What is Web3 good for anyway?

I had no clue what it was about when I started learning this new version of the internet. It wasn't until I realized that it was about:

Collaboration

Connection

Community

Ownership

The struggle along the way was explaining the technical aspect of Web3. While it is impressive to understand something highly specialized, most people don't get it and don't really want to. 

However, if you use technology to improve community, connection, collaboration, and ownership, then you have something we all can agree upon and understand.

In February 2023, I had the pleasure of meeting Gatieh Nacario at M.A.D. Co Labs. He is a local artist known for his unique stained-glass painting style. He moved from the Philippines to Spokane and quickly built his network with his friendly personality and passion for connecting with others.

He was intrigued with the concept of creating NFTs (non-fungible tokens) of his artwork but needed to figure out how to start or how it all works. After teaching him a few basics and how he could use them to expand his reach and the possibility of increasing his revenue, he wanted to get started right away.

But rather than just showing him the technical side of NFTs, I explained there is so much to it. This started our journey of connection, collaboration, community, and ownership.

Collaboration

Our first collaboration was for Founders Live. He designed the Landmark Token (NFT) of the Spokane gondola SkyRide. Participants and attendees claimed the token during the startup pitch competition in May.

Along with the free Landmark, Gatieh also created his own NFT ticket. Buyers of the ticket will receive the digital image of his painting, a physical copy to display proudly, and entrance to Gatieh's Meet & Greet event on August 1st.

Gatieh also collaborates with other organizations incorporating his artistic work with the business's mission.

At the event on August 1st, he will showcase several organizations he is involved in and the paintings he created to celebrate their missions and give a tour of his work that will be on display at the venue throughout the month.

AtWork!: Empowering people with disabilities to be productive, integrated, and contributing members of their communities.

Art Salvage: Their mission is to divert usable materials from the landfill and, instead, into the creative hands of makers.

Spokane Valley Summer Theatre: They are constructing a new building and planning their next show: Escape To Margaritaville.

Car Show for A Cause at Big Sky Drinkery in Hillyard: Gatieh is helping raise funds for a friend battling cancer.

Gatieh will unveil his latest artwork during the event, representing his personal healthy lifestyle journey with the help of Heidi Simmons, his health coach.

Connection

Gatieh and I have worked closely throughout the last few months, building his brand and business. While understanding how to create an NFT is just one small step. The more essential and critical piece is how to market his business and expand his reach.

Networking and connecting with others is significant to Gatieh's day job at AtWork. The film crew at his August 1st event is there to document how Gatieh reaches out to his connections to find work opportunities for his clients with disabilities.

He has created a unique painting specifically for AtWork that portrays the importance of what the organization does to help those with disabilities.

Gatieh is a great connector and enjoys making introductions that can help you grow personally and professionally.

Community

Gatieh is building his community of people who love his art and support his mission.

Gatieh will be selling membership NFTs to his Art by Gatieh fan club. In this community, he will share exclusive perks and benefits with members. These benefits include discounts on his future events, digital prints, sneak peeks at his latest artwork, early access to purchasing his physical paintings, and opportunities to collaborate on projects that support members' organizations and their work.

Memberships will be sold at the event on August 1st at the Shadle Library at 5 pm. They will also be available by signing up on his webpage.

Ownership

By creating NFTs for his artwork, Gatieh has a permanently and publicly visible certificate of authenticity. As he gains popularity, this will become increasingly important and give him peace of mind that his work will not be faked or stolen.

Ownership also is rewarded to the members of his fan club through NFTs. Anyone can view blockchain transactions of membership purchases, sales, or transfers. Gatieh will also be able to token gate an online community accessible to only those who hold the membership NFT.

Summary

Web3's value lies in fostering community, connection, collaboration, and ownership. Gatieh's journey into NFTs showcases how Web3 enhances creativity, connecting him with organizations, building a supportive fan club, and ensuring ownership protection.

This transformative technology empowers individuals and communities, shaping a more dynamic and prosperous future. While the technical aspects of Web3 might be daunting for many, its importance lies in utilizing technology to enhance these fundamental aspects of human interaction.