About the Artwork Top Nft Artists  Who Are They and Why so Popular
Published:
8/24/2023
UPDATED:
4/18/2024

Top NFT Artists: Who Are They and Why So Popular?

Nowadays, non-fungible tokens have gradually become a recognized part of the art industry. This new blockchain-based technology provides an immutable proof of ownership and a transparent transaction ledger, ushering in a new age in the history of digital art collecting and opening doors for many individuals who aspire to become creators. 

By leveraging the benefits of NFT art, they not only become prominent figures in the niche community of techno-enthusiasts but also conquer the art world with a new experimental approach to art creation and acquisition. As a result, the NFT industry began to produce its own da Vincis, van Goghs, and Dalis, further driving the popularity and adoption of the new digital assets.

In this article, we’ll help you stay on track with the best NFT artists in the field and assist you in understanding how they differ from traditional artists. 

How NFT Artists Differ From Traditional Ones

It’s true that NFT artists and traditional artists have certain differences due to the distinct nature of the NFT art realm. For example, traditional artists concentrate on crafting physical pieces with materials like paint and sculpture, while their NFT counterparts tend to fashion digital works using AI or drawing programs. Their audience also differs somewhat. Traditional art collectors primarily value the figures behind the artworks.  In contrast, NFT art collectors are most interested in the technological benefits that these assets provide, such as accessibility, direct artist-collector interaction, and ongoing resale royalties.

However, on the other hand, traditional and NFT artists share several similarities. Both types seek to experiment with new mediums, create trending paintings, monetize their craft, forge meaningful connections, and protect their intellectual property. Moreover, as public perception of NFTs gradually shifts, traditional artists are also becoming interested in leveraging these assets to their advantage, blurring the line even further. Just as the traditional art scene has its pioneers who have changed the course of art history, the NFT industry also boasts its own distinctive individuals.

Top 10 NFT Artists of the Digital Landscape

Beeple

Mike Winkelmann, better known as Beeple, was a digital artist and animator who achieved his own fame and significantly boosted NFT popularity by selling "Everydays: The First 5000 Days". This NFT artwork, featuring a collage of 5000 images created over 13 years, fetched a staggering $69 million. It marked a groundbreaking moment for the public and news outlets, igniting the global NFT hype for years to come. From that point onward, Beeple devoted himself to creating new digital paintings and consistently pushing the boundaries of top NFT art.

Beeple's-collage-"Everydays:-The-First-5000-Days"-sold-at-Christie's.-Image:-Beeple
Beeple’s collage, "Everydays: The First 5000 Days," sold at Christie’s. Image: Beeple

Pak

Pak is a popular digital artist known for creating NFTs using generative algorithms that often feature abstract shapes. Through immersive art experiences, they push the boundaries of traditional paintings and technology, inspiring the art world with new possibilities. Whether catering to seasoned collectors or art enthusiasts, Pak's NFTs are a must-see for those intrigued by the fusion of modern technologies and digital art.

Pak's-work-"The-Merge."-Image:-Nifty-Gateway
Pak's work, "The Merge." Image: Nifty Gateway

Trevor Jones

Trevor Jones, a traditional painter, brought his experience into the new field and became an NFT artist. Combining digital and traditional techniques, he creates visually captivating and thought-provoking works. One of his most renowned series is “Bitcoin Angel,” featuring winged figures above various global landmarks. Moreover, Jones is well-known for being an active member of the NFT community. He often aids emerging artists in gaining recognition and advocates for the broader adoption of blockchain in the art world.

"Raeburn"-by-Trevor-Jones.-Image:-Trevor-Jones
"Raeburn" by Trevor Jones. Image: Trevor Jones

Krista Kim

Krista Kim is a digital artist known for her Mars House project, an NFT virtual home that sold for $512,000. Focusing on the connection between art, technology, and blockchain, she creates unique pieces of art that provoke thoughts and are characterized by dreamlike imagery and pastel colors. A pioneer in the NFT art world, Kim has significantly impacted the art landscape, reshaping how people perceive and consume art. Her influence extends even further, as her voice plays a pivotal role in paving the way for blockchain and NFT technology in the art industry.  

700-v2-2021.-Image:-Courtesy-of-Krista-Kim
700 v2, 2021. Image: Courtesy of Krista Kim

Grimes

Grimes is a renowned artist, producer, and performer who has gained prominence in both the contemporary art and music worlds. Creating digital works that delve into themes of identity, power, and mythology, she swiftly made a name for herself in the emerging NFT art scene. Grimes' NFT works are characterized by surreal and dreamlike visuals, incorporating elements of science fiction or fantasy, and themes inspired by anime, cyberpunk, or medieval art.

Grimes-uses-her-social-media-to-promote-upcoming-NFT-offerins.-Source:-Screenshot-of-X.
Grimes uses her social media to promote upcoming NFT offerins. Source: Screenshot of X.

Fewocious

Fewocious is a young NFT artist from Las Vegas who has gained recognition for his unique art style and imaginative work. With his entrepreneurial skills, he swiftly captivated the digital art world by engaging with fans on social media, collaborating with fellow artists and brands, and creating sophisticated NFT collections. Fewocious represents a younger generation in the NFT scene that values not only artistic expression but also the advantages of this new technology.

Fewocious's-collection-of-NFTs.-Source:-Screenshot-of-SuperRare.
Fewocious’s collection of NFTs. Source: Screenshot of SuperRare.

XCOPY

XCOPY is one of the most famous NFT artists known for his dark and surreal imagery, with his NFTs fetching prices as high as $1.2 million. By combining traditional art techniques with glitch and pixel art in his distinctive art style, he dedicates his works to exploring topics such as technology, identity, and human behavior. In addition, to infuse a sense of tangibility into his digital assets and encourage collectors to acquire his works, XCOPY often integrates various physical objects in his NFTs.

Right-click-and-Save-As-guy.-Source:-SuperRare
Right-click and Save As guy. Source: SuperRare

Josie Bellini

As a rising star in the NFT world, Josie Bellini dedicates herself to promoting NFTs as a new platform for artists to gain recognition and protect ownership over their digital paintings. Renowned for her distinctive fusion of fantasy and science fiction, coupled with intricate elements and bold colors,  Bellini creates a mesmerizing visual experience. Deeply ingrained with emotions and thrilling storytelling, her NFT artworks sell for thousands of dollars and garner respect from collectors and art connoisseurs.  

Heaven-Dagger-from-CyberBrokers.-Source:-OpenSea.
Heaven Dagger from CyberBrokers. Source: OpenSea.

Slimesunday

Mike Parisella, better known by the pseudonym Slimesunday, has earned considerable acclaim as an NFT artist, celebrated for his surrealist style. With a remarkable skill in blending diverse textures and techniques within his works of art, he has established a reputation for creating thought-provoking and emotionally evocative pieces that captivate viewers with their aesthetic depth and complexity.

Slimesunday's-collection-of-NFTs.-Source:-Screenshot-of-OpenSea.
Slimesunday’s collection of NFTs. Source: Screenshot of OpenSea.

Osinachi

Osinachi is a highly skilled digital artist from Nigeria. His exceptional talent lies in his ability to blend traditional African art with modern digital techniques, resulting in highly sought-after artworks. As a result, Osinachi has earned a well-deserved reputation as a master of his craft. Nowadays, his art can command prices of up to $330,000, which is a testament to the value and appreciation of his unique style among NFT art collectors.

"Mykhailo-Fedorov-Defends."-Source:-OsinachiCoinDesk.
"Mykhailo Fedorov Defends." Source: Osinachi/CoinDesk.

Ultimately, it’s undeniable that the NFT scene nurtures not only niche and emerging artists but also masters who redefine art perception and revolutionize the industry itself. Nowadays, thanks to the ever-growing adoption of NFTs, this wide range of talents can become accessible not only to exclusive collector groups but also to the general public. We encourage you to explore platforms like Digitised.Art and witness for yourself a diverse selection of NFT artists working in various styles, employing unique techniques, and exploring complex themes.

Don’t miss the chance to own a masterpiece that could be the next "Mona Lisa" or "Girl with a Pearl Earring."