My First Year in NFTs
The Highlights Edition…
After starting my Crypto journey in June 2021, and an initial period getting involved in the DeFi space to commence my interaction with blockchains and crypto in general, I ended up wandering into the NFT space after finding photography NFTs and then being exposed to the wonderful art that can be found in NFT form.
It has now been over a year, so I have decided to look back at this time and list the top 5 projects or movements (projects that I have been involved in, in some way, or communities I have enjoyed being part of) that have meant something to me over the past year.
5. Alpha Girl Club
https://twitter.com/alphagirlclub
My first Ethereum Mainnet NFT. The project at the time was about shining a light on mental health issues, wellness and also has some really nice art. The community was active and warm, and there were some great initiatives at the time that ensured people were engaged, including numerous Twitter spaces per week, a focus on developing a mental health app, cooking sessions over Zoom, and ongoing art development through comics. Since then, the team has changed a little, but have continued to build, taking over Times Square during NFT NYC for free outdoor yoga sessions in the heart of New York City.
People say you never forget your first of anything. Very true here.
4. Optimism / Arbitrum NFTs
I do not have many of these, but as Ethereum gets busier and busier, the layer 2 ecosystem is likely to be where NFT projects launch. DeFi is there and growing rapidly, so NFTs following seems almost inevitable. Adoption will be dependent on the teams and projects that build there, though it does feel good to be early.
3. Pooly NFT
https://mint.pooltogether.com/#about
After hearing about the Poolies of Pool Together, getting involved in something that works to defend DeFi felt right. The Pooly NFT project works to raise funds to help PoolTogether Inc. defend itself against a putative class action lawsuit. PoolTogether is a savings protocol that offers opportunities for those saving to share in prizes everyday. More information can be found in the link above.
Being a Pooly Supporter feels right and the formation of a DAO to progress the ideals of the Poolies through the DeFi space where other attacks on decentralisation may become apparent.
2. Deadfellaz
https://twitter.com/Deadfellaz
One of the grails of the NFT space in my mind. The team and community make this project one that has people racing to join the movement. Behind the leadership of Betty and Psych, the Horde are just build different, and have some of the most eclectic tastes and welcoming vibes in the NFT space. The brand partnerships, the exciting collaborations with Web2 and Web3 brands, the movement into the metaverse and the incomparable IRL parties and events make this a brand I see going from strength to strength over time, as the space evolves. From a street cred point of view — this is the community for me.
1. Not Your Bro NFT
https://twitter.com/NotYourBroNFT
Initially, it was all about the artwork and the shout for legitimacy for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Web3 space. Over time, it became about the community and the people I met along the way. And then it was about the opportunity I had to contribute a member of the team. At the end of the day, my time with Not Your Bro NFT has and continues to leave a lasting impression on me. The people I have met, the connections I have made and the conversations that I have had with my colleagues and the community are what sets this one apart from the others. Yes, the project may not be as well known as the Deadfellaz, but it is where I learned a lot about the NFT space and where I felt like I was able to contribute to something bigger, even in a small way. Keen to see where it goes and how these rankings change in a year.
Conclusion
The NFT space is changing, and even through the course of the last year, it has seen a monumental shift in the way it operates and also in terms of what works and what does not. The plans founders made in January on their launches may not be the best for projects at the moment. The move to the Free Mint meta that has coincided with the current bear market conditions has changed the way projects are being released and what consumers in the market view as valuable. Knowing what happens next is anyone’s guess, though understanding how quickly the “norm” evolves in this space, it would not surprise me if it is completely new and innovative.
What have you enjoyed in the NFT space over the last year? Are you still bullish on where the space is headed? I can be reached on Twitter @cryptobear55 or via comment below. Thank you.
