Interview

Mr. Oscar Explodes Onto The Crypto Art Scene

In the booming world of crypto art it’s hard to cut through the noise as an artist. While the Beeples of the world are generating millions, there’s a rapidly growing class of artists who may not be household names yet but are forging a living via NFTs. Oscar Moctezuma, who goes by Mr. Oscar, is one of those artists.

In a style that feels like Pixar meets Adult Swim, his 3D characters stand out in an increasingly noisy crypto art world. I reached out to Oscar to learn more about his journey to the world of NFTs and to get his back story.

How did you get started?

I grew up drawing chunky Pokemon and Dragon Ball characters. Since the beginning I knew I wanted to keep drawing all my life. I started as a 2D artist about 12 years ago and my first recognized work was a collaboration I did with some people I met on the internet. The project exploded in popularity and served as my kickstart into paid artwork.

Beast X Beast

How has your style evolved over time and how would you describe your style today?

My style has evolved quite a lot. Being a 2D artist and migrating to 3D opened a lot of new possibilities, workflows and ways to do more realistic stuff. Its hard for me to describe my style as sometimes my artwork can be very silly and cute, and sometimes very dark and creepy. So I think the correct word to describe it is Playful somehow.

Prior to selling your NFTs was your art your full-time job?

Yes, I own a design studio where I create characters and brand strategies for businesses all around the world. The thing with commercial stuff is that you can’t always create the stuff you want to create to communicate something.

Were you previously involved in the Cryptocurrency space?

Never, this is my first approach.

What prompted you to begin selling NFTs?

I saw some dudes I admire getting into this world, and as a good dog I followed them and started to do my own research.

Mr Oscar Devil

How are sales going so far?

Amazing! I have 3 weeks so far, and I have sold an entire collection (5 pieces) plus 2 more of a new collection I’m working at the moment.

Have NFTs changed your plans for the future?

Absolutely. There is a feeling with commercial work where sometimes clients just wont agree with a good idea you know will work. So I’m planning to spend more time with NFTs than commercial work.

What do you think would improve your overall experience with NFTs?

Maybe having an easier way to approach collectors or investors as Twitter is like an overcrowded ocean with a lot of fake accounts and people just wanting to get followers with “shill me your art” posts. I would say that NFT’s need their own space for promotion.

Have any exciting upcoming NFT projects that you wish to share?

Yes! I developed a character named The Unemployed Alien (@UnemployedAlien).

The story is about an alien who failed to find a job back in his home planet. In order to survive bankruptcy he was faced to try his luck on Earth and landed a few casting calls to dress up in mascot suits for companies. The first 2 pieces are already sold, and the rest will be up on my Foundation page.

What’s the best way for people to check out your work online?

The best way to see my work and work in progress is on my Instagram account or my Behance portfolio.

Anything else that you care to share?

The NFT’s have changed my life since day one. I was a little bit scared at the beginning as this was a new world for me and crypto and all that stuff sounded like a scam to be honest. I was 100% wrong. I encourage other artists to give it a try!