We recently had the pleasure of chatting with 0xdgb, a prolific illustrator who expresses their creativity through both making art and collecting it. They shared their journey into web3, as well as insights on their curation process, prized possessions, and what they love about Gallery.

How did you end up in web3 as both an artist and collector? Walk us through your journey and what sparked your interest in the space.

     I discovered NFTs in 2021 via a friend around the time of the $69m Beeple sale. I bought and sold the odd PFP project here and there, but I’d mostly watch what was going on. I was far too busy with work to give it my full attention, I did however listen to many podcasts and watch YouTube videos on a daily basis to soak up as much knowledge as possible. Being a digital illustrator, I found the true ownership of digital assets fascinating. It was not until October of 2022, I decided to create my own pieces and give it a go using the knowledge I had gained over the prior 18 months or so. In terms of a collectors view point, I’m an artist first a foremost, but I just love art, so I also buy art. I want to own pieces by the artists to are considered the OGs in the space, while at the same time buy from lesser known artists. If the art is good and I have some connection to it, I’ll buy it, no matter how big or ‘small’ the artist is.

How does your experience as a creative inform your curatorial eye? Does your own art or philosophies (like "embracing minimalism")  influence what you collect?

     Absolutely, I recently said in an interview with @sleepyzcurates that I feel I’m creating art I’d like to look at. I also think as an artist who buys art, you have that understanding how much time and effort must have been put into a piece. Anyone can imagine and appreciate how long it must have taken to draw this, or paint that, but I think there’s a different level of respect when you create art yourself.

Can you share with us your most prized NFT possession, and what makes it so special to you?

     My Chromie Squiggle for sure. Do I need to say why? It’s a Squiggle, the first ever ArtBlocks drop. I honestly think they’re actually undervalued at this point. I’d like another one. But to add to that, I got mine via an art trade (Thank you Derek, if you’re reading this), so it makes it extra special because I was able to swap one of my own 1/1s for a squiggle. A real pinch me moment.

How does Gallery play a role in your collecting experience? Are there any features you wish to see?

     I really like the clean aesthetic, Gallery is a beautiful way of displaying your collection, without all the floor prices, listings, filters and everything else, and just have it about the art.

     I’d like to see a feature where I can display my own art in the same beautifully simplistic way. An additional tab or switch at the top of your profile to toggle between Collected and Created.

What are some artists and/or collectors you're excited about right now?

     Grant Yun of course, always excited to see his latest work. But I’m also very excited to watch the journeys of Terrell Jones, Jeremy Booth, CMPLX, TexTrnr, Insplace, Mannay, Gelo, Sigma-X, Batz, Lucrece… I could go on. There’s so many fantastic upcoming creators

It was wonderful to speak with 0xdgb and hear their thoughts on the world of NFTs and collecting. Their love of art and passion for supporting both established and emerging artists was truly inspiring. We can't wait to see all the ways they continue to unlock their creativity through curation, and look forward to seeing more of their own art in the future.

Thank you for your time, 0xdgb!