The Journey of OSF: A Multifaceted Artist in the NFT World
OSF, a self-proclaimed jack of all trades and master of none, has quickly become a prominent figure in the non-fungible token (NFT) world. In just over two years, he has transitioned from his former life at Barclay’s to focus full-time on web3, digital art, his PFP project Rekt Guy, and the life of a degen collector.
At 34 years old, this self-deprecating Englishman possesses a diverse skill set suited for the modern world of creating digital objects. Being a self-taught coder, having a deep understanding of internet culture, and having the ability to capture attention without taking himself too seriously, OSF has established himself as an artist and project founder.
While OSF wears many hats, he has made a name for himself in the art world. His work has been featured at Sotheby’s, and he has sold multiple pieces for six figures. Describing himself primarily as an artist and project founder, OSF finds it challenging to classify himself into one specific category. He enjoys various aspects of the web3 space and wants to be a part of it all.
From Crypto Skeptic to NFT Enthusiast
Although initially skeptical about cryptocurrencies, OSF dipped his toes into the crypto world in early 2021 when he bought some Bitcoin. However, it was his friend Mando who truly sparked his interest in NFTs. Drawing on his decade of experience as a trader in traditional finance, OSF began applying his skills to the emerging asset class of NFTs.
In April 2021, OSF minted 150 Bored Apes for 0.08 ETH each. About a week later, he sold most of them for five times the mint price but held onto a significant number. In September 2021, he teamed up with Mando to combine their collections, making headlines in February 2023 when they sold around 70 Apes at 78 ETH each. Since then, NFT prices have declined for most collections, but the Apes’ floor price currently sits at 26.7 ETH.
Reflecting on this significant trade, OSF admits that he didn’t anticipate the meteoric rise of NFTs at the time. However, he saw an opportunity to mitigate risk and capitalize on profits, much like in his previous job as a trader in traditional finance.
Crypto Culture, Nostalgia, and XCOPY
OSF’s work reflects his passion for crypto culture and nostalgia. He draws inspiration from artists like XCOPY, whose ability to capture culture and moments in time has influenced his creative process. OSF appreciates art that connects with people and can capture the essence of a specific cultural moment.
With his own art, OSF aims to achieve the same connection and capture nostalgia. He believes that art is an excellent medium for preserving memories and moments in time. His PFP collection, Rekt Guy, launched in May 2022, and it quickly gained popularity despite the decline of other PFP projects. The floor price of Rekt Guy currently sits at 0.47 ETH.
Red Lite District: A Commitment to Art
OSF is known for his commitment to his art and his collectors. With his collection “Red Lite District,” he promises to release a new piece of art every month until his time on earth concludes. This commitment was inspired by the positive response to his first airdropped piece, “Fuck Cash Grabs.”
The story behind RLD involves OSF’s brother-in-law, who admired the initial airdropped piece. Although OSF was initially hesitant about its value, he decided to airdrop it to RLD holders instead of selling it. This move led to the realization that RLD could hold significant value, and OSF committed to providing monthly art to holders.
OSF is confident in his ability to keep this promise, as he thoroughly enjoys the creative process and has hundreds of ideas written down. He believes that releasing art monthly brings a unique dynamic compared to one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces. While he cannot guarantee the quality of his art when he’s older, he finds comfort in the nostalgia it evokes.
OSF’s journey in the NFT world showcases his versatility as an artist and his passion for capturing culture and moments in time. As he continues to explore the web3 space, it’s clear that his multifaceted approach will continue to shape his artistic endeavors.
