“I would much rather be more actively involved with one to five communities than have a little sort of taste in a hundred of them because then you’re not getting that full experience.”
Friesframe was initially attracted to the NFT space from his background as a motion designer in Chicago, IL. During Covid-19 lockdowns, he stumbled on a rapidly evolving space that provided a new opportunity to meet artists and like-minded creatives through the NFT space.
“I was familiar with crypto after dabbling with BTC and altcoins in 2013 and 2018, but I hadn’t checked in until I saw Beeple, Gmunk, and other designers start to focus on it. At that moment, it seemed like the perfect blend of crypto and creatives coming together to build this whole new thing and really celebrate and reward artists that have been grinding for so long.”
At first, he wasn’t really sure where he fit into the overall space. Still, he soon established himself as a staple in the NFT community.“I struggled a bit, trying to sort out how I fit in here. Everyone seems to be creating or coding while I’m just hanging out and celebrating. I realized that’s enough for now; you need active, vocal community members to help folks and be champions for the space!”
After being a regular Nifty Gateway’s Discord for months as a vocal collector and supporter of artists, he became their first mod. Eventually, he also took a mod role in the Bored Ape Yacht Club. “It spoke to me then and touched on so many things that I’m into, like boating, art, crypto, and crass humor.” He leaned in hard to the BAYC, eventually adopting the captain hat and smoking jacket ape as his online persona. This look matched a personal photo taken in 2018 on a boat, wearing the same outfit.
Lately, Friesframe has narrowed his focus. “I would much rather be more actively involved with one to five communities than have a little sort of taste in a hundred of them because then you’re not getting that full experience.”
Friesframe feels the NFT space is profoundly valuable and rich in opportunities. “Lately, the focus has shifted away from the celebration of artists/communities that it had in 2021 and more into quick money and flexing. I’m hopeful we can get back there because that’s where the real value lies: building online culture and virtual ownership. Personally, I get excited to meet and network with like-minded individuals and see my Bored Ape on various derivative artworks and products. The thrill I get from that is enough to keep me in this space for as long as it will have me.”
When not involved in the NFT scene, you can find Friesframe captaining his boat, the ‘Never Wetter’ on Lake Michigan, playing old arcade games, or spending time with his partner and twin children.
