A revolution has already taken place in the art world — and it’s digital. NFT art is changing the rules, creating new opportunities for both artists and collectors. You no longer need to physically possess a painting to own it — ownership is now recorded on the blockchain. But how can you buy or sell an NFT? In this article, we’ll break down the process in detail, from choosing a platform to security nuances. As noted by the Baltimore Chronicle, it’s important to understand that NFTs are more than just a trend — they’re a part of the emerging digital economy.
What Is an NFT and How Does It Work?
An NFT (non-fungible token) is a unique digital asset that certifies ownership of a specific item — usually an image, video, music, or text. The technology is based on blockchain (most often Ethereum), which guarantees authenticity and prevents forgery.
In the NFT art world, each artwork has a digital “certificate of authenticity.” When you buy such a token, you become the official owner of the work, even if it’s publicly viewable online.
Key characteristics of NFTs:
- Uniqueness: no two tokens are identical
- Ownership rights cannot be duplicated
- Blockchain recording is immutable
- Transparent transactions
- Built-in royalties for creators
These qualities make NFTs appealing to creatives and collectors around the world.
How to Buy an NFT: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying an NFT doesn’t require deep technical knowledge but does require some preparation. Below are the main steps for beginners.
1. Set up a crypto wallet
Before buying NFTs, you’ll need a cryptocurrency wallet that supports Ethereum (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet).
2. Buy cryptocurrency
Purchase ETH on an exchange (like Binance or Coinbase) and transfer it to your wallet.
3. Choose an NFT marketplace
Popular platforms include:
- OpenSea
- Rarible
- SuperRare
- Foundation
4. Connect your wallet to the platform
Click “Connect Wallet” on the NFT platform and choose your wallet type.
5. Make a purchase
Find a piece of art you like, click “Buy Now” or place a bid if it’s an auction.
How to Sell an NFT: What You Need to Know
If you’re an artist or already own a digital painting, you can sell it through a specialized platform.
Steps for selling:
- Create or import your NFT to your profile
- Add a title, description, and tags
- Set a price (fixed or auction)
- Pay the listing fee (some platforms cover this)
- Wait for a buyer
NFT sales are handled via smart contracts, which automatically pay royalties to the creator with every resale.
Top Platforms for NFT Art
| Platform | Sale Type | Commission | Royalties Supported | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSea | Fixed/Auction | ~2.5% | Yes | Easy |
| Rarible | Fixed/Auction | ~2.5% | Yes | Medium |
| SuperRare | Curated | ~15% | Yes | High |
| Foundation | Auction | ~15% | Yes | Medium |
Choose your platform based on your audience, pricing goals, and platform fees.
NFT Security: Staying Safe in the Market
NFTs attract not only artists but scammers too. To avoid losing your digital assets, follow basic security rules.
How to protect yourself:
- Use only official platform websites
- Avoid suspicious links
- Store private keys offline
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Regularly review your wallet permissions
For additional protection, consider using hardware wallets (like Ledger or Trezor).
NFT Art as an Investment
NFTs aren’t just about creativity — they’re also an investment tool. Some digital artworks have increased in value by dozens of times.
However, risks remain. The NFT market is still volatile, and prices often depend on hype rather than intrinsic value.
Tips for investors:
- Research the artist and their background
- Check past sales history
- Follow current trends
- Don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose
- Use a long-term strategy
NFTs can be a part of your investment portfolio — but they shouldn’t replace traditional tools.
Who’s Earning from NFTs Today
Many artists who struggled to find buyers in the physical art world have found success through NFTs.
Examples of successful creators:
- Beeple — sold an NFT for $69 million
- Fewocious — a teen who earned millions
- Pak — a digital artist with an anonymous profile
- Ukrainian NFT artists — actively growing a national scene
NFTs allow artists to bypass galleries and earn revenue from every resale thanks to royalties.
The Future of NFT Art
NFTs are becoming deeply integrated into the art world, and this trend is only accelerating. The ability to buy and own unique artwork online is becoming standard.
Museums, galleries, and private collectors are beginning to recognize NFTs. With the rise of new technologies — like AI-generated art — digital art is gaining even more significance.
The future holds integration with the metaverse, virtual exhibitions, and collaborations with major brands.
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