’s investment thesis - The future of generative art Follow Sebastian on X here: https://twitter.com/sebastianss527 Follow Jack on X here: https://twitter.com/jackbutcher Follow AC on X here: https://twitter.com/ACthecollector To watch the video version, go to https://www.youtube.com/nftnow To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At a panel in Gateway Miami, Dennis Crow, Wilder World’s head game producer, engaged in a conversation with nft now’s Matt Medved to introduce Wilder World's latest metaverse experience. Their flagship game, “Midnight in Wiami,” offers an exhilarating racing experience within a photorealistic nocturnal setting inspired by the vibrant cities of Miami and Tokyo. This groundbreaking game celebrated its global debut at Gateway Miami, allowing attendees to partake in the simulation and firsthand experience the thrill it offers. The two sat down and chatted about why they centered the game on racing and how Wilder World creates its immersive AAA-quality experiences. Crow and Medved also discussed the future of the gaming industry, and why blockchain integration is set to elevate the gaming ecosystem. In this talk, we cover: - Building a metaverse from scratch - Why many gamers oppose NFTs - How AAA game studios will adopt web3 Follow Dennis on X here: https://twitter.com/DennisACrow Follow Matt on X here: https://twitter.com/mattmedved To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At a panel in Gateway Miami, Dennis Crow, Wilder World’s head game producer, engaged in a conversation with nft now’s Matt Medved to introduce Wilder World's latest metaverse experience. Their flagship game, “Midnight in Wiami,” offers an exhilarating racing experience within a photorealistic nocturnal setting inspired by the vibrant cities of Miami and Tokyo. This groundbreaking game celebrated its global debut at Gateway Miami, allowing attendees to partake in the simulation and firsthand experience the thrill it offers. The two sat down and chatted about why they centered the game on racing and how Wilder World creates its immersive AAA-quality experiences. Crow and Medved also discussed the future of the gaming industry, and why blockchain integration is set to elevate the gaming ecosystem. In this talk, we cover: - Building a metaverse from scratch - Why many gamers oppose NFTs - How AAA game studios will adopt web3 Follow Dennis on X here: https://twitter.com/DennisACrow Follow Matt on X here: https://twitter.com/mattmedved To sign up for the nft now newsletter, where we break down the NFT market into actionable insights each week, go to: https://www.nftnow.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.