Learn NFT: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

The NFT space is one of the fastest-growing segments of the crypto industry. For those who wish to learn NFT, it can be very confusing to start. But with the rapid development of the non-fungible token market, it’s essential to understand the concept and technology behind these emerging crypto tokens.

When something is described as “non-fungible,” it simply means that it is unique and cannot be replaced with another. Outside of the crypto world, “non-fungible” assets include diamonds, land, and even baseball cards. Because of its unique features, a non-fungible token cannot be interchanged with other digital assets of the same category. Let’s talk about how you can learn about non-fungible tokens online and the best non-fungible token-related courses online.

How do I get started with Learn NFT?

To learn NFT, you need to understand the core concept behind non-fungible tokens and what makes them unique. Non-fungible tokens or NFTs are based on the concept of fungibility.

The concept of fungibility:

Fungibility implies that assets of equivalent value can be exchanged with one another to facilitate trade operations. Fiat money is an excellent example of a fungible product because a $1 bill can easily be converted into ten dimes or four quarters without impacting the currency’s overall value.

While the concept of fungibility is often conflated with the ability to exchange one item for another, it actually refers to the exchange of equal units of goods or commodities. However, some factors must be considered when determining whether or not a fungible product is acceptable for substitution.

The definition of NFT:

NFT are cryptogenic tokens that are non-exchangeable because they are one-of-a-kind. The metadata of these digital assets are stored on a blockchain network which makes it impenetrable to hacks. Due to blockchain technology, the entire ownership history of an NFT can be easily verified and cross-checked. Therefore, NFTs become immune to forgery, thus adding to their intrinsic value.

How does NFT work:

When a non-fungible token is created or “minted,” a smart contract is initiated and stored on the blockchain. This contract is handled by a uniqueID (or address) that identifies the current owner. When you buy an NFT (imagine digital art), your unique ID changes and is reflected on the blockchain (an online public ledger). With the help of the Ethereum blockchain, you now have a public and traceable proprietorship of digital possessions.

NFTs and smart contracts let you incorporate specific attributes such as safe file links, metadata, or owner’s identity. In an overwhelmingly digital setup, the capacity of non-fungible tokens to immutably authenticate digital ownership is a big step forward. They could envision blockchain’s promise of trustless security being applied to almost any asset exchange or possession.

How to become an NFT expert:

Most people out there have little or no idea about NFTs since they are new entrants in the crypto space. Therefore, before you fix on a specific path, knowing, educating, and preparing yourself for NFT-based jobs is prudent. Currently, most of the jobs are connected to smart contract development and digital art creation.

Nevertheless, reputable firms such as Disney and Sotheby’s advertise NFT specialist jobs on their websites. However, remember that one must possess a wide range of skills if one wants a chance at being an NFT expert or specialist. An NFT expert’s tasks are outlined below.

• Assess and examine industry trends and multimedia formats related to non-fungible tokens like illustration, design of the product, and motion picture.
• Creating and deploying smart contracts and systems related to blockchain on a variety of platforms pertaining to blockchains.
• Functioning as a Non-fungible token project team member to attract new corporations and fulfill the sales targets concerning artwork, or other non-fungible token digital collectibles.
• Associating with current and new non-fungible token artists, evangelists, investors, and industry specialists.
• Analyzing unique product concepts concerning non-fungible token collections along with the prospect of merging non-fungible tokens with other crypto-related applications.

How to buy an NFT:

Set up your crypto wallet:

You need a digital wallet service to conduct crypto transactions. The digital wallet is where you store your cryptocurrency. In certain wallet services, you can also securely store your NFTs. There are many digital wallet services in the market, including:

1. MetaMask
2. Coinbase
3. Math Wallet
4. AlphaWallet
5. Trust Wallet

Transfer funds to your wallet:

Your digital wallet is ready to receive crypto tokens. You can buy cryptocurrency from the crypto exchange and transfer the funds to your digital wallet. You also have the option to buy tokens directly from the wallet. However, the transaction fees will be higher in this case. Discover the best NFT wallets in The Market

The crypto exchange will ask you to add your wallet address when transferring funds to your digital wallet. The wallet address is a unique alphanumeric phrase similar to a bank account number. You can click on “Send,” and the exchange platform will send the token to your wallet address. Once the tokens reflect in your wallet, you are ready to make transactions.

Choose an NFT marketplace:

There are tens of NFT marketplaces available online. Each marketplace has its own incentives, minting fees, commission charges, and featured NFT collections. Some marketplaces specialize in one category of NFTs, while others offer a wider variety of options.

Connect the wallet to the marketplace:

After choosing an NFT marketplace, you have to connect your crypto wallet to the marketplace. Every marketplace will have a “Connect Wallet” option on its platform. Click on the tab and accept the following prompts. Once the wallet is connected to the marketplace, you can start buying or selling NFTs on the platform.

Decide on an NFT to invest in:

Most NFT marketplaces will have top NFT collections or trending NFTs to buy sections on their dashboard. You can scroll through and review their offerings to find something you like. It’s best to invest in pieces that are rare, popular, or currently going viral. 

These digital assets will likely grow in value and have a higher resale price on secondary marketplaces. Moreover, choose works from well-known and reputable NFT artists to ensure that your investment appreciates in the future.

Pay the selling price or place a bid:

Creators have the option to put their NFT collection for a direct sale or an auction. You should check whether the NFT you chose is up for sale or an auction. If it’s a direct sale, you can pay the asking price, which will be deducted from your wallet.

If it’s an auction, you have to bid to buy the NFT. The auction may be limited or unlimited. In limited auctions, bids are accepted for a specific time period. Once the time is over, the auction closes. In unlimited auctions, bids are allowed until the owner accepts an offer. There are no time limitations in this auction.

Complete the transaction:

If your bid for the NFT is the highest at the end of the auction and is higher than or equal to the reserve price, the transaction will be completed automatically by the NFT marketplace. In certain circumstances, regardless of when the auction is set to expire, the seller can accept your bid at any moment. You may either hold on to the NFT until it sells for a profit or keep it as part of your one-of-a-kind personal NFT collection.

How to sell an NFT:

Create a digital artwork:

If you want to sell an NFT, the most important thing you need is a digital asset. It can be anything from a painting, song, sports memorabilia, meme, or even a GIF. Moreover, the digital asset can be created in any format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, or MP3).

The more rare and unique your digital asset is, the more valuable it will be. You have to ensure that you have intellectual property rights to the artwork you want to convert into an NFT. Failing to validate your ownership can land you in legal trouble.

Select your marketplace:

To sell your NFT, you need an NFT marketplace. These marketplaces operate similar to Amazon, where sellers display, price, and sell their products on the platform. You have tens of marketplaces to choose from but remember that not all marketplaces are the same.

Different platforms have different minting fees. While some charge one-time minting fees for NFTs, others charge for every minting that takes place on their platform. So review as many NFT marketplaces as possible before deciding on the most appropriate platform for your needs.

Buy some cryptocurrency:

Before you can sell an NFT on a marketplace, you need cryptocurrency to pay an upfront fee to the marketplace to mint your NFT. Therefore, you need some cryptocurrency in your balance to pay the charges.

What the minting process does is convert your digital file into a unique token that’s irreplaceable on the blockchain. For minting an NFT, marketplaces will charge you a certain fee. The minting fees vary depending on which platform you choose.

Create a digital wallet:

Now that you have cryptocurrency in your hands, you need a digital wallet to use this digital capital for transactions. Your digital wallet acts as the bank account where you store all your crypto tokens.

Add cryptocurrency to the wallet:

When your wallet is set up, transfer cryptocurrency to your wallet. Ether is the most widely accepted cryptocurrency. However, you can choose any cryptocurrency compatible with the NFT marketplace.

Some wallets like Metamask give you the opportunity to buy cryptocurrency directly from their platform. However, buying directly from MetaMask has higher fees than general crypto exchanges.

Connect the digital wallet to the NFT marketplace:

Once you have set up your crypto wallet and decided on an NFT marketplace, it’s time to integrate the wallet into the NFT platform. The process for connecting the wallet will essentially remain the same for all platforms.

Ideally, you will find a “Connect Wallet” option on the website. Click on the button and follow the prompts accordingly. Once you confirm your age and agree to the terms of service, your account will be set, and you’re good to go.

Upload the digital file to the marketplace:

Now that you have cryptocurrency in your wallet, you are prepared to buy or sell any NFT collectible on the marketplace. Whichever marketplace you choose, you will find a “Create” button at the top of the website. Click the button, and you will be provided with the option to create a single digital file or sell the same file on the marketplace.

Select the “Upload” option on the platform to convert your asset into an NFT. Once you upload the file (PNG, WEBP, GIF, MP3, MP4, or any other file), you will be able to preview your digital asset before publishing it online. Before uploading the file to the marketplace, you will also have to add information regarding the digital asset, including name, description, and royalty percentage. After the entire uploading process is complete, your digital artwork will be available for public view on the marketplace.

Select a pricing strategy for the NFT:

To sell your NFT, you have to select a pricing strategy for it. You can either set up your NFT collectible for auction or put it for sale at a fixed price. Deciding on a minimum price for your auction can be daunting. Given the high gas fees, you have to carefully evaluate your price tag to make a profit on the sale. At the same time, setting a too-high price can make it difficult to attract prospective buyers.

A higher asking price also deters investors from selling the NFTs on secondary marketplaces as it cuts down on their profit. Therefore, it lowers your chance of earning a royalty in the future. It’s really a balancing act to find the right price for your NFT. After you set the price, you can now sell the NFT. 

Click on the” Sell” button to move forward with your sale. At this point, the marketplace will calculate the gas money that you owe. The gas money is different for each marketplace.

Manage your NFT listing:

Uploading the digital asset, adding a description, setting the price, and paying the gas money completes the listing process. Now your NFT will be available for sale on the marketplace. You can promote your artwork on your social handles and website. This will help you attract more buyers.

Is NFT easy to learn?

NFT is easy to learn thanks to the availability of numerous online courses and learning tools. We will be discussing a few valuable resources that will help you understand non-fungible tokens.

Why Should You Learn about NFTs?

The quintessential reason why anyone should learn about NFTs is that it’s an emerging technology trend that is revolutionizing the digital world. To be a smart investor, you need to be ahead of the curve and be on-trend. Digital artwork and collectibles have completely changed the meaning of being a distinguished collector. Collections by famous digital artists have fetched record-breaking millions of dollars. And now everyone is trying to replicate their success.

Although you may not be able to sell your NFT for as much price as a Beeple or Pak, still NFT trading is a great alternative for creators to expand their reach, overcome entry barriers, and earn revenue. Learning about NFTs will enable you to tap into infinite opportunities and turn a profit.

Best resources to learn about non-fungible tokens

Here is a look at the best sources to help you understand non-fungible tokens:

15 Minute Guide to NFTs (Ebook):

Matt Garcia, a non-fungible token specialist, has authored a thorough tutorial for novices to help them comprehend non-fungible tokens and the industry’s workings. The book is written in simple words and in an informal tone. Furthermore, the book asserts to educate you all you need to grasp in as little as 15 minutes.

The eBook is effective at making ideas sound more comprehensible, notably when real-world comparisons are applied. However, you might be required to Google what the author is referring to from time to time, but that is just a quick web reference.

Forum NFT and r/NFT (Web):

Forum NFT is a standard question-and-answer forum where one can register to pose a question or write an answer to existing questions. The platform helps solve current debates through most visited, recent, most answered, most voted, no answers, and bumped questions. One can also filter out the subjects using tags in the sidebar. Although it’s the latest forum, it seems to be gaining popularity as a place for newcomers to express questions about non-fungible tokens freely.

Reddit’s main non-fungible token community at r/NFT can be a little daunting for newbies. Having said that, they have some valuable sticky topics, such as the beginners’ handbook and non-fungible topics, which is good. The subreddit is one great space to keep tabs on the happenings of non-fungible token space. Additionally, you can use it to post questions and debate many things. Since the forum is a much happening space online, one may get rapid responses.

NFT Origin Stories and Edge of NFT (Podcast):

Digital innovators and renowned have given shape to the non-fungible token sector. Considering the fact that the field is still in its infancy, one must learn more about the people involved to comprehend the changes happening in this field. There are two podcasts are performing a fantastic job of educating the general audience.

One among them is – NFT Origin Stories, where the channel hosts RD and Parrot interview virtual creators to know about the history of their non-fungible token journey. This lets one know about the creator behind the art. Having knowledge of how the art was created is not only useful for creators but also for investors as well. The channel also has live streams on a few occasions where they discuss the latest non-fungible tokens.

Another channel, In Edge of NFT, has three hosts who conduct interviews with various creators and learn how to utilize non-fungible tokens. This is touted to be an interesting interview show where a wide variety of non-fungible token-based subjects gets discussed. The subjects include music, art, gaming, charity, etc.,

Final words

NFTs related to gaming, art, and collectibles are currently in the limelight. Additionally, numerous reputable corporations are licensing their products for non-fungible tokens, such as Smurfs, BBC’s Doctor, Minecraft, and Sorare, to name a few. In June 2021, Twitter introduced its own set of non-fungible tokens. The internet is full of great resources which are designed to help you develop your NFT knowledge and awareness. Use them diligently before you decide to dive into NFT trading.