Long before the internet era, many struggling artists had probably heard more than once the same statement: “You don’t (get to) make a living out of art.” Sadly, that had happened to be true to many of them. Ironically, their work had only gotten recognition, fame, and fortune – long after they had passed away.

Then, how about now? Many modern artists can gain instant fame through NFT art. Still, there is a lot to cover here when it comes to NFT art vs. traditional art. Is NFT art real art even though the creators can gain a fortune through cryptocurrency?

Why Traditional Art Is So Valuable

Yes, we may consider NFT art as modern art (or should we say postmodern art?). It is much more accessible online and very much purchasable online. If cryptocurrency is your thing, you know how to buy the NFT artwork you like.

However, this does not mean traditional art gets forgotten. How can it be possible after its existence and changes from time to time? Traditional art requires true authenticity. It may take some time to produce any, but traditional art is not something to be replicated or reproduced easily.

In short, there is no point in arguing about NFT art vs. traditional art. They are meant for different types of audiences and generations. Still, this does not mean you cannot enjoy both, though.

9 Differences Between NFT Art and Traditional Art

Curious to find out what makes the two of them different? Here is the list:

1. The creation

In short, traditional art is done manually, while NFT art is done digitally. Traditional art can only come up in one piece at a time, while NFT art can have more than one creation at a time.

2. The ease of access

You can normally find NFT art on marketplaces for NFTs. For example, OpenSea and Rarible. With traditional art, you have to visit a certain museum first. If you can see a glimpse of it, it is probably a replicant instead of the real thing.

3. The authenticity

It is much easier to track down the owner or creator of any NFT art pieces. Just check out their listings and transfers of such items back to their original creator. Meanwhile, traditional art may have the signature of the original artist. Unfortunately, this also gets easily falsified by scam artists.

4. The preservation

Naturally, traditional art is much more fragile than NFT art. For example, a painting needs to be kept under a specific temperature and lighting. NFT art does not need that since it is created digitally.

5. The status symbol

Since traditional art is all about true authenticity art, it is also all about rarity. If you could buy or own a piece of famous traditional art, people would automatically think you are rich. Meanwhile, NFT art is much more accessible and apt for reproduction.

6. The market

Since NFT art is more accessible, a heavy marketing campaign is required to gain fans. For example, social media influencers post about how much they like certain NFT art and urge people to purchase some for their own. Traditional art is more exclusive, and the enthusiasts are not easily impressed by aggressive marketing gimmicks.

7. The legitimacy

Unfortunately, blockchain still has its loopholes in terms of the transaction. Despite the smart contract, it is difficult to track down who is the buyer and seller. Some can disguise themselves with a hidden agenda called ‘money-laundering’. It is different from traditional art, where the documents are physically solid, authentic, and official. You get to see who buys and who sells.

8. The market reach

NFT art gets noticed much more quickly and easily if you know how to engage the audience. Once again, it is all about the level of exclusivity. There are marketplaces you can rely on to sell your NFT art. Meanwhile, traditional art relies on auctions, with a smaller reach too, of course.

9. The artists themselves

Yes, you can be an NFT artist with the right digital tools, creativity, and imagination. Traditional artists require physical skills, creativity, imagination, and vetting from industry experts. If their artwork is considered true art, they can try to sell it for considerable money.

Why Traditional Art Won’t Die

Once again, there is no need for a long-term debate about NFT art vs. traditional art. You get to enjoy both, and there is no law against that. It is each to their own. However, there is no denying that traditional art will not die. Here is why:

• - Traditional art does not require the use of digital tools, which also means the need for electricity and a strong internet connection. You can use any materials that are already accessible. For example, a sketchbook and some colored pencils, a canvas and oil paints.
• - Some people are up for uniqueness and exclusivity. A piece of a famous traditional artwork still costs a fortune compared to NFT art through cryptocurrency.
• - NFT art is still very young compared to traditional art, which has been around for centuries. The market reach for both is already clear. There will always be art enthusiasts for traditional artwork, even if they are only a few.
• - Meanwhile, NFT art is still a growing trend. Who knows what may happen next year, especially since the digital world works much faster than the real world?

Will NFTs Transform The Art World?

Not only will, but it is also already happening. NFT has transformed digital art. Now we have alternative ways of selling and purchasing art. We get to have the coolest NFT Art or sell the ones we have created through cryptocurrency. The NFT marketplaces like OpenSea are up for that.

Of course, NFT will bring digital art forward. They make digital art more accessible to the public without making the artists broke. The artists still get paid through cryptocurrency for every work they make – which is minted or purchased by NFT art fans. Their copyright is also protected because everybody can trace the listings in the marketplaces to the name of the owner or creator.

So, is it still necessary to debate NFT art vs. traditional art? It is a matter of one’s preferences.