We launched a podcast :)

For our first ever apisode NFT artist Matt Scobel sat down with our co-founder Stewie Smyth to discuss his journey into the world of NFTs, his innovative approach to creating immersive 3D scenes, and his vision for the future of digital art. With a background in marketing and technology, Scobel brings a unique perspective to the intersection of art and technology.

Discovering NFTs and Embracing Creativity

Scobel's foray into the art world began during the pandemic when he delved into 3D design as a creative outlet. Previously working in the tourism industry, he found his options limited due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. This led him to explore new avenues, including the emerging field of NFTs. Initially, he assisted a fellow artist with promotional videos and marketing in the NFT space. As the NFT market gained momentum, Scobel recognized the potential to monetize his own photography and landscape images as NFTs, freeing him from relying solely on sponsorships or client projects.

Combining Marketing and Tech Skills

Before his involvement in NFTs, Scobel worked in marketing and held a position in the tech industry. He led a team in Canon's corporate innovation lab, focusing on researching customer needs and developing new ideas. Despite lacking a background in photography or videography, Scobel immersed himself in these skills to gain a deeper understanding of the creative process. This immersion eventually led him to discover his passion for photography, which gained traction and attracted offers from brands and tourism boards.

The Artistic Journey and Navigating the Traditional Art World

Working on innovative projects at Canon, Scobel realized that handing off his ideas often resulted in projects losing momentum within the company. One example he mentioned was a virtual reality camera simulator they developed, which faced challenges in integration and support. These experiences influenced his decision to explore the NFT space and pursue his passion for creativity independently. Scobel's background equipped him with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the art world, including the emerging web3 environment.

CC0 and the Web3 Movement

Scobel embraces the concept of Creative Commons Zero (CC0) and its impact on the art world, particularly in the context of NFTs. He shares his experience with the controversial Free Hawaii Photo Project, where he released an image under the CC0 license, sparking conversations about the value and devaluation of photography. He explains how his commitment to CC0 influenced a collector to purchase his NFT artwork and ignited a movement within the traditional art world.

The Birth of Meme Cards and the Meme Bus

The interview explores Scobel's involvement with meme cards and the creation of the iconic Meme Bus. Initially confused about the concept, Scobel agreed to participate and quickly realized the potential of blending his 3D renders with meme culture. Inspired by vintage tourism posters, the Meme Bus became a symbol of exploring the virtual world through a virtual drive down the Oregon coast. Scobel hints at future releases, including a 3D version of the Meme Bus, capitalizing on the growing popularity of Cyber and GLB file formats.

Creating Immersive 3D Scenes and Accessing the World

Scobel shares his vision of using immersive technology to recreate 3D scenes of beautiful places around the world. He acknowledges that while experiencing these places in person is ideal, various limitations prevent many from doing so. Immersive environments, according to Scobel, offer the next best thing to being there, surpassing traditional videos or 360-degree photos. Despite the current cost of such technology, Scobel anticipates its accessibility increasing over time, just as smartphones have reached unexpected corners of the world.

Perseverance and the Pursuit of a Vision

The interview concludes with a reflection on Scobel's determination and commitment to his vision. Despite the challenges and the absence of established references or techniques for his work, he remains confident that his hard work will pay off. The host and interviewee express mutual appreciation for the conversation and the opportunity to share stories and insights. Looking ahead, the interviewer expresses enthusiasm for continuing the podcast and hearing from other artists, while Scobel reciprocates the excitement and looks forward to future participation.

In an era where art and technology continue to converge, artists like Matt Scobel are pushing boundaries and exploring new mediums, such as NFTs and immersive environments. With their unique perspectives and innovative approaches, they are shaping the future of digital art and paving the way for the next generation of creators.