Amrit Pal

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How did you first become interested in art, and how did you get started with it yourself?

Amrit Pal: From a very early age, I have been interested in art. As a child, I loved watching Disney and Studio Ghibli movies, which inspired me to start recreating the characters from those films. This eventually led me to become interested in animation. In high school, I worked with the school magazine and created environmental cartoons and doodles. I also took part in the school’s excellent art program and was quite active in art class. After high school, I pursued animation in university, which allowed me to further develop my skills and explore my passion for art.

Could you tell us more about the story of Amrit X Robotos? 

Amrit Pal: Of course! The collaboration with Amrit X Robotos was a result of my interaction with Pablo, the founder of the project. Prior to my venture into NFTs with Toy Faces, I used to work as a product designer and Pablo and I knew each other from that world. He had seen my work with Toy Faces and even purchased some of it to license for one of his ventures. After a few months, Pablo also entered the NFT space with his Borders project which I found to be a beautiful project with its 2D illustration style and animations. One day, we were discussing our NFT experiences on Twitter when he expressed his interest in collaborating. That’s how we ended up doing a Toy Faces Amrit x Robotos collaboration, which was a lot of fun. The collaboration had 100 editions and sold out quickly. It was one of my biggest collaborations in terms of volume.

Which of your artworks are you most proud of? 

Amrit Pal: Definitely my Frida toy face NFT. It was my first NFT, and I’m so glad I went ahead with it. Initially, I was confused about whether to launch toy faces and NFTs or focus on some abstract 3D work I had done. But I’m really happy that I took the call and went ahead with the Frida toy face NFT. It’s my Genesis piece, and I’m most proud of it.

After that, my overall favorite piece is the Samurai Toy Face with all the neon colors. While making toy faces, I tweeted one day about making a samurai toy face, and there was a lot of interest. In the crypto space, when someone mentions a samurai toy face, people envision dark colors and metallic shades. But I went on a very different tangent and created a neon Samurai, which was very different from what anybody was expecting. I loved surprising everybody with that piece, and the color scheme and everything kind of resonated really well with me. So I think that’s definitely the piece I’m most proud of, and I’m quite happy about it.

Is there an artist you would like to work with? Like a collaboration?

Amrit Pal: Yes, definitely. There are so many talented artists in this field. I was fortunate enough to work with Pablo for the Toy Series, and he was amazing. But if I had to choose another artist, XCOPY would be at the top of my list. I’ve also had conversations with DeeKay about collaborating, but he’s been extremely busy with his successful and beautiful art, so we haven’t had the chance yet. But that would be a lot of fun. Additionally, I’m very interested in collaborating with traditional artists from different parts of the world, and that’s something I’m actively pursuing this year.

We are curious 🙂 Would you be willing to share any plans of upcoming projects?

Amrit Pal: I’d be happy to share some details about my upcoming projects. Currently, my main focus is on my solo show, which will be hosted in multiple cities and is titled “Toy Face Tour” (although we are still considering the name). The show will span three cities, with each city hosting the exhibit for a period of three weeks. This will be the first time that my artwork will take on a physical form, as we are constructing an actual toy room for the exhibit. One of the most renowned fine artists from India, MF Husain, will be collaborating with me on this project, and I am thrilled about the possibilities. Additionally, I am creating physical collectibles that take the form of sculptures, celebrating the basic form and shape of a toy face. Finally, I am working on an open edition with one of the largest platforms in the industry, which is also an exciting prospect.

Who or what are your biggest influences or sources of inspiration?

Amrit Pal: Definitely, playing with toys as a kid. There comes a certain age when you have to leave the toys behind, but I’m glad that through my art, I have been able to reconnect with that part of myself. Growing up, toys were one of my biggest inspirations. Additionally, Studio Ghibli movies have had a significant impact on me. I’m a huge movie buff, whether it’s animated or live-action. As a child, I had no restrictions on television viewing, and I’m grateful for that because it helped shape my interests and senses. I draw a lot of inspiration from history books as well, as I am a huge history buff. All of these sources of inspiration seep into my artwork in some way, and I believe it adds depth to my work.

Is there something specific you are trying to express with your art?

Amrit Pal: Absolutely. The main themes I try to convey in my art are nostalgia and a sense of childlike wonder. These are concepts that I frequently use when discussing my work. The collection of toy faces and toy rooms that I’ve created, as well as my future pieces, are all driven by these ideas. Recently, someone commented that my art feels like I’m playing with toys rather than creating artwork, and I think that’s wonderful. As a child, playing with toys was something I loved, and now I’m able to incorporate that into my art while still being appreciated for it. It’s a beautiful thing.

What do you feel when you are creating new art?

Amrit Pal: Through my art, I’m able to express myself in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. When I’m creating new pieces, I experience a deep sense of creative satisfaction. As a digital artist, I’m able to incorporate new technologies into my work, which allows me to explore and experiment with new techniques. For example, I’ve recently delved into 3D printing and designed custom furniture for my solo show. All of these experiences have been incredibly interesting and rewarding. Ultimately, I love what I do and feel grateful to be able to pursue my passion.

What do you feel the moment a project you’ve created dropped?

Amrit Pal: I am quite nervous. I want to know how people are receiving it, if they like it or not, and if there are enough collectors for it. That’s always on top of my mind. But at the end of the day, I’m just glad I’m putting something out. However, I won’t lie, it does make me anxious to drop the artwork, list it, and wait for a bid. I’m trying to get better at handling the anxiety, but it’s something that definitely makes me nervous. Nonetheless, the majority of my drops go well, so that’s always good.

How do you enjoy the NFT Art you have collected? Do you have a way to display it, for example, at home?

Amrit Pal:  Yes, I absolutely enjoy my NFT collections. I have a Samsung Frame TV, which is a stunning 4K display that has a unique art mode. Instead of turning it off, I can switch it to art mode and it displays my NFT collections beautifully, complete with a wooden frame. Additionally, I have physical prints and pieces that I display at home. I also have virtual galleries where I showcase my collection. Collecting art is just as enjoyable as selling it, and I love every aspect of it.

What would be your biggest wish for the NFT Art scene? What is currently missing / not fully developed to reach full potential out of it?

Amrit Pal: My biggest wish would be for the NFT art scene to not be as closely tied to crypto cycles as it currently is. While I understand that there is some influence, it would be great if it could be avoided. Additionally, I wish for digital art to be seen on the same level as traditional art. We are catching up, and my solo show is meant to create awareness for digital art as a serious medium with potential for earning and finding collectors. Collaboration can even turn it into a physical thing, but the origin is digital.

In terms of what is missing, there are a few things. The contract situation and technical aspects of managing NFTs can be challenging, and it would be great to have enough tools for people to easily migrate to new things as they emerge. For example, if there was a way to easily custom contract shared NFTs, it would help artists. Additionally, the close relationship to crypto cycles is still an issue, and it would be great if one-on-one networks were not so dependent on the price of Ethereum at the moment. Overall, these changes would help the NFT art scene reach its full potential.

What is the most disturbing thing when it comes to NFTs and cryptoart in your opinion?

Amrit Pal: Well, I haven’t been extremely disturbed by anything, but I do think that the rapid pace of the space has caused some people to avoid discussing mental health and making impulsive decisions based on moods. I believe there needs to be more awareness around this issue. Additionally, for many artists, this is their first time experiencing market cycles, so coping with understanding the cycles and how to avoid losses or protect oneself is crucial. Furthermore, the safety of the space is a concern. Having a hardware wallet key, checking links and the people one talks to, and avoiding scams can be exhausting and stressful. While I have become accustomed to it, it is unfortunate that we must be fearful of these things. The scams in the space are the most disturbing part. It can be quite distressing for those who have had their wallets hacked or who have lost their NFTs. I know some friends and collectors who have experienced this, and it’s quite saddening.

We would really like to know, where do you see the NFT Art scene in the future? 

Amrit Pal:  I think the acceptance of NFTs as a household thing will continue to grow, with more and more people owning them. Modern galleries are already selling both physical pieces and NFTs. While some artists sell NFTs differently, I believe the acceptance of NFTs being a medium to sell art will increase. For this, NFTs may need to be on other chains for mass adoption, although I am pro-ethereum and want it to succeed. As more artists become technically educated, they will continue to try new things, such as on-chain art. I find this exciting, and I believe that as we progress, people will see NFTs as a medium to sell art, rather than calling something an NFT. In short, I believe that the NFT art scene has great potential for growth and innovation, powered by new technologies and mechanisms that will continue to evolve and bring the community together.

Which tools do you use to create your art?

Amrit Pal: For my 3D work, I mainly use Cinema 4D, Photoshop, and Illustrator, which are all Adobe products. In addition, I use Lightroom or Photoshop for color correction, and sometimes After Effects for animation. These are all basic software tools that I find effective for my work.

What does a typical day for you look like, and what do you like to do when you’re not busy with NFT Art?

Amrit Pal: I don’t have a strict schedule, so I sleep when I feel sleepy and wake up when I need to. I prioritize getting enough sleep because it’s important to me. During the day, I focus on creating art and attending exhibitions. I like to experiment with different mediums besides art as well. As well I enjoy going to the park almost every day, not for exercise, but to take a leisurely stroll and appreciate nature. I also play playbook games with friends and go inline skating. When I’m not busy with NFTs or these activities, I like to read history books and listen to audiobooks while sitting in the park. 

What is the best advice you have been given?

Amrit Pal:  When I left my full-time job to pursue a solo career, I did a lot of reading on how to be successful as a solo entrepreneur. The best advice I received was to be honest with myself about working alone and to embrace it. People will appreciate your authenticity. It’s important to be patient, allocate a budget for learning, and never stop learning thinking you know enough. Experiment as much as possible before making any decisions, and once you commit to something, stick with it. Making the product or art is only half the job, and the other half involves marketing and selling it. I believe that promoting your work is part of the creative process, especially as an NFT artist. You can’t just create art and expect it to sell itself. You need to take charge and build your own community. While it’s okay to have a team to support you, I think many artists overlook the importance of branding and marketing.

Is there something aside from art or NFTs you collect?

Amrit Pal: Yes, I collect lapel pins. I have around 500 lapel pins in my collection. They are a beautiful selection, with many of them coming from Disney and Harry Potter. I love the connection they bring. Additionally, I collect Swatch watches and have been talking to a lot of people about collaboration. Hopefully, it works out.

And last but not least – Where do you like to travel?

Amrit Pal: Before the pandemic, I used to travel a lot. I live in India but I’ve been to 23 countries. I’m quite thankful that I had the opportunity to travel so much. Since the pandemic, I’ve only been to Thailand and Malaysia. Before that, I’ve been to Europe and I absolutely loved it there. I was educated in Canada, so I’ve also traveled to different cities in the United States and Canada. I’ve had a good exposure to different cultures. My favorite city would be… Well, I’ll tell you which country I really want to visit. I definitely want to go to Japan. That’s been on my list for the longest time. So, the next big trip would be Japan.