Interviews

Fernando Fragoso

Fernando Fragoso is a Brazilian NFT Artist. As a Brazilian, he tries to bring that easy-going atmosphere to his works, a laid back and positive lifestyle. Fernando enjoys making art, not afraid of testing new ideas or concepts at all. He focuses on making something fun and distinct. Sometimes there are hidden messages or social causes involved and a bit of sarcasm as well. Life is already hard for most people – his art is not; it’s playful. Depending on the artwork concept, you should smile or think about a specific issue when you look at it.


NFT Granny: “Dear Fernando, I am very pleased to meet you. I’m amazed at how colour- and playful your art pieces are! Is there something you would like to express with your artwork?”

Fernando Fragoso: Art needs to be irreverent. It means I never care much about perfection or elitist stuff. I focus on making something fun and distinct. Sometimes there are hidden messages or social causes involved and a bit of sarcasm as well. Life is already hard for most people – my art is not, it’s playful. Depending on the artwork concept, you should smile or think about a specific issue when you look at it.


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

Fernando Fragoso: My parents told me I liked drawing a lot when I was a kid, but I don’t have many memories of it. I started getting seriously involved in art in 2005 (acrylic on canvas), and in 2009 I started making digital art using Photoshop (self-taught since the beginning). Long before that, photography was already a passion.

Can you tell us more about the story behind your project “Crypto Skull”? 

Fernando Fragoso: Crypto Skull is a single piece, a fusion of old and new eras. The skull represents what is already gone or lost, and the colourful animation depicts nowadays, a technological world, the core of crypto art – like a transition conveying what I’m doing now.

Which of your artworks are you most proud of?

Fernando Fragoso: I like a lot the drawings I made using dry pastels on paper in 2009. Most of them I framed, and they were exhibited in Brazil. I also like an acrylic on canvas called „Jantar em Família“ (Dublin, 2008). And most of my digital art I’m really proud of as well – of course, some of them I don’t like a lot (you could call them mistakes), but I see them as experiments that made me evolve and develop my visual identity.

Jantar em Família
(Dublin, 2008 – Acryl on canvas)
Is there an artist you would like to work with?

Fernando Fragoso: A few months ago, I worked with four nice artists, we met on Twitter, and it was my first collab in crypto. The work I made is called “A lovely day in the park” – it’s available on Foundation. If I could choose anyone, not only artists: Pranksy, XCOPY, Diela, Mad Dog Jones, Alotta Money… It’d be a long list.

A lovely day in the park
Open on Foundation
Would you be willing to share any plans for upcoming projects?

Fernando Fragoso: I’m always working and practising. I really enjoy making art, not afraid of testing new ideas or concepts at all. Right now, I’ve nothing so special or secret to reveal.

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

Fernando Fragoso: I’d say many of my influences come from graphic printed art: magazines about surf, skate, photography, this kind of stuff. I also like Basquiat and Picasso. As a Brazilian, I try to bring that easy-going atmosphere to my works, a laid back and positive lifestyle.

What do you feel when you are creating new art?

Fernando Fragoso: All the process is really pleasant. Since the first lines or rarely a sketch, I just let it go. In fact, I don’t plan too much in advance. I prefer to create freely, listening to music. And I usually have a general idea in mind then I start working on it until I reach the composition or a desired visual effect. I never have a 100% clear image of how the final piece will be.

Do you remember the first time you heard about NFT Art?

Fernando Fragoso: Yes, in fact, it was not so long ago. A friend of mine (Ricardo) told me about NFTs in January 2021. I immediately saw the potential and understood I’d be able to make art with total freedom – exactly what I was looking for. On February 1st, I joined Terra Virtua – thank you, guys!

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

Fernando Fragoso: At the moment, I don’t have any exclusive device to display it. I enjoy them mostly on my smart TV and notebook – by the way, Showtime is an excellent platform to see the full collection. I believe many people and businesses will soon be displaying art on digital devices as NFTs increase in popularity and become mainstream. The potential is huge: as an investment for future trades and as a decorative asset as well (environment customization).

What would be your biggest wish for the NFT Art scene?

Fernando Fragoso: What is currently missing / not fully developed to reach full potential out of it? My mantra is: enjoy the journey. I’m not in a hurry, so I don’t think much about the missing points. I believe we are getting there. There are opportunities, platforms and NFTs for everyone; you just need to search and find your niche/place. As I mentioned before, sooner than later NFT’s will be displayed in events, commercial and public places – that means more people (artists/collectors) and development.

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

Fernando Fragoso: Cyber galleries, AR, VR, music, cinema, books, events, documents, everywhere! There’s no limit. It depends on our creativity to go beyond and investment/effort to make it happen. 

Which tools do you use to create your art?

Fernando Fragoso: In the past, acrylic paint, dry pastels, oil pastels, permanent marker, canvas and paper. Lately, I focus mainly on digital art, so Photoshop and a standard pen tablet are enough. Soon I intend to buy an iPad to start using Procreate.

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

Fernando Fragoso: I’m married, and we have a baby. He is just 16 months old, so my wife and I are always busy. I usually spend as much time as I can with him. My main hobby is running (7 marathons finished).

Fernando Fragoso and his family
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Fernando Fragoso: Be honest, curious and humble. Don’t be lazy.

Is there something aside from art or NFTs you collect?

Fernando Fragoso: Not really. When I was a teenager, yes: imported beer cans. I liked the design = I just collected, didn’t import them 🙂

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

Fernando Fragoso: I’m always optimistic but down-to-earth. I charge fair prices, so I hope collectors will understand my works and eventually choose them.

Would you mind describing your idea of a perfect world in max. 5 sentences?

Fernando Fragoso: Peace is always welcome. Imagine by John Lennon and Yoko Ono can describe it pretty well.

Where do you like to travel?

Fernando Fragoso: My favourite destination to travel to is a place I’ve never been to, especially on the coast or the main capitals. I’ve been to 24 countries so far; travelling is important to me. I don’t spend lots of money on material things; experiences come first. I believe you need to see new cultures to understand the world and open your mind. I’d like to visit Japan, Canada, and Australia, for example, just to mention a few.

  • Full Name: Fernando Fragoso
  • Date of Birth: 17/04/1977 – Born in São Paulo, Brazil
  • Current hometown: Medellín, Colombia
  • Languages you speak: Portuguese, English and Spanish
  • What did you want to be when you were a child: Sailor, to travel around the world
  • Education: Degree in Marketing and a graduate degree in Business Management
  • First Job: Office-boy in my uncle’s office at the age of 14. Later, I started my career as a photojournalist (triathlon, adventure race, Ironman, cross country rally) and website editor.