Behind the JPEG: OSF
Behind the JPEG: OSF
Artwork, NFTs, and the comeback of Degenz
With an impressive and growing NFT collection, OSF is amongst some of the biggest players in the NFT community. For perspective, he just recently placed a bid of 100ETH on a pegz collectible, quickly outbid, but certifying his status as a big dog. With a Twitter following approaching 10,000 followers, OSF is well respected in the community and renowned for being an avid collector. With his sights set on building his soldout collectible drop Degenz, we should expect big things to come. In this exclusive interview, we discuss his career, collections, crypto, and plans for the future.
From the NFT influx in February to today, OSF has been around to see it all. From selling over 150 apes for below 1 ETH in May, to selling a golden ape for 5 eth, and just recently selling out his Degenz collection, he knows exactly how the highs and lows feel. Perhaps this is why he is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the field. If he is not collecting, it is likely that he will be surfing Twitter, transparently shilling trading advice for his followers. With his feelings made known for the ‘elitist punks, karen apes, and shill me your NFT guys’ you can be reassured that OSF will be real, self-aware, and most importantly- humorous.
OSF collects a variety of art with digital forms at the forefront of his work. In addition to his own art, OSF always gives back to smaller artists, spotlighting their work and providing emerging artists a platform and the opportunity to be recognized. Despite only entering the NFT scene in March 2021, he has accomplished a significant amount, with his collections and art expanding day by day.
The Degenz project successfully attracted the NFT community through unique and relatable characters, incorporating the crazy crypto culture. OSF and the team flipped the script, pointing the mirror at the buyers and building a strong sense of familiarity. Buyers were able to snatch a fun character that reflected their own personality in the NFT scene, perhaps a whale with diamond hands or a degen with paper hands- the list goes on. The team took an inclusive approach, granting several opportunities for buyers to get a hold of Degenz through giveaways, a prerequisite for any collection hoping to grow their community. Although OSF did not execute the project the way he may have intended, listing a number of things he would do differently- he is not giving up any time soon. With exciting plans for the future including comic strips, metaverse partnerships, and a reduction of supply, OSF is creating a rewarding space for collectors. He is confident that his team and fans can take the Degenz project to the highest level and it will be interesting to see what comes next!
OSF mentioned to me that it is important to celebrate losses, this definitely hit home and should be recognized more. In a space that is so vastly consumed by winners, it is equally important to accept losses, to learn and to become stronger. This is exactly what OSF has done and we can all applaud his persticence in the scene. Below OSF answered several questions that I presented to him, buckle up for an honest and inspiring interview with the legend himself!
Prior to joining the NFT scene, what was your career and what was your story?
I come from a traditional finance background, specifically trading. I'm not a gambler, but I've always liked taking risk. I can't tell you how many similarities there are between that and NFTs, it's just way more fun doing it with jpegs.
Ethereum has just hit 3000$, where do you see ETH in 6 months or a years time?
No idea really, I bought a bunch at 1500 this year which was my first ever trade in crypto. Rode it all the way to 4400 and back down and back up. I'm not focused on a price target but more focused on mass adoption. When 90% of people know and understand what Ethereum is it will be at a price I'm willing to take profits on.
If the music stopped and you only had the option of keeping one NFT collectible or collection, which would you choose?
Has to be the Dazzler I own from the Pegz collection by Matt Furie.
When did you first acquire your punk? Since that day how has your growth changed and what expectations do you have for the future?
April 2021 right after the Christie's announcement. Honestly before that day I didn't fully "get it". I thought Punks were a pump and dump by the NFT illuminati. Since then I've really come to appreciate the concept of digital identity and NFTs as a medium. I believed Punks would get to a $100k floor but never envisaged it happening this year. I genuinely believe we'll see a $1m floor eventually.
Degenz are still growing, you are building for the long term. With both holders and the floor elevating, where do you see the project going and what plans do you have in store?
It's no secret we had a tough start but we're still working very hard on it. We're currently working on the second collection, Re-Genz, which will be obtainable by burning Degenz. We want to go down the comic story line too as I think we can create some pretty relatable stories with our character set; we may or may not have something coming there shortly ;) .
What one piece of advice would you give to an artist hoping to make it in the NFT scene?
Be original. Try to think about what makes your art different to others and pitch those points. Don't be salty and think "my art is way better why is this guy selling and I'm not". Selling artwork means a collector has to like your piece but also want to invest in you. Spend time being active and contributing to the community. Be a helpful NFT citizen. Best example I have is Guido DiSalle who grinds it out every day and is one of the most helpful and friendliest people. He's never once shilled me his work, but by getting to know him I ended up buying 4 of his NFTs and he's just been accepted to SuperRare!