In this Interview:
We dive into the world of SuperNfty, and learn how his passion for 3D design meets the realms of VR and NFTs. Sander, the creative force behind SuperNfty, shares his journey from academic VR research to becoming a trailblazer in the NFT art market. We uncover how VR technology and artistic ingenuity led to unique digital collections, weathering the volatile NFT market and looking towards a future of expansion beyond the digital realm.
Host: How did you turn your passion for 3D design into something of this scale?
Sander (SuperNfty): I had a lot of access to VR and VR apps because I was doing a PhD about it. In 2021, when the NFT hype took off, I realized I could do this too. I took a week off, grinded to get a website ready, and thought of a collection, which was the Floating Heads. I made 10 and listed them on OpenSea, joined other projects, and it took off pretty quickly. Half a year later, I sold out my first collection and couldn’t focus on academic work anymore, so I made this my full-time job and company.
Host: Can you introduce us to SuperNfty and your various projects?
Sander: My website showcases different projects, starting with the floating heads. I love sculpting in VR, and I'm influenced by vinyl toys. I also liked the technology behind NFTs and how digital art could have value. I created these artworks in VR using Gravity Sketch and sold them in 2021. Then, with my brother, who's a programmer and physicist, we created generative collections, like the first ever 3D animated generative collection, which sold out in about four weeks.
Host: Is there a narrative behind your collections?
Sander: Of course. The floating heads are gods in the ether world, the Imps are inhabitants, and the Fallen Heads are fallen gods and antagonists. They found a crack in the time-space continuum, leading to the entry of spirits into the world, and the Imps have to hunt them using a special energy from the crack.
Host: What was the transition from handcrafting in Gravity Sketch to creating a generative art collection?
Sander: Generative collections are intriguing. I made all the traits in Gravity Sketch and used KeyShot for rendering. My brother made an algorithm that randomly imported these traits into KeyShot to create animations. Rendering was crazy – it took two powerful computers working non-stop for a week to render 10,000 3D animations.
Host: How has Super Nifty survived the ups and downs in the NFT market?
Sander: The NFT hype peaked around August 2021, and then the market crashed after summer 2022. Many artists quit, but I love what I do. We created The Spirits, a rewards collection, to keep the project going. This collection is fun and encourages holders to keep the other collections we made for a longer time using a reward system.
Host: How did VR contribute to your creative process?
Sander: VR is faster and more fun compared to traditional 3D modeling tools. It feels like clay sculpting; you're not constantly navigating through menus. It’s about mastering the tool with your hands. In VR, I can create a spirit in hours, which would have taken days in traditional software.
Host: Do you see your collection extending beyond the digital realm?
Sander: Yes, I'm exploring 3D printing for physical toys. We provide 3D files of all artworks to holders, and many have printed them. However, the main focus remains on digital art.
Host: As a creative, do you see AI as a threat or an opportunity?
Sander: Definitely an opportunity. I use AI for inspiration. ChatGPT helps generate ideas for new monsters, and I use Midjourney for visual inspiration. AI hasn’t replaced my art yet, and I believe there will always be a human connection in art that AI can't replicate.
Host: What's next for Super Nifty?
Sander: Continuing with Generation 2 of Spirits and further generations. This allows me to keep creating art without diluting my other collections. I’m also experimenting with 3D printing and exploring ways to expand my art to more people in different ways.
Check out the full episode 👇
