NFT art is one of the biggest segments of the blockchain industry. One individual artist has been its catalyst since his NFT debut – and today, he is widely considered to be the world’s leading NFT artist. That artist is Beeple.
Beeple helped to instigate the NFT boom of 2021 – and ever since then, he has continued to create daily artworks, hold major industry events, and flew the flag for NFT collectibles at large. Thanks to his efforts, NFTs have solidified their place in the art world, driving huge change in how we perceive, value and appreciate digital art.
Today, Beeple is one of the most celebrated artists in the world – both in non-fungible and traditional art circles – but what makes his works so special, how did he rise to become the world’s leading NFT artist, and what could the future have in store?
Master the topic, as we explain the past, present, and perhaps the future, of the NFT artist known as Beeple.
Key Insights
- Pseudonym of Mike Winkelmann
- Began his daily Everydays art collection on May 1, 2007
- Sold Everydays: The First 5000 Days for $69.4 million USD in March 2021
- Opened event space Beeple Studios in March 2023
- Widely considered to be the world’s leading NFT artist
Who is Beeple?
Beeple, whose real name is Mike Winkelmann, was born in 1981 in Wisconsin, USA.
He found interest in digital art from a young age, and would start his career as a graphic designer in the early 2000s. During this time, he developed his distinct style that would define his most prominent works.
In May 2007, Beeple began Everydays – creating and sharing a new piece of digital art every single day. Challenging himself to daily uploads to develop his art skills, the body of work he build through Everydays helped to raise his profile as an artist – and would later pay dividends.
Beeple’s art blends dystopian themes with political, technological and pop culture satire. He refuses to shy away from incorporating famous figures and contemporary issues in his work, creating work that’s often as visually striking as it is thought-provoking. Because of this, Beeple’s works have had wide appeal – which has helped go a long way to building his reputation and following.
The history of Beeple
The popularity of Everydays saw Beeple built a significant online following – paving the way to his future success.
In 2019, Beeple collaborated with luxury fashion label Louis Vuitton on their 2019 Spring/Summer collection. This marked one of the first times in which a luxury label would collaborate with a digital artist – starting a trend that would explode in popularity in the 2020s.
Beeple made his NFT debut in October 2020, becoming one of the most prominent artists to explore the medium at the time. His early works, such as Crossroad – a piece that would change depending on the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election – found immediate success. Crossroad initially sold for $66,666 – one of the highest fees paid for an NFT artwork at the time – before being resold in February 2021 for $6.6 million USD – just one month before his biggest moment.
In March 2021, a collage of Beeple’s first 5,000 Everydays artworks – titled Everydays: The First 5000 Days – was minted to be sold at Christie’s very first NFT auction. The piece surpassed all estimates, fetching $69.4 million USD – one of the highest prices ever paid for work by a living artist. Beeple immediately became one of the wealthiest and most recognised artists in the world – making a huge moment for digital art and the NFT medium.
November 2021 saw Beeple follow this up with the auction of HUMAN ONE, a unique 7-foot tall hybrid physical and digital sculpture. The piece stretched the possibilities of digital art, with the unique feature of being able to evolve over time. HUMAN ONE fetched $29 million USD at auction, bringing Beeple’s 2021 earnings to well over $100 million USD.
Although these high-profile auctions have waned in recent years, Beeple’s cult-like following is as strong as ever. He remains a major figure in the NFT industry, starring in exhibitions, panels and events around the world. His Everydays works are as regular, as committed and as striking as ever – and have recently passed the 17-year mark.
What’s next for Beeple?
Beeple’s status as the world’s leading NFT artist is secure – and he shows no signs of slowing down.
March 2023 saw Beeple open Beeple Studios – a 50,000 sq ft space in Charleston, North Carolina that’s dedicated to digital art. Serving as a base for his work, events and activities, the space includes offices, lab spaces, collaboration areas, and ample room for digital art exhibitions and his infamous live events.
Speaking of which, Beeple Studios has held a number of unique events for the NFT and digital art communities – many of which were open to the public. Examples include PepeFest 2024 – a celebration of the internet meme – and his 2024 U.S. election night watch party – featuring a live Everydays, DJ sets, competitions and more.
In combination with Beeple’s ongoing output, these events serve to highlight his status as a focal point of NFT culture – a status that’s likely to continue well into the future.
Beeple has had a profound impact on NFTs and digital art.
With his record-breaking sales, Beeple has legitimised digital art in the eyes of collectors, institutions, and the general public more than any other artist to date. His work sparked widespread conversations on ownership and value, being the catalyst for important debates on the role of technology in the art world.
Through his collaborations with fashion houses, influencers and mainstream brands, Beeple has demonstrated the appeal and potential of digital art. His success has no doubt inspired many artists to explore the both digital art and NFTs – and the industry wouldn’t look the same today without his contributions.
Beeple began his Everydays series over 17 years ago. As NFT art is on the rise once again, 2025 could see a return to the very top for who is – without a shadow of a doubt – the world’s leading NFT artist.
Riding crypto waves since 2012, bridging digital and physical worlds through prose.