NFTs are a bit of an enigma for most people. If you listen to the evening news, the NFT space is like the Klondike gold rush of the 1800s, where thousands of working men descended upon a remote part of Northern Canada in hopes of striking it rich. If you talk to economists and stock market “experts,” they might compare the NFT market to “Tulip Mania” – the period of blind speculation that led to tulip bulbs being sold for millions of dollars in 1630’s Holland.
In reality, the NFT space is as diverse, eclectic, creative, promising, and charitable as the rest of the world, and certainly more so than most industries. When one thinks of NFTs, images of the BAYC (Bored Ape Yacht Club) likely come to mind, which would make sense as it’s the most successful NFT franchise in history. However, what often gets overlooked is the amount of real-world good being done in the space. One such example is a Visual Designer turned pandemic philanthropist, Mr Wizard (WlZARDNFT).
The NFT space grew tremendously during the pandemic. Faster than just about any industry (with the exception of the hygiene industry). When the pandemic hit in early 2020, most people had never heard of NFTS–by the end of 2021, they were on everyone’s lips. Perhaps it was the promise of financial return, or perhaps it was the free time the world had, but the NFT market was booming during the pandemic. It was influential accounts like @WlZARDNFT that were leading the charge and bringing “noobs” into the fold.
THE WIZARD HIMSELF
Mr Wizard, AKA Kal McKay, has about 180k followers on Twitter alone–all of whom are voraciously dedicated to the future of NFTs. The way he gained some of those followers is unique. He spotted a problem (lack of funds due to the pandemic) and offered people a solution. The solution was that Mr Wizard was going to deliver unbiased NFT news while also delivering a healthy dose of philanthropy. In the past two years or so, Mr Wizard has randomly given away thousands of dollars to his followers for simply liking, commenting on, and sharing his posts.
In this way, Mr Wizard has built himself not only a loyal following but also a brand. His website, legends.io, showcases his products and services, of which there are many. Kal is clearly a marketing wizard, driving extreme engagement through art competitions and head-to-head NFT battles (for which, of course, there are cash prizes. Mr Wizard has become one of the go-to sources for NFT news and entertainment in the space and has done so in large part by leading with real-world value.
OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS
Although, at the time of writing this piece, the NFT market is in a bit of a downturn–stars are being birthed every minute in space. Opportunity is everywhere. The NFT space is still in its infancy, and no one truly knows its direction. But for those who can spot an opening, craft a plan, lead with value, and deliver entertainment–the NFT world is your oyster. Just ask Mr Wizard.
