Written by: Irina Proskurina, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The value potential of blockchain-based social media should be embraced by artists in order to make the most of the emerging Web3 economy, believes ArtTech entrepreneur Mariana Marques. She launched VRTOPIA to empower other creators, and it’s now bridging the world of digital collectibles with the world of investment banking.
A lot of NFTs have recently plunged in value, but your work remains a popular investment. What defines the success of digital collectibles?
Too many NFT projects were launched solely with the idea of turning a quick profit, while the art component was absent. When I created my business, I focused on creativity and technology, but kept an open mind for opportunities. My main goal was to empower other artists looking to become entrepreneurs and co-create together.
I didn’t expect that my initiative would grow into a collaboration with one of the U.S. biggest financial firms that now uses my NFTs as gifts to its investors. In my case, success derived from building a presence in the market and creating value for years to come.
How do you create value for the future?
The ability of an artist to utilize decentralized social networks for promotion is crucial. Using Web2 instruments, Instagram and Twitter, is also important. But blockchain-powered social media prioritizes privacy and user control. I recommend testing different platforms, such as Mastodon, Diaspora, or Peer-Tube, to find the one that aligns best with your art and community. Also, your work speaks for you, so your ideas and their technological implementation should look toward the future.
What inspires your art? How do you integrate technology to add value?
Everything I create is colossal, although for now people can only see it with VR equipment. You have to be inside my artwork to appreciate the size and structure, not just see it on a flat screen.
Luckily, we are rapidly approaching a time when our vision of the world will be enhanced by different wearables. In the next three years, we’ll be entering 3-dimensional space and, by 2030, the global wearable technology market size is expected to reach more than $186 billion.
My work is dark, surrealistic, and has machine elements. I love to bend and twist objects, and I scale my 3D models until they become gigantic architectural pieces. I’m inspired by Salvador Dali’s melting clocks and landscapes. I admire Hans Ruedi Giger, a Swiss artist known for his “biomechanical” style that blends living organisms with machines.
Also, my work is inspired by Maurits Escher, a Dutch artist who created mathematically inspired graphics, Tim Burton, known for his gothic fantasy films, and William Blake with his bizarre and fascinating illustrations of the Book of Revelation. I also found ideas in the works of star architects, such as Zaha Hadid and Alvaro Siza, who created colossal yet poetic architectural forms.
What specific software and tech tools do you use?
I use Oculus Rift, the very first version of the VR headset. Hopefully, a new generation of VR equipment with enhanced features is coming out soon. For creating my 3D designs I use professional 3D modeling and animation software, such as Autodesk Maya and 3DX Max; Adobe Medium; Adobe Substance 3D Painter and Substance 3D Stager.
What are your recommendations to other artists trying to build a business on Web3?
When the opportunity presents itself, go for it. Take what you know, and turn it into a business. Opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs in Web3 are limitless, although the hype is wearing off. You can compare it to the Dot-com bubble that burst in early 2000: the Internet is still a huge market, although it’s passed through the early high-growth stage.
In the future, most financial firms will have NFT artists or innovation technology experts on staff because there’s value in digital collectibles. A new economy will be emerging as soon as AR and VR technology becomes available to the masses, and it’s gonna happen at a very fast pace.
We are entering a new world, which is very interactive and collaborative. In the new Web3 economy, the secret ingredient for being successful is networking. The ability to communicate online, to market yourself as well as build a community, is crucial. It’s not a matter of choice any more; it should be a part of your strategy.
Irina Proskurina, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Irina Proskurina is a proud CEO and founder of E-PR Online Agency – a New York-based digital platform that leverages online publications in the world’s most renowned media outlets to help people and businesses grow their brands. With years of experience in PR under her belt, she witnessed amazing client success stories: explosive audience reach boost, growth in SERP rankings and traffic, excellent brand reputation – you name it. She’d like to share these stories to inspire readers to pursue PR strategies for their business endeavors. Her services allow companies to grow their brand essence, increase engagement with their target audience, capitalize on SEO and carve a unique space in their mark.
