On International Women’s Day, it is important to acknowledge the ongoing challenges female artists encounter in showcasing their artwork to the world. Despite the widespread recognition and acclaim enjoyed by male artists such as PAK, Mike Winkelmann, and Erick Calderon, their female counterparts often face an uphill battle in gaining visibility. Even when they succeed, their creations should be more valued and represented in conventional art collections. As we celebrate the achievements of women across the globe, let us also strive to create a more equitable and inclusive art world that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of all artists, regardless of gender.
Despite the digital revolution in the art industry, female artists still encounter obstacles when gaining access and visibility. Nevertheless, the advent of various online marketplaces and the simplicity of creating digital art have presented a hopeful remedy, providing female artists with a worldwide stage to exhibit their creations and receive the recognition they deserve.
7 Female Artists Revolutionizing the NFT Space
In honor of International Women’s Day, CE is proud to showcase the exceptional talent of seven female NFT artists who utilize digital art to achieve more than just monetary success.
We present a list of exceptional artists in honor of the women who have left an indelible mark on the digital art landscape. Their names are not arranged in any specific order, but each one is a testament to the power of passion and creativity. Let us celebrate their remarkable contributions to the art world and be inspired by their unwavering dedication to their craft.
Time to examine the list; let’s get started.
1. Nyla Hayes
The NFT art industry has experienced a welcome shift towards inclusivity, thanks to the emergence of talented female NFT artists like Nyla Hayes. At just 14 years old, Hayes has achieved remarkable success, becoming a multi-millionaire in under a year with her captivating NFT portraits of long-necked women inspired by dinosaurs. Her meteoric rise is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the digital art world and a shining example of the limitless potential of young artists.
At 12, she made waves in art by curating a groundbreaking collection of generative art on the Ethereum blockchain, exclusively featuring female artists. Her innovative work caught the attention of TIME Magazine, who appointed her as their inaugural artist-in-residence. Since then, she has collaborated with the publication on various artistic endeavors. Now, with a representation deal inked with CAA, she has firmly established herself as a rising star in the industry.
Hayes has established herself as a remarkable artist, breaking barriers as a young talent and a female creator. Her impressive portfolio boasts over 3,000 collectibles, all of which showcase the strength and beauty of women. Among her notable works is the captivating “Long Neckie Ladies” series, which draws inspiration from the gentle yet brave Brontosaurus character in her beloved childhood show, Dino Dan.
Hayes has become a beacon of inspiration for girls across the globe, garnering widespread recognition for her exceptional digital artwork. Her talent has even caught the attention of prominent figures like Eva Longoria and Reese Witherspoon, who have invested in her creations. As a female NFT artist, Hayes has made history and opened doors for other women to enter the industry. Her remarkable achievements testify to the power of creativity and determination.
2. Yam Karkai
Yam Karkai, a visionary digital illustrator, is rapidly gaining acclaim for her exceptional hand-drawn vector art, mainly emphasizing highlighting. Her artwork has garnered widespread attention for its empowering women. Currently, she is actively engaged in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the burgeoning NFT realm.
Leveraging her rich and varied background, shaped by a blend of European and Middle Eastern cultures, her artistic vision embodies a unique amalgamation of diverse perspectives. Harnessing this creative prowess, she joined forces with her partner, Raphael Malavieille, to establish the groundbreaking “World of Women” NFT initiative. This innovative project features a staggering collection of over 10,000 artworks, all created by powerful women from across the globe. WoW is a dynamic platform for female artists to share their stories and viewpoints while promoting gender equality in the art world.
Her digital art is a powerful platform to shed light on crucial facets of women’s lives and inspire constructive transformation. Her remarkable contributions to the digital collectibles arena and the WoW initiative have left an indelible mark on the art world, opening doors for more women to thrive in the industry.
3. Itzel Yard
Itzel Yard, who goes by the moniker IX Shells, has made history as the leading female NFT artist with her acclaimed collection “Dreaming at Dusk.” Her exceptional digital art, commissioned by the esteemed non-profit organization The Tor Project, has fetched $2 million from collectors on the prestigious Foundation platform, PleasrDAO. Yard’s work is of immense importance as it captures a pivotal moment in internet history.
Yard’s artistic style is rooted in generative art, which employs automation and computing to produce intricate patterns and shapes. With a mere 12 lines of code, she crafted a stunning collection highlighting her mastery of coding and programming languages. Although she is not driven by fame or fortune, this Afro-Caribbean artist’s pioneering contributions to the world of generative art have earned her tremendous acclaim.
Yard’s artistic endeavors have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the art world while contributing to preserving internet history. Her accomplishments serve as a testament to the burgeoning interest in NFT art and technology’s pivotal role in the creative sphere.
4. Krista Kim
Krista Kim is a visionary contemporary artist and the pioneering force behind the Techism movement. Her mission is to fuse art and technology to advance digital humanism. Through her impressive body of work, Kim champions the role of artists as trailblazers in the realm of technological innovation within the art industry.
Kim, a visionary artist from Toronto, made her foray into the NFT space in 2020. Her debut creation, a stunning “digital home” crafted using the Unreal Engine by Epic Games, fetched a staggering $500,000. This groundbreaking piece is a testament to a future where art transcends physical boundaries and is experienced in virtual 3D spaces, enriching the lives of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Kim’s work challenges the conventional norms of the art world and seamlessly blends technology with art. She has also established Krista Krim Studio, a platform that showcases her innovative initiatives and promotes her artistic vision.
In March 2022, Kim’s name became synonymous with the groundbreaking “Mars House” NFT digital dwelling, which fetched a staggering 288 ETH, or $663,000 – a sum surpassing a home’s median price in the US. Her unwavering dedication to the convergence of art, technology, and digital humanism has cemented her status as one of the foremost female figures in the NFT realm.
5. Amber Vittoria
Amber Vittoria is a multi-talented artist, illustrator, poet, and fine digital artist who calls Los Angeles home. Her extensive work showcases her mastery of various mediums, including ink, pencil, paint, and language. More recently, she has ventured into the exciting world of digital fine art through NFTs, further cementing her status as a versatile and innovative creative force.
Vittoria’s impressive portfolio boasts collaborations with industry giants such as Google, Meta, Snapchat, and Apple and fashion powerhouses like Gucci and Victoria’s Secret. Her work has also caught the attention of leading brands such as Adidas and L’Oreal Paris and prestigious publications like The New York Times. A Boston University College of Fine Arts graduate with a degree in graphic design, Vittoria’s exceptional talent earned her a spot on the coveted ‘Forbes 30 Under 30’ list in the Art & Style category in 2020.
Vittoria’s digital art journey has been a remarkable explosion of creativity. Her two previous collections were sold out in no time, and her latest masterpiece, “Memories of a Masterpiece,” was no exception, selling out within hours of its release. In just 24 hours, her art generated over 100 ETH in secondary market sales, cementing her undeniable influence in the Web3 space. Her art is characterized by a vibrant fluidity and abstracted, feminine-inspired themes, making her a force to be reckoned with in the digital art world.
6. Maliha Abidi
Maliha Abidi, a Pakistani-American author and visual artist, fervently champions social justice, women’s rights, gender equality, and girls’ education. Her unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of women from marginalized, underrepresented, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities has culminated in the creation of “Women Rise” – a remarkable collection of 10,000 one-of-a-kind NFT art pieces that pay tribute to women from all corners of the globe, including scientists, activists, artists, coders, and more.
“Women Rise” is a testament to our unwavering dedication to social justice. A quarter of the proceeds from this empowering initiative will be donated to the Malala Fund, while a further 10% will be contributed to organizations that champion gender equality, girls’ education, and mental health in marginalized societies. Our commitment to these causes is steadfast, and we are proud to support those who share our vision for a more equitable world.
Abidi, a multifaceted artist, and author, has collaborated with prestigious organizations such as the United Nations, the Global Goals, Adobe, and Google, utilizing her artistic prowess to narrate the tales of remarkable women. However, Abidi’s vision transcends the realm of artistry. Her ultimate aspiration is to establish the first-ever school in the metaverse, catering to children worldwide who face limited access to education. Abidi’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and marginalized communities has garnered widespread acclaim and respect.
7. Lisa Mayer
Lisa Mayer is a trailblazing founder, entrepreneur, and staunch advocate for gender equity in the NFT industry, which remains predominantly male. Through her visionary leadership of “Boss Beauties,” a women-led initiative for artists and a purpose-driven NFT project, Mayer is revolutionizing the digital landscape by championing the cause of young women and working mothers. Her unwavering commitment to mentorship and dedicated scholarships has empowered women pursuing careers in technology, leadership, and creative fields. Mayer’s impact on the industry is nothing short of remarkable, and her legacy as a pioneer of gender equality in the NFT space will endure for years to come.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has remained steadfast in her unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. Her impressive track record of collaborating with top-tier brands and organizations such as Hugo Boss, the New York Stock Exchange, Barbie, and Rolling Stone has successfully raised over $5 million for causes that empower and uplift girls and women worldwide. Her dedication to this noble cause is a testament to her unwavering passion and professionalism.
Mayer’s exceptional leadership and unwavering advocacy have opened doors for countless women to venture into the NFT realm and confidently pursue their passions. Her steadfast dedication to empowering women is truly inspiring, and she continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing battle for gender equity in the digital landscape.
The Rise of Women in Digital Art
Women are making waves in the NFT space by defying the odds and creating exceptional collections that are both original and distinctive. Despite being undervalued and underrepresented, these talented female artists lead the charge toward a more diverse and inclusive crypto, Web 3, blockchain, and NFT market. Their success is a testament to women’s boundless potential in digital art.
From adolescents to career-oriented mothers and expatriates donning hijabs to self-taught coders and artists, these women have triumphed over hurdles and achieved their objectives in a male-dominated field. Their accomplishments serve as a source of motivation for women worldwide to take a bold step forward, challenge patriarchal norms, and shatter the glass ceiling.
