How do I create an NFT?

There are several ways to create an NFT. Here’s a step-by-step guide for one of the simplest ways to create an NFT – via an NFT marketplace.

This will involve the following:

1. Choosing an NFT marketplace
2. Minting your NFT
3. Listing your NFT for sale
4. Promoting your NFT

Choosing an NFT Marketplace

There are a wide variety of NFT marketplaces, with each supporting a number of different blockchains.

Some marketplaces allow anybody to create NFTs, whilst others are a curated service – meaning you have to apply to have your NFTs listed.

For this guide, we will use OpenSea, one of the leading NFT marketplaces.

Minting your NFT

Minting is the process of creating an NFT on the blockchain. Minting is very simple, and only requires a few steps to complete.

For this guide, we will mint our NFT on the Ethereum blockchain. Here is our step-by-step guide:

1. To begin, you will need some $ETH, the currency of Ethereum. This can be purchased on a popular cryptocurrency exchange, such as Coinbase or Crypto.com. Create an account, and purchase a small amount of Ethereum.
2. You will need a crypto wallet to hold your $ETH. MetaMask is the most widely-used crypto wallet. Use their guides to transfer your $ETH from your cryptocurrency exchange into your crypto wallet.
3. We can now create your NFT. Login to OpenSea, using your MetaMask wallet.
4. In the header, click on Create. You will have the option between a Drop, or a Collection. Choose Collection.
5. You’ll be on the “Create an NFT” screen. Click “Create a new collection”. You will have to set a logo, name and abbreviation for your NFT collection – e.g. the Bored Ape Yacht Club collection uses the BAYC abbreviation. Select the Ethereum blockchain, and hit continue. NOTE: Ensure that your collection logo, and your NFT images, are your own work.
6. It’s time to create your NFT! On the “Create an NFT” screen, set your NFT image, name, description and any further information you would like to add. Once done, hit “Create”. You’re done!

Listing your NFT for sale

Once you’ve created your NFT, it is time to list it for sale. Whilst setting up your OpenSea account and creating your NFT, you will be prompted to sign a few transactions that enable you to sell your NFT.

After this is done, you’ll be asked to confirm your NFT listing. From then on, you will no longer pay gas fees on your NFT (the buyer pays them).

In a primary sale (creator-to-collector), you will receive the full price of the NFT, minus a small marketplace fee. Should the buyer then sell the NFT to someone else – a secondary sale (collector-to-collector) – you will receive a small creator royalty fee. You can set this via OpenSea, and it is typically around 2.5 – 5%.

Promoting your NFT

Social media is the main medium for promoting your NFTs. X (formerly Twitter) is the primary platform for general communication, whilst Discord is the go-to platform for more intimate, community-based discussions.

We encourage you to connect with other artists, support and learn from them, and build your network.

If you find your first buyer, congratulations! If you can, communicate with them to express your thanks – and ask what they liked about your work. You may gain some inspiration for your next NFT creation!