“Sometimes, it simply takes time to become who you’re meant to be.”
— noCreative
If you want a career in television, you’d be well served moving to Los Angeles.
If you want a career in professional theater or finance, you should probably go to New York City.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for VC funding, San Francisco or Austin are the best stateside places to go.
And if you want the best chance of success in crypto art, you would only stand to benefit from being on Twitter.
When noCreative embarked into the barely charted waters of crypto art, he started with 24 Twitter followers. That initial modest community has blossomed into a veritable legion of 36.4k ardent followers, admirers of his work, and believers in his creative vision.
As we trace the narrative arc of noCreative’s journey, we find echoes of an idea first espoused by musician, artist, and theorist Brian Eno: the notion of “scenius.”
Click here to listen to the Pixels & Paint episode that inspired this article
According to Eno, “scenius” represents the communal form of the lone genius, emphasizing that great ideas are often birthed in collaborative environments, not in isolation. Eno suggests that the vibrant exchange of ideas within a community or network significantly contributes to the development of an individual’s creativity. Thus, the construct of “scenius” underpins the modern artist’s social network, painting Twitter as a canvas for this vibrant exchange, where ideas intermingle, blend, and take shape.
“We all ventured into Web3 around late 2020 or early 2021, and met through Twitter. I recall hosting a “Show Me Your Art” thread, as a means to see what would stick—I only had 24 followers when I started.” — noCreative
The significance of creative communities is not a novel idea; indeed, the annals of art history are replete with examples. The legendary cafes of 20th-century Paris, for instance, were buzzing hives of intellectual and creative activity. Iconic figures such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Picasso were regulars, engaging in the constant exchange of ideas and artistic philosophies. Similarly, Twitter, as a digital café of sorts, offers a platform where creative minds congregate, inspire, and get inspired.
This exploration of noCreative’s journey will highlight the significance of such digital communities in nurturing creativity and extending the reach of an artist’s work. In unfolding the story of how one artist went from 24 to 36,400 followers, we delve into the heart of “scenius,” showcasing the power of connection, collaboration, and shared inspiration.
Starting Out
“The idea of branding and marketing being a “dirty word” in the artist world is, in my opinion, a romantic lie. Art has always been a commercial venture. Growing a community on Twitter is challenging, and consistency is crucial.”
— noCreative
In the nascent stages of noCreative’s journey, it was Twitter that served as his digital agora, a place where he could engage with other artists and enthusiasts alike. It was through a simple “Show Me Your Art” thread, an invitation to other artists to share their creations, that he first connected with fellow artists like Siobhan, Stefan, Ben Thomas, and Icky.
Born from these Twitter interactions were the seeds that would become The Bloom Collective, which officially formed a year later, after noCreative had observed his fellow artists’ dedication to their craft, their ability to network, and their shared drive to push the creative space forward. The Bloom Collective serves as a testament to the strength of shared vision and unity of purpose.
“Bloom Collective consists of passionate individuals who want to push themselves, each other, and the broader community forward. We hold weekly meetings to discuss opportunities and current projects. If a member gets an opportunity but doesn’t have the capacity to take it on, they share it within the collective.”
— noCreative
As a microcosm of a broader creative ecosystem, the Bloom Collective mirrors several historical artistic groups. The Blue Rider, an early 20th-century art movement, was a group of artists united by their rejection of conventional artistic norms in favor of a new spiritual and symbolic art. Members such as Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc held a profound influence on each other’s works, pushing each other’s creative boundaries.
Just as each member of the Blue Rider contributed to the vitality of the group, the artists of the Bloom Collective are similarly interdependent. They share opportunities, collaborate on projects, and support each other in the multitude of tasks that an artist in the digital age must undertake. From creation and promotion to networking and financial management, each member’s unique skillset and knowledge base enhances the collective’s strength.
The Bloom Collective is more than a creative sanctuary; it’s a manifestation of the power of connection, an affirmation of Eno’s “scenius” in action. Through it, noCreative and his peers demonstrate that in the world of art, the whole can indeed be greater than the sum of its parts, provided the parts are bound by mutual respect, shared values, and an insatiable thirst for artistic innovation.
The Role of Consistency
“Understand the Twitter algorithm—it cares about consistency. Be ready to adapt because the platform can change at any time.”
— noCreative
An undeniable factor in noCreative’s ascent within the artistic community on Twitter is his consistent engagement. Rather than resorting to sporadic, high-impact interactions, he nurtured his network daily, continuously sharing his perspectives, artworks, and responses to others’ creative endeavors.
This ceaseless involvement was no mere strategy; it was a genuine reflection of his passion for art, community, and collaboration. Like the steady brush strokes of a master painter, each tweet added a new layer to his online persona, shaping an image that resonated with fellow artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.
The role of consistency in the growth and development of an artist isn’t a novel concept. It echoes through the annals of art history, highlighting the power of persistence and steady effort.
A recurring theme on the MakersPlace blog is urging artists to recognize social media and digital identity as areas for creative expression rather than humdrum art-life admin.
Consider ROBNESS, who has approached his social media with an eye toward emphasizing his artistic persona as brash and unapologetic. It’s then no mistake that EVERYTHING HE POSTS IS IN ALL-CAPS. It’s merely an extension of the art he makes.
The advantage to approaching social media with consistency and creativity is that:
- You develop a voice and style all your own
- You attract a subset of followers who appreciate your unique style
- You have so much fun that number of followers doesn’t affect you
Through consistent and genuine social engagement, artists can find their tribe, raise their profile, and connect with like-minded individuals. It’s a slow and steady process, much like the creation of art itself. It requires patience, commitment, and a genuine love for the community, just as noCreative demonstrated through his journey.
The Power of Generosity
“The most important approach is to add value to others and help without expecting anything in return. That’s how I built my follower base and network.”
— noCreative
NoCreative’s belief in the power of adding value, of enriching the community he’s a part of, has shaped his online interactions as much as his in-real-life (IRL) social interactions. This sense of benevolence and collaboration echoes through his journey of growing his network, connecting deeply with like-minded individuals, and eventually, forming the Bloom Collective.
One striking historical example of the power of creative generosity is Gertrude Stein. At her residence in Paris, Stein hosted the likes of Picasso, Matisse, Hemingway, and Fitzgerald. These soirées became a cornerstone of the Parisian avant-garde movement, where ideas were exchanged, and collaborations were born. Stein’s generosity extended beyond mere hospitality. She mentored many of these artists and writers, offered critical feedback on their works, and even collected their art, providing them with financial support.
So how can contemporary artists replicate this generosity on platforms like Twitter? Here are a few suggestions:
- Share Opportunities: If you come across an open call for an art exhibit or a residency, sharing it with your network can help fellow artists who may be perfect for the opportunity.
- Promote Each Other’s Work: Highlighting a piece that has moved you or shouting out an artist who inspires you can help uplift their work and visibility.
- Engage Meaningfully: Providing constructive feedback or engaging in discussions about art can help build a robust, collaborative environment.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Offering advice or sharing your experiences can support emerging artists navigating their own paths.
- Collaborations: Initiating collaborations can not only lead to unique creations but also forge stronger bonds within the community.
In the end, the power of adding value comes from a place of genuine interest in seeing others succeed. It isn’t about self-promotion, but about fostering a network that thrives on mutual growth and respect, much like the essence of noCreative’s journey in building his network.
As we delve into the journey of noCreative, what emerges is a portrait of an artist who understands the profound impact of community and the importance of building meaningful connections in the digital age. Twitter, as a platform, has enabled him to grow from a humble 24 followers to an audience of over 36.4k, not through relentless self-promotion, but by cultivating a ‘scenius’ rooted in mutual support, consistency, and generosity.
In the tradition of art collectives and salons of the past, noCreative and the Bloom Collective serve as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration and kinship in the creative world. Their story stands as an inspiring testament to the power of social media as not just a networking tool, but as a canvas for crafting an enriching ecosystem of creative minds.
