Daniella Attfield is a digital Artist based in South Africa. From sketching on brown paper to harnessing the brilliance of iPad screens, Daniella reflects on her journey from tangible to digital. With candid reminiscences of her early days with a Wacom tablet, insights into heartfelt tributes like “Sunset,” and a nod to inspirations ranging from Studio Ghibli to Van Gogh, this interview peels back the layers of a creative mind at the intersection of tradition and technology. Join us as Daniella offers a window into her world, where the heart of nature meets the digital canvas.
NFT Granny: “Dear Daniella, thank you very much for taking your precious time. Your art pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of traditional mediums like acrylic or oil on canvas. I am curious about your creative process. Do you begin with offline techniques and then digitise your artwork, or is there another method you employ to bring forth such breathtaking pieces?”
Daniella Attfield: I used to draw physically, especially using colored pencils. I liked drawing on brown paper so I could draw in the highlights, rather than on white paper where those areas are left uncolored.
I received a Wacom tablet for Christmas when I was a teenager. I enjoyed using it but still preferred physical drawing at the time because I didn’t like the feeling of disconnect between drawing on the tablet and the image appearing somewhere else on the screen.
A few years later, I got myself an iPad, and since then, I have done most of my drawing digitally. I love my iPad! I adore the lighting that comes with a digital screen, although I still draw physically sometimes too.
How did you first become interested in art, and how did you get started with it yourself?
Daniella Attfield: I’ve been interested in art since I was a toddler. My parents kept my first drawing, which I did in a telephone book. It helped that both of my parents are very creative and encouraged me to follow my heart
Could you tell us more about the story of your work “Sunset”?
Daniella Attfield: ‘Sunset’ was created in honor of Alotta Money for the 2023 Castle Party organised by Trevor Jones. It will be auctioned to raise money for cancer. I didn’t know Alotta Money and didn’t have the opportunity to talk to him, but looking over his art and what he spoke of, he seemed like a wonderful and fun person. ‘Sunset’ represents the end of the day, hence the name and the lighting of this commemorative piece.
Which of your artworks are you most proud of?
Daniella Attfield: It depends on the day, really. But I’m especially proud of “Sorcery in the Mist”, “Embers in the Night”, and “Sunlight Through the Leaves”.
Open on Superrare.com
Open on Makersplace.com
Open on Superrare.com
Is there an artist you would like to work with? Like a collaboration?
Daniella Attfield: I’d love to work with Carlos Marcial. I’d also love to work with Alejandra Her.
We are curious 🙂 Would you be willing to share any plans of upcoming projects?
Daniella Attfield: I have a series called ‘Dreamland,’ which I’ll be continuing soon. I’m also working on a few collaborations and another project with a group of artists curated by my dear friend, Hernán Ortiz.
Who or what are your biggest influences or sources of inspiration?
Daniella Attfield: I love looking at work by other crypto artists. I’m especially inspired by Studio Ghibli and other movies. I have books on animation and am often awed by how much work goes into movies and how many different groups of creatives come together to create these huge, emotional works. It’s really amazing.
I’m also very inspired by the artists who came before me, especially Vincent Van Gogh and Alphonse Mucha.
Is there something specific you are trying to express with your art?
Daniella Attfield: My goal is always to express my love of nature, and I try to remind people of its beauty. The world is alive around us, and I think with our busy and often stressful lives, it’s easy to forget to appreciate all the small little beautiful things around us, like the sound of the birds or the wonder of the stars.
What do you feel when you are creating new art?
Daniella Attfield: I usually start off excited about my new idea and enjoy seeing the idea come to reality as I create. Usually, the final details are the bits I enjoy the least because I start wanting to move onto a new idea again.
What do you feel the moment a project you’ve created dropped?
Daniella Attfield: I’m always excited and nervous, and even as time passes, these feelings stay.
Do you remember the first time you heard about NFT technology for digital Art?
Daniella Attfield: Yes, I do. My boyfriend’s father has always been very supportive of me while also being interested in new technologies. In 2018, he told me about a site called SuperRare and explained that it utilizes a new way of selling work online for cryptocurrency. I applied to SuperRare, heard back within a few days (which seems crazy now, looking at how long people wait to hear back from them), and minted my first artwork then.
Open on Superrare.com
How do you enjoy the NFT Art you have collected? Do you have a way to display it for example at home?
Daniella Attfield: I love the art I’ve collected. I’m hoping I can grow my collection over time and support other artists. At the moment, I just view the art on my computer or phone. Sometimes I’ll print it out on photo paper. I’m sure I’ll come up with a better way to display it at a later stage. I’d love to have some kind of ‘art wall’ in my home.
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?
Daniella Attfield: I think the main issue is just giving it time to grow and adapt. The more people come to understand it properly—as a way for artists to share their creations with the world and earn a living—the more it can develop. I hope more people realize the amazing potential of this space and don’t associate it automatically with scams or pyramid schemes.
What is the most disturbing thing when it comes to NFTs and cryptoart in your opinion?
Daniella Attfield: The scams are really devastating. So many people have lost their money and artworks. It means you have to be suspicious of links and people, which is so upsetting. I also don’t like that many people seem to think that NFTs are a way to make some quick and easy money. Many people have asked me to explain how to create NFTs and get started with crypto art, but almost none of them have actually made any effort into it when they realize it requires some work and social media presence. Like with any other way to make money, it’s not easy. Perhaps some people have been lucky, but overall, it takes a lot of dedication, hard work, and passion.
We would really like to know, where do you see the NFT Art scene in the future?
Daniella Attfield: The technology is so revolutionary that I imagine it can only grow. It’s a way for artists to be able to get paid for their passion, as well as authenticate their work and connect with people all over the world. It’s also a way for people to collect art, invest their money, and connect with a community of people. It’s just going up!
Which tools do you use to create your art?
Daniella Attfield: I use Procreate on an iPad Pro..
What does a typical day for you look like, and what do you like to do when you’re not busy with NFT
Art?
Daniella Attfield: I start my day with a latte (I have a great coffee machine) and wish everyone on Twitter a GM! Then, usually, my days are quite flexible but involve creating art, reading, and spending time with my partner and pets.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Daniella Attfield: Probably the best advice I’ve received is from my parents.
My mom always told me to do what I love first, and that money will come, which turned out to be true for me. I love my art and stuck with it, even though I really wasn’t expecting to make a career out of it. I nearly gave up on it. Crypto art was my last shot; I couldn’t handle working for clients and compromising on my passion anymore. I’m lucky that it worked out, and I’m so grateful I didn’t give up.
My dad always told (and still tells me) that the most important thing is to be flexible and keep growing, and I think it’s true. You can make things work if you’re adaptable, keep learning, and keep growing.
Is there something aside from art or NFTs you collect?
Daniella Attfield: Books!
Where do you like to travel?
Daniella Attfield: I’d love to travel more and explore the world, but I also really love traveling within South Africa. The landscapes are so diverse and beautiful. I’m so thankful to live in a place full of so much natural beauty!
- Full Name: Daniella Attfield
- Date of Birth: 11th February 1999
- Current hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
