Hello! First of all, could you start by introducing yourself? Can you give us a brief information about your name, the type of your art and your various interests in the art world?

Nice to meet you! My name is Nina, and my pseudonym is Designnina. The concept behind choosing a pseudonym is non-trivial. When I was studying at university, I aimed to acquire a domain name that would include my birth name and also associate me with the design field, as I am a multidisciplinary designer by profession. That's the simple backstory behind my pseudonym.

As for my art, I am a 3D artist who loves to experiment with various tools, software, approaches, palettes, and composition. I consider myself a representative of the Decadent movement and a symbolist artist. I resonate with Decadence because the narrative basis of my artworks revolves around the theme of the struggle for personal freedom against social hierarchy and the commercialization of society. Additionally, I identify as a symbolist because I often incorporate symbols such as signs, colors, and lettering into the compositions of my works.
 

When did you start making art? What was the first time you met art or what attracted you to it?

I was born and raised in a family of actors, directors, and technical editors. My connection to art was inevitable, given my family background. Thanks to my parents, who recognized my creative skills from an early age, they enrolled me in an art school where I spent 11 years studying. Later, I continued to develop in the fields of design, technology, and art.
 

What does art mean to you? How do you see the impact of art on people?

Art, to me, is a non-verbal tool of communication with people. It's a language that allows us to interact, share thoughts, learn, develop, and connect through visualization. Imagine a utopia where everyone in the world speaks the same language, where you can travel to any country and know that you will be heard and understood. Well, that's not utopia; it's reality. Art, in all its forms and genres, is a language.
 

How long have you been active in NFT and how did you get started? Can you tell us a bit about creating and marketing your first NFT piece?

I entered the crypto world three years ago. I met an artist on Instagram who introduced me to the web3 space and brought me to Twitter (now referred to as X). It was a challenging journey for me, during which I made two initial mistakes: 1. I didn't immediately grasp the importance of a consistent artistic style, and 2. Before understanding how to create rather than just design, my early works paid homage to other artists, thinking it was inspiration, which is a common misconception among designers aspiring to be artists.

The most important lesson I learned was to research thoroughly before diving into any new endeavor and to start from a place of knowledge. Do I adhere to this lesson today? No. I still love spontaneity. Lol.
 

What inspires you to experiment with various art styles? How do you decide to explore and develop different styles?

Easy to say! I'm a designer, and a love for experimentation is ingrained in me. Experimentation is essentially continuous learning, development, and progression. It prevents burnout and helps avoid traps like mundanity and stagnation.
 

What does it mean for you to use art as a social or political platform? How do you approach social or political issues through your art?

Ah.. here is a complex question. I try to steer clear of politics, yet my works often touch upon socially relevant themes. I dislike political rhetoric in art because we live in a world of perceived freedom where real freedom of expression doesn't truly exist. In short, you can say whatever you want, as long as it's allowed. Therefore, I carefully round off sharp edges.
 

Can you explain how you progress from the concept of a piece to a finished artwork?

It's always an unstable process. Sometimes, I have a clear image in my mind, and I immediately start working on it; let's call this the creative approach. The second method involves a more methodical approach, where I precisely know the theme I want to address. I research literature, articles, publications related to the topic, gather a well-thought-out composition, and so forth.
 

How do you find motivation and inspiration in your creative work?

Through interactions with people and music. I would even say I'm always inspired aurally. Often, someone in conversation might share a topic that resonates with me, triggering a "Eureka!" moment in my mind. Similarly, when I listen to music (not the lyrics, but the music itself), I enter a special trance.
 

Are there any artists or artworks that have influenced or inspired you the most in your career? Can you describe these influences and sources of inspiration?

I can confidently say it's all artists, nature, the surrounding environment, and atmosphere. Every creative work shapes our perception and leaves an imprint on our subconscious. Therefore, each new creation is based on past experiences. I can't pinpoint specific artists because it's physically impossible. This question always stumps me, as if I'm asked to choose whom I love more. I can't answer that. There are too many talented people around, many of whom I'm honored to call friends. And there will be more and more such people. Isn't that amazing?
 

Do you have any notable achievements or sales in your career?

I couldn't even count. Each collector of my artworks is someone who resonated with my work and emotions, someone whose life parallels intersected with mine at a certain point, you know? It's better to ask me this question every day, and every day I'll have a new milestone to tell you about. And they'll all be notable.
 

What were the challenges you faced as a NFT artist and how did you overcome them?

Oh, the main challenge is finding a balance between life, NFTs, and work. Existing in the web3 space requires knowledge in a vast array of disciplines (how I wish I knew this three years ago). Besides creativity, one needs expertise in various fields such as social media management, psychology, law, linguistics, cultural studies, graphic design, video editing, and much more.
 

What are your long-term goals as an artist? What do you want to achieve in your career?

I never look too far into the future. Maybe tomorrow I'll be an artist in the fashion industry, or I'll try my hand at architecture. I take small steps toward visible goals that I know I can achieve. Where this path leads me is a secret even to me. The most important thing to remember is that nothing will be achieved by those who do nothing. So, if you want to know where I'll be in 5-10 years, join me, and let's walk this path to the future together.
 

Can you give us some hints about upcoming projects or exhibitions? Can you share what the audience should expect in the future?

Next week (11th of April, 2024), I'll have my first solo exhibition and a private showing at a contemporary art gallery. It's my first experience participating in such events. Overall, this year, I plan to explore more digital spaces and participate in events in the metaverse and take part in open calls. To stay updated, join my social networks; all the details will be there.
 

How do you think the value and appreciation of NFT art will develop in the future? How do you assess the changes and trends in this field?

The significance of art will continue to grow towards commercialization. Perhaps, to keep up with the times and trends, artists may need to shift their focus to becoming creators. But that's not certain. I can only assume.
 

As a parting note, is there anything else you would like to share?

Yes, there is something. A small message or Easter egg to everyone who reads the interview: Don't be afraid to make mistakes or do something wrong, don't think that someone else will achieve more than you. Because that someone is you. That's all from me. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to participate in the interview. Such conversations greatly help the interviewee understand themselves better.