Utility non-fungible tokens (NFTS) are some of the most popular on the market and for good reason. These aren’t just digital pieces of art, they can be used for various purposes from tickets to events to placeholders for products. 

However, even utility NFTs need art. So, if you haven’t read “Chapter 2.1: Tools for Art-Only NFTs,” start there. You’re going to need those tools as well. 

Today, however, we’ll talk about the tools you need to add utility to an NFT.  

Tool #1: A White Board & Conversation

Utility NFTs that do best aren’t just a way to enter an exclusive club. They’re a way to do something that has never been done before or a way to stand behind something meaningful to you. 

 

The first tool you need to be successful is a great idea machine – we’ll call it a whiteboard and some conversation. 

Think of several causes you could help or something you can do that’s never been done before. Once you have a few ideas, run those ideas past friends and family. No, I’m not talking about the people that say whatever you want to hear either – go to the most critical friends and family members you have and seek out honest opinions. 

Take the opinions you’ve learned through your conversations back to your whiteboard and incorporate them into your work. 

Keep in mind that your idea is key. It may take a week, a month, or even years, to develop a great idea, but this is not something you want to slack on. 

Tool #2: The Art

As mentioned above, even an NFT with the core value being the utility it provides needs art. Think of it like the box on a tool you buy to maintain your landscape. The manufacturer spent significant amounts of time and money designing that box. 

It’s worth taking the time to design quality art to go along with your utility. After all, the art is going to be what catches the consumer’s eye first. The utility often acts as nothing more than icing on the cake. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you create your art:

  • Be Unique. Make sure your art provides a unique take. Don’t just draw a happy face and send it out to the public. Think about how you can make that face uniquely yours. 
  • Relevant. The art in the NFT should be relevant to its utility. For example, if the NFT is being used as a ticket to join a dance event, the NFT image could be a golden ticket morphing into a dancer. 
  • Don’t Pass Up Fiverr. If you’re not an artist, consider using an online platform to create your art for you. You may be surprised at how inexpensive it can be. Some digital artists are willing to create unique pieces to your specs for $10. 

Tool #3: A Programmer

If you’re not already a programmer, chances are you’ll need one to program the utility into your NFT. For example, if your NFT collection opens the door to exclusive offers on popular merchandise, there needs to be a way for your website to verify ownership of the NFT as a way to unlock access to the perks the NFT offers. 

If you’re not well-versed in computer and website programming languages, you may need to hire a pro. 

The person you hire should be able to implement verification features into your online portal. They can also incorporate pay with cryptocurrency features – must-have features when you’re a metaverse player.  

That’s All for Today

Come back next week to learn the tools you need to create NFTs with utility. 

Pro Tip. The tools on this list are tools that are an absolute must to create utility NFTs. There are several other tools available, some free, others with a price tag. Nonetheless, there’s no shame in trying out new tools with compelling features to help bring your art to the next level and captivate your audience.