Savage Dogs: Born Of Alien Figurines

Earlier this year while browsing Rarible I came across these perfectly packaged digital figurines. While it has become common place among 3D designers, the Savage Dogs collection created by Bek stood out

The name may just be a misnomer as they are neither dogs nor savage. In fact, the characters are quite approachable. They reminded me of one of my favorite skateboard brands from years ago, Alien Workshop. I also recall having t-shirts with cute aliens.

For those who collect vinyl toys, it’s not exactly a leap to see Bek’s characters in such form. The Savage Dogs collection is not just limited to figurines but also contains portraits. I reached out to Bek to learn more about his collection and how he got started in the world of NFTs.

What was your first entry into art?

I started very early with a huge interest in drawing, I remember making my own comics when I was only a kid. I would consider those my first pieces. Mostly Spiderman and Batman knock offs.

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

I don’t really think of having a style, at least I don’t see it. I get bored pretty quickly and I want to try new things. That’s why I’ve created Savage Dogs, it gives me a platform to try things in different styles without feeling stuck. The consistency comes from the concept and that to me is the best of both worlds.

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

I still have a full time job, I’m a brand design lead at Netflix. Art and design have very different goals but a lot in common.

Were you previously involved in the cryptocurrency space? If so, how?

Not really, I’ve been a hodler for a while now but nothing beyond that. I really love what crypto represents as a step forward as a society.

Zissou Dog

What prompted you to begin selling NFTs?

I think the concept just blew my mind when I got my head around it. I think that the promise of total creative control and financial independence is really appealing, but once you get in, you discover these wonderful folks that are extremely talented and pushing the boundaries, so you just want to stay and be a part of that.

How are your sales going so far?

I think it’s subjective to each of us. I’m extremely greatful for the people that has made a decision of supporting my work. Beyond the transactional aspect, I see collectors as investors in your company. The money is nice but it’s also a compromise to make the stock go up and bring more value to them.

Have NFTs changed your plans for the future? If so, how?

Yes. I just see a door that wasn’t there before you know? Being able to be extremely creative and have people support that vision feels amazing. But it’s too early to tell if this is sustainable for many of us. I think there’s a lot of new artists coming into the space very fast, but the broader acceptance of the space doesn’t grow that fast. So I see a bottleneck happening… I just hope that I can continue to do this and have people backing the work.

Inmates 01

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

I think we need to move to L2 fast, we need proof of stake and we need more startups thinking of taxes in this space. Beyond that, I think tools for collaboration between artists to automatize split earnings, costs, royalties would be fantastic.

Do you have any exciting upcoming NFT projects? If so, any that you care to share?

Yes! I just launched “INMATES” a small collection of 10 1/1 inmates that is kickstarting the story of the savage dogs universe. Super excited for this one.

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

Twitter is where you’ll find me most of the time and a great place to interact with the project and me.

Anything else that you care to share?

I just want to give a shout to the other artists that are making this space welcoming, high quality and accessible. I think it’s the true gold behind all of this, just the humans that decided to make this a safe space for all of us. I’m really happy I discovered it.