In the dynamic and fast-moving world of Web3, few have charted a journey as captivating as that of Web3 MonkeeMoto. Their introduction to NFTs began way back in 2016 with the Rare Pepes, marking the beginning of a passionate adventure that witnessed the emergence of iconic digital collections and innovative artistic expressions across multiple blockchains.
While the lure of digital property sparked their initial interest, it was the technology’s potential to redefine virtual interactions and ownership that cemented their commitment to the craft. After a brief hiatus in 2019, MOTO’s return to Web3 in 2021 has been both triumphant and influential.
Each week, nft now’s Next Up reveals a new artist from our curated list of emerging talents who have made significant waves within Web3. This week we are excited to show MOTO and their story.
MonkeeMoto
MonkeeMoto, also known as MOTO, has not only been named as one of the first two artists to participate in Adidas’ new digital art program “RESIDENCY by adidas”, but is also a Tokyo-based artist who has skills from digital artistry to game development and more.
MOTO identifies as a “Creator of Worlds,” a name that aptly captures their ability to bring entire universes to life through storytelling and design. In addition to art, MOTO has expressed a passion and a uniquely creative approach to the gaming and fashion industries.
The artists’ expertise and influence has been enhanced in their professional lives, having received recognition such as their recent inclusion in Fast Company’s Top 20 under 30 list.
To get to know MOTO better and gain insight into their journey so far, we spoke directly with the brand new adidas artist resident.
nft now: How did you first become interested in/involved in NFTs?
Monkee Moto: My journey into the world of NFTs started in 2016, during the early days of the Rare Pepes on counterparty.io. The lure of true digital ownership through the implementation of blockchain technology immediately caught my attention.
Witnessing pivotal moments like the CryptoKitties phenomenon, the emergence of notable collections like bored monkeys and punks on Ethereum, and the incredible artistic expressions on alternative chains like SOL and XRPL further fueled my fascination.
After going through one of the most challenging years of my life, I have chosen to take a short break from the public crypto and NFT landscape in 2019. This break enabled me to embark on a profound spiritual journey of self-discovery and introspection, in an effort to find deeper meaning and purpose in my life.
In 2021 I made an exciting return to the scene. During this resurgence, I have not only contributed by providing consulting services to other projects, but also channeled my creative energy as an artist and web3 game developer. The concept of digital wearables and real ownership of in-game assets is an aspect that deeply intrigues me and fuels my enthusiasm as a creator.
“The potential of NFTs to revolutionize the way we perceive ownership and interaction within virtual spaces is a driving force behind my continued involvement and passion in this ever-evolving field.”
MonkeeMoto
nft nu: How would you describe your art?
Monkee Moto: My art is a reflection of my journey as a socially awkward nerd and lifelong world creator.
From a young age, I found solace in disconnecting the environment from a classroom and immersing myself in hours of writing and drawing of vast worlds complete with functional ecosystems and diverse character rosters.
This creative process was profoundly influenced by my passion for immersive storytelling media such as JRPGs (think Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, Digimon) and nostalgic, wonderful and thought-provoking anime such as Digimon, Hack, Bleach, Sonny Boy and Yu. -Gi-Oh. In general, it is heavily inspired by the artistic flow of Japanese culture.
A central driving force behind my artistic endeavors is the pursuit of evoking real emotions in the viewer. I strive to create works of art that have the power to influence, inspire and motivate individuals. A good example that appeals to me is the conclusion of Kingdom Hearts 2: pure perfection, in my opinion.
The climax of the story, the synergy between storytelling, 3D graphics and beautifully composed music results in an overwhelming rush of emotions. This is the kind of experience I try to incorporate into my own work.
Ultimately, my art is a tribute to the intricate array of emotions, stories, and inspirations that have intertwined in my life. It is an attempt to channel the magic of captivating storytelling and visual aesthetics to draw viewers into a world where they can connect with their feelings and find their own sources of motivation and inspiration.
nft now: what does your process look like? And where do you usually find inspiration?
Monkee Moto: My creative process is deeply rooted in my personal journey and fueled by a passion for compelling storytelling. One of my main processes is weaving complex stories and creating emotional connections with characters. The nostalgic anime I grew up with also played an important role in shaping my artistic direction.
My creative process often starts with introspection, drawing on my own experiences and emotions. I then translate these emotions into visual stories, starting with rough sketches and concept art and gradually refining them into detailed compositions. Translating that into art in 2D or 3D graphics, which I admire from the gaming world.
Finally, I try to enhance the emotional impact of my artwork through the careful selection of music, drawing on my love of beautifully composed soundtracks. In essence, my process is a mix of personal introspection, digital art techniques and amalgamation
inspiration from JRPGs, anime and impactful stories.
It is a method by which I strive to capture and convey real emotions that resonate with others, just as I am moved by the media that have shaped my artistic journey.