DOONBO

Q: I'm curious about the story of how you started your artistic activities.

A: I always wanted to draw. I wasn't an art major, but I loved drawing. I had been putting it off because of my livelihood, but I started digital drawing because I felt if I delayed it any longer, I might never be able to do it. Having drawn for about a year and eight months, I always thought—it might sound childish—but I wanted to become someone who draws well. So I studied on my own, bought books, and did a lot of research on digital drawing. I still feel I lack skill and experience, but once I have the skill and expressive ability I'm satisfied with, I want to draw dark and grotesque pictures. I'm thinking about realizing the imaginations that only stay inside me.

Q: I'm curious about how you first learned about NFTs! How did you get started?

A: I bought an iPad in August 2020 and entered the world of digital drawing. Around July or August 2021, I learned about the NFT art field. While collecting information on my own, I happened to join a KakaoTalk room run by someone named 'King Bit,' where I gained information for NFT artist activities and formed relationships with several artists. Also, due to the influence of my older brother (who advises on the Special Financial Information Act for exchanges) and my own experience investing in coins, NFTs didn't feel that unfamiliar to me.

Q: Is there a reason why you are delaying your grotesque works?

A: I don't think the public prefers grotesque works yet, so I want to build more recognition first. I also don't think I have the skills yet to express what I imagine. I'm thinking of starting late this year or from next year.

Q: What kind of trial and error did you go through to create your current style? Or where do you get your inspiration?

A: From the moment I started drawing, I wanted to create realistic art. However, I lacked the skill to do it right away. I frequently looked at the works of artists who draw realistically, watched video lectures of portrait artists, and bought helpful books to build knowledge about light, shadow, objects, and the human body. I usually get inspiration from digital drawing artists; I've been inspired by artists like Guweiz and wlop. I also tend to look at a very large volume of digital drawing works. Looking at many works helps a lot when actually drawing.

Q: I'm curious about the story of your first sale.

A: My first sale happened about a month after I listed my first piece. I uploaded it without expectations, and since it didn't sell for a month, I was thinking I should just draw as a hobby when it finally sold. Like magic, my works continued to sell after that. At that point, I also started minting on Foundation. Things were going well, but then I suffered from hacking and fell into an irreplaceable slump. I will explain this in detail in the video interview.

Q: What kind of project is Project ARI, which you are currently working on?

A: The part I am most confident in as an artist is expressing female faces. I thought about a way to serialize it continuously in the way I do best, and that's how Project ARI started. My thoughts on Project ARI have changed a lot while working on it; I'm thinking about ways for many people to relate to and enjoy it together, rather than it being a project for the artist alone. I plan to add a story to the project and am considering things fans can participate in. To summarize, it started with the idea of 'let's consistently do what Doonbo does best,' and I intend to keep repeating thoughts and attempts so it can become a project of empathy where many people can participate and get along.

Q: Could you briefly tell us about some fun things for Project ARI holders?

A: First is secondary creation. I'm considering an event where I provide the basic form of the Ari character and allow people to decorate it freely. I'm also considering creating PFPs for specific holders based on their requests. I've currently tried this for heavy holders, but I'm thinking of expanding it gradually. The direction I dream of is creating the worldview of Project ARI together with the holders. I plan to keep thinking about this.

Q: What is the final goal of Project ARI (total supply, future direction)?

A: The supply doesn't guarantee the success of a project, but for now, I want to proceed steadily until the end of this year. In that process, I want to build a bond with collectors and realize various ideas. As I progress a bit more, I want to flexibly set the supply or roadmap.

Q: What do you think of the current NFT market?

A: Speaking from the position of an artist in the NFT market, the standing of individual artists seems to have shrunk significantly compared to the second half of last year, and collectors' attention seems focused on NFTs run by project teams. New artists are flowing in, projects are mushrooming, and competition is intensifying. From an artist's perspective, I think one needs to work with a long-term vision, and for collectors, participating in projects or activities solely for investment purposes might not lead to a wise NFT life. It's a market that changes so quickly, but I think we should pursue unchanging values and think about what those are.

Q: Any final words for the holders?

A: Collecting an artist's work is a huge joy for the artist. It's because you are being recognized in the field you pursue. I love the holders, and I will continue to work steadily so that your choice doesn't turn out to be a mistake.