nft art has become one of the most important niches in the broader blockchain industry. One person has been crucial to his rise and to this day is still considered the number one nft artist in the world. that artist is Beeple.
Beeple arguably fueled the nft boom of 2021 and has since continued to create daily art, host major industry events, and hold his head high as a standard bearer for the nft industry at large. Thanks to their tireless work, nfts have rightfully established their place in the art world, causing seismic changes in the way we perceive, value and appreciate art.
He has become one of the most notable artists in both the traditional and non-fungible art worlds, but what makes Beeple's creations unique, how did he rise to fame, and what does the future hold for him?
Here is our complete guide to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/beeple” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Beeplethe world's number one nft artist.
Key information
- Real name Mike Winkelmann
- He started his diary every day art series on May 1, 2007
- Sold Every day: the first 5000 days for $69.4 million dollars in March 2021
- Beeple Studios exhibition and event space opens in March 2023
- Widely considered the world's number one nft artist.
Who is Beeple?
Beeple, whose real name is Mike Winkelmann, was born in 1981 in Wisconsin.
He began his career in the early 2000s as a graphic designer, with a strong interest in digital art. In these formative years, he would develop different inspirations and a style that would define his future work.
In 2007 he started every day project: a commitment to creating and sharing a new piece of digital art every day. Beeple did this to remain committed to developing his artistic skills, developing his work and raising his profile as an artist.
Beeple's art often combines dystopian themes with satirical commentary on politics, technology, and pop culture. By taking a simple, unapologetic approach to incorporating familiar figures and contemporary themes into his work, Beeple's works have had wide-ranging appeal: keeping a firm finger on the cultural zeitgeist of the time and prompting viewers to reflect on the world around them.
Beeple's story
Through every day, Beeple gained a significant following online. This would serve to raise his profile and would inevitably pave the way for his future success.
In 2019, Beeple collaborates with a luxury fashion brand. <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/LouisVuitton” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Louis Vuitton
Beeple made his nft debut in October 2020, becoming one of the most prominent artists to explore the medium at the time, and immediately made his mark. Crossroada piece that would change depending on the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election, initially sold for $66,666, one of the highest fees paid for an nft artwork at the time. In February 2021, Crossroad It would resell for $6.6 million, just a month before its most notable moment.
A collage of its first 5,000 was produced in March 2021 every day works of art – titled Every day: the first 5000 days – minted as nft to be sold at auction via <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ChristiesInc” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>christian. The piece shattered all estimates and would sell for $69.4 million. This was one of the highest prices ever awarded for the work of a living artist, and it instantly made Beeple one of the richest artists in the world, not to mention marking a huge moment in the history of digital art and Web3.
In November 2021, Beeple followed up its historic Christie's auction with the auction of HUMANa unique 7 foot tall sculpture. Bridging the physical and digital realms, the piece is also designed to evolve over time, showing the additional dimensions that digital art can bring to the traditional art world. The piece sold for $29 million at auction, bringing Beeple's earnings for the year to more than $100 million.
Although its high-profile auctions that attracted widespread attention have diminished in recent years, Beeple has achieved a cult following in the Web3 industry. He remains a major figure in the industry, participating in exhibitions, panels and events around the world, and remains as committed as ever to his daily work. every day works, having recently surpassed the 17-year mark.
What's next for Beeple?
Beeple's status as the world's most prominent nft artist is strong and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
In March 2023, Beeple opened Beeple Studios, a 50,000-square-foot space in Charleston, North Carolina, that serves as a base for its work, events and activities. The space includes offices, laboratory spaces, collaboration areas and abundant space for digital art exhibitions and extensive live events.
Following its grand opening, Beeple Studios has held a series of unique and experimental events for the Web3 and digital art communities, and the general public. Notable examples include PepeFest 2024, a celebration of the popular internet meme, and its 2024 US election night watch party, which featured a live stream. every dayDJ sets, attendee contests and more.
These events – and Beeple's continued efforts – highlight the status of Beeple and its projects as cornerstones of Web3 culture – a status that will likely continue into the future.
Beeple's success has had a profound impact on the world of digital art.
With his record sales, Beeple has done more than any other artist to legitimize digital art in the eyes of collectors, institutions, and the general public. His work challenges conventional ideas about the ownership and value of art and creates an important debate about the role of technology in creative expression.
Through his collaborations with fashion houses, influencers, and mainstream brands, Beeple has demonstrated the appeal and potential of digital art and has undoubtedly inspired countless artists to explore digital art and nft art mediums.
It has been more than 17 years since Beeple began his every day series, and as nft art appears to be on the rise once again, 2025 could feature a return to prominence for who is, without a doubt, the biggest artist in the nft industry.
