An Interview with Christian Stoytchev, Creator of Stocci Studio
We sit down with this experienced creative director to discuss the concept behind his semi-abstract collection, Italian summers, and one of the cornerstones of human nature – desire.
MAY 7, 2021. INTERVIEWS. WRITTEN BY HYDRO.
Traditional graphic design is in short supply in the WAX NFT space, with quality examples few and far between. That makes Christian Stoytchev both a trailblazer, and an artist that’s worth not just a second, third or even fourth glance, but a good, long look.
His impressionistic art is based around the idea of sexual desire, but rather than explicit, these carefully-crafted pieces represent some of the very best conceptual work on the WAX blockchain, and after speaking with him recently, my respect for his art has only grown further!
Stick around to the end of the interview for our interview card and a collab sticker!
Hydro: Hi Christian! Could you tell me a bit about yourself, your background and how you got into NFTs?
Christian: My name is Christian Stoytchev. I’m a graphic designer, born in Rome and now living in Bulgaria where I’ve opened my design avenue, Stocci Studio. I work as a Creative Director and packaging design specialist, helping brands to craft their visual identity.
I’ve been working on Stocci Studio Collectables since 2013. I went to Milan in 2014 to collect some professional experience, and from there my design journey has blossomed into where we are today.
What is the idea behind your NFTs? What makes your collection unique?
The goal of Stocci is to produce my interpretation of the things that make us happy. One of those things is, of course, our sexual life, which epitomizes one of our biggest forms of happiness. Over the years, much of the focus has shifted to the praise of female shapes and their beauty. The artworks are distinctly erotic, but still SFW, as nudity is transformed into an abstract and grotesque form.
My intention is to visualize the abstract concept that is sexual desire. Stocci Studio was born to share my interpretation of these concepts with the world. My WAX NFTs, although they are not my first pieces of art on these ideas, I see as my first expressions in this space.
Desire is a feeling that we all share, so it’s intriguing to see that aspect of our humanity transformed into art that you share with us all!
Your recent NFTs have been very abstract, almost to where a viewer may not see the erotic nature at first. Is this a conscious choice to make the observer look deeper into your pieces and the meaning behind them?
I create everything from the natural instincts that I feel. I try to visualize, mainly through the female body, the abstract ideas of desire, of naked beauty, but I tend to enlarge the forms in an attempt to represent the repression of these concepts in the society in which we live. It’s like trying to force a square peg into a round hole – it’s for this reason that the anatomies I utilise are transformed into something that is indefinite but at the same time extremely clear. Full and bursting at the seams, if that makes sense.
Makes a lot of sense! Out of all the platforms/currencies, why did you choose AtomicHub/WAX for your work?
I had read one or two articles that mentioned NFTs, dived in head-first and ended up in some Discord servers where they were discussing WAX and all the fantastic artists and communities it has. I’ve found the community engagement on WAX to be far better than any other blockchain!
I also love that WAX’s proof-of-stake blockchain doesn’t impact on the environment anywhere near as much as ETH’s proof-of-work.
The WAX community is definitely a friendly one! Who are your favourite NFT artists at the moment? Are there any particular collections that you like?
I discovered Nifty Wizards not too long ago and have loved it so far. The idea that NFTs can have playable utility is huge to me!
I may be biased as a member of the team, but Rabbit Hole is for sure one of the best collections out there. The idea that NFTs can be more than just art is what makes the most valuable pieces in the NFT space what they are. Stay tuned to our Telegram – the rabbits will surprise the whole community soon!
Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with?
We’ve got some interesting developments happening behind the scenes, maybe you’ll find out soon…
Where do you see Stocci Studio 12 months from now?
My life has changed so much in the last month that it’s hard to know where I’ll be a year from now. My intention is to grow in tandem with all the cool artists I’ve got to meet in the last month, and to work with them to create awesome NFTs!
Any artists that come to mind?
Rabbit Hole is in first place!
Since my Easter releases, I’ve had a few artists approach me looking to collaborate, and it would be great to take them all up on their offers! I don’t want to rush into any of these though – what I’m looking for first and foremost is top-notch quality.
What are your thoughts on WAX?
I’m never been much into speculation, but I’ve spent a lot of time on WAX in the past few months, and so have big hopes for its growth. I think we’ll see some big movements this summer!
What can we expect to see from you in the coming weeks and months – or would you like to keep it a secret for now?
The idea is to further develop my collection and bring the community into my world. I’m working on many new ideas at the moment and it’s hard to make predictions, but for sure, what I’m working on now is just the beginning.
To wrap up, let’s have some quick-fire questions:
Tea, coffee, or something else?
Coffee.
Summer or winter?
Winters in Italy, summer in Bulgaria. Summers in Italy are unbearably hot!
Long-term, crypto or fiat as the predominant currency?
Crypto.
One unusual fact about you?
For me, drawing is more important than breathing!
You can invite 3 people, dead or alive, to dinner. Who do you choose?
Tizio, Caio e Sempronio (Italian for “Tom, Dick and Harry”). Fantasy question, fantasy answer!
What’s the best way to follow you and your work?
Christian is a super-friendly guy – I check in with him every now and again to talk NFTs, and he’s always got a positive outlook! His work is somewhat of a hidden gem, so I’d certainly give his socials a follow and join his Telegram community!
In celebration of this interview, we’ve collaborated on two NFTs that are up for grabs.
The Duke of Desire
Collection: nftinsiderio
Max mint: 150 (100 public, 20 for promo holders, 30 for OG Backers)
Drop price: 25 WAX
Dropping 08/05 22:00 UTC (public), 22:05 UTC (OG), 22:10 UTC (promo)
Drop link: https://wax.atomichub.io/drops/33884+33885+33886
50% of the proceeds will be donated to Christian to help fund his work!
Horny Timmy
Collection: stoccistudio
Max mint: 150 (100 public, 20 for promo holders, 30 for OG Backers)
Drop price: 25 WAX
Dropping 08/05 22:30 UTC (public), 22:35 UTC (OG), 22:40 UTC (promo)