How to turn your art into NFT: my personal experience

Have you ever wondered how to transform your digital creations into unique tokens and sell them? I also questioned this until I delved into this world. It's not as complicated as it seems, and I want to share my journey with you.

NFTs: Are They Really Worth It?

NFT or non-fungible token… a pretentious name for something simple: a unique and unrepeatable digital asset. It's like having the Mona Lisa of the digital world. They can be illustrations, songs, videos, or even memes. Did you know that someone sold a simple tweet for millions? Absurd, right?

The minting process: simpler than you think

Minting is basically registering your creation on a blockchain, giving it authenticity and certifying who its original owner is.

First step: Choose what to digitize

It can be anything: a drawing you made, a song you composed, or even a special photograph. In my case, I chose a photograph of a sunrise that I captured years ago. Note: make sure you have the rights to what you want to convert into an NFT.

Second step: Select your blockchain

Here are several options:

• Ethereum: the most popular, but with high fees
• Solana: faster and more economical
• Polygon: compatible with Ethereum but with lower costs

I chose Solana for its balance between recognition and costs.

Third step: Get a digital wallet

You need a place to store your cryptocurrencies. Popular options include MetaMask, Phantom, or Trust Wallet. I set up Phantom and saved my recovery phrase as if it were gold - because it literally is.

Fourth step: Acquire some crypto

Depending on the chosen blockchain, you will need ETH, SOL, or another currency. I bought about 30 dollars in SOL, more than enough to get started on Solana.

Fifth step: Choose a market

These are the sites where you will create and sell your NFT:

• OpenSea: the largest but somewhat saturated
• Magic Eden: my choice for Solana
• Rarible: quite accessible for beginners

Sixth step: Upload and create your NFT

I connected my wallet to the marketplace, uploaded my photograph, gave it an attractive name (“Crimson Awakening”), set royalties at 7%, and paid a small fee. Done! My creation officially existed on the blockchain.

Seventh step: Put it up for sale

I decided to use an auction with a minimum price. Promotion is crucial - no one will buy what they do not know.

NFT Market Realities

How much does it cost? In Solana, just a few cents. In Ethereum, it can reach hundreds of dollars depending on the day.

Can it be done for free? Some sites offer “lazy minting,” where the buyer pays the costs when acquiring your NFT.

Do you need to know how to program? Not at all, the markets are designed to be intuitive.

My first NFT was not sold immediately. Weeks went by until someone offered a reasonable price. Patience is essential in this highly volatile market.

Originality is key. I've seen too many mediocre copies fail while innovative ideas succeed, even when they are technically simpler.

The NFT world may seem intimidating, but once inside, you discover that it is accessible to anyone with a minimum of curiosity and creativity. Are you willing to give it a try?