A Monkey Minute with: Manu (@Blockpalette)
Manu was the runner up for the OCM DAO Community Incentive Program in April. He was recognised by the community for creating animated derivatives of OCM Genesis monks which lit up the timeline in a fun and unique way.
Let’s dive in and get to know a little bit more about the man behind the monkey!
How did you first hear about OCM and what inspired you to join?
In February 2022, I stumbled upon OCM while exploring NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain. Curiosity led me to peruse a friend's digital wallet, where I noticed they held some OCMs alongside desserts.
Intrigued, I delved into researching OCM and found myself captivated by its innovative approach to technology.
With a penchant for projects pushing boundaries, it was a no-brainer for me to acquire 2 Genesis monkeys, along with a popsicle and a donut NFT.
Since then, I've remained a steadfast holder, feeding desserts to my Genesis monkeys and also bridging them to BTC. My investment has only grown over time, solidifying my belief in the project's potential.
What inspired you to start animating the Genesis OCMs, and how did you come up with the idea?
Initially, my involvement in sharing OCM content stemmed from a desire to earn bananas. Being in the creative field, I felt compelled to elevate my contributions.
Thus, I began animating monkeys as a hobby, which not only garnered attention but also increased my visibility within the community.
Eventually, my animations caught the eye of fellow enthusiasts who approached me to animate their own monkeys, turning what began as a simple endeavor into an enjoyable and collaborative activity.
Animating over 100 Genesis OCMs is no small feat! Can you share a bit about your creative process and the tools you used to bring these animations to life?
The most challenging aspect is determining the direction. While utilizing tools is straightforward, the real hurdle lies in conceiving a creative concept.
That initial spark is crucial. Once I've cracked that, I turn to Adobe After Effects for the animation process.
Despite its perceived obsolescence in the face of newer tools, it remains my preferred method, yielding the best results for me.
Additionally, having a template prepared streamlines subsequent tasks, simplifying the overall workflow.
The community praised your animations for bringing joy and creativity to the OCM fam. How do you hope your GIFs contribute to the overall atmosphere and engagement within the community?
With over two years of experience in the NFT space, I understand the constant demand for new content to engage the community on platforms like Twitter and Discord.
It's gratifying to receive positive feedback from the community regarding my contributions, and I'm committed to creating more whenever time allows.
My aim is for my work to be widely shared, ultimately drawing more attention to OCM and its vibrant ecosystem.
What advice do you have for others who might want to explore animation as a way to contribute to the OCM community or other online communities?
I'd recommend initiating content creation tailored for posting on social media platforms. Gauge community engagement, and if it resonates positively, continue producing similar content. Through my own experiences, I've encountered both successes and setbacks in this regard.
Presently, many activities within the NFT space seem relatively low-effort, including my own contributions. However, there exists immense potential for more innovative endeavors within the NFT realm.
