Adamtastic’s work bridges art and empathy, blending color, connection, and storytelling into every piece he creates. What began as a lifelong passion for making art has evolved into a practice centered on conversation and emotional exchange. His latest project, The Conversation, invites participants into an unscripted dialogue that becomes the foundation for a new artwork created in real time.

In this interview, Adamtastic reflects on his journey from traditional painting to web3, how community spaces like Clubhouse shaped his path, and why empathy continues to guide his creative process. He also shares the ideas behind Conversation Starters, a new collection that expands on The Conversation and invites more people to experience his work.

Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

OpenSea: How did you first get started in art and web3?

Adamtastic: I have been making art my whole life, but I have been in web3 for about five years. I first got into it at the end of 2020. My friend Bryan Brinkman was minting work on a site called Art Blocks. I did not know what it was, but his project looked amazing, so I asked him about it. Once he explained, I went down the rabbit hole.

I was instantly hooked on the idea that digital art could have provenance, a real proof of ownership that had never existed before. That was really appealing. I have always made both traditional and digital work, but any time I was in a gallery show, it was only physical pieces. Digital was not allowed, which always felt like a missed opportunity.

Blockchain changed that. Suddenly there was a way to stake a claim and prove ownership. Around that time, during the COVID lockdowns, people were looking for ways to connect. Clubhouse became a big part of that for me. It was where I met so many artists and felt part of a growing creative community. Bootsie Collins once said in a Clubhouse room that the veil is down, meaning everyone was on equal footing. Followers, fame, and background did not matter. That stuck with me. It felt exciting and open, and when I combined that energy with NFTs, I was hooked.

OpenSea: Let’s talk about your new drop. This is phase three of your project. Can you walk us through the first two phases and how this new one, Conversation Starters, fits in?

Adamtastic: The first two phases are called The Conversation. Phase one was invite-only because I wanted to work with people I trusted, people who I felt would understand the project’s intent. It is a one hour, unscripted virtual call where I draw in real time, creating a piece inspired by the conversation.

Participants watch as I draw. Nothing is recorded, which helps people open up more. It is all about connection. At the end, they pick a small square from the artwork that I print and send to them as a keepsake. Not minted, just personal.

Phase two was similar, as I partnered with SuperRare to open it up publicly through three auctions. I did not know who would win, which added an exciting layer of unpredictability.

Now, phase three with OpenSea expands access even further. Over the past year, I have created hundreds of studies and paintings in digital, pastel, watercolor, and acrylic. I curated 222 of my favorites for this drop. They are conversation starters, studies that led to the larger project. Not everything needs to be minted, but I wanted to give more people a way to be part of it.

OpenSea: How many people did you talk to in phase one?

Adamtastic: Fifteen. Each session was an hour, so it was a big time commitment, but totally worth it. Every conversation felt meaningful.

One favorite session was with someone who scheduled it on their anniversary. It was the first time I drew with two people at once, and it was beautiful. Another was with a parent whose child kept interrupting. Instead of cutting that out, I started marking each interruption in a specific color. That moment became part of the piece, and it ended up being their takeaway.

OpenSea: That’s so special. From a curation perspective, how many did you start with?

Adamtastic: I would say around four hundred, maybe more. I did not want the collection to feel too large. It should still feel intimate. The early pieces show the evolution of the visual language throughout the year, and it has been fun watching that progression.

OpenSea: What conversations are you hoping these new pieces spark with collectors?

Adamtastic: I hope people see the raw emotion in the lines and colors. I want them to slow down, sit with the work, and find something personal in it. Abstract art is like a mirror. It reflects what you bring to it. Everyone connects differently, and that is what makes it special.

Ultimately, I am trying to redefine collecting as an ongoing dialogue between artist and collector. It is not just about owning art. It is about sharing a moment.

OpenSea: You mentioned Bryan Brinkman earlier, who you have a show with. How did that come about?

Adamtastic: Yes. Bryan and I host Art 1st together when we can, usually on Fridays. We are both dads, so life gets busy, but we try to do it as often as possible. We just had our 50th episode in mid December, which feels surreal. It has been about two years now, and it is a total passion project.

We started it because we wanted to highlight other artists and focus more on process than just technology. We both believe that if you want to collect art, you should talk to artists. Look at who they collect and who they lift up. That is where you will find the most genuine recommendations. Art 1st is really about artists talking to artists about how they make their work.

OpenSea: I also noticed you are a curator. I am always curious how other people approach their curation.

Adamtastic: I have always loved curating. I have been collecting art, both physical and digital, long before NFTs. My walls are full of work from artists I admire, whether from galleries, friends, or street fairs. I collect what speaks to me.

Curating shows lets me shine a light on people who deserve a bigger platform. It is one of the most rewarding parts of being in this community, helping other artists get seen.

OpenSea: Your work radiates a lot of optimism and connection. Was there a defining moment or influence that shaped your signature use of color and storytelling?

Adamtastic: That is a great question. I am not sure there was one specific moment. It is funny, I mostly wear dark and neutral colors, but my art is very vibrant. I did not notice that contrast until I started building my portfolio and saw everything together.

I have always tried to lead with positivity, a value my parents taught me. There is always a kinder way to approach things, and that outlook naturally shapes my art. I want people to feel joy or hope when they look at it.

Before web3, I made stuffed creatures with quirky names and stories. When I moved into digital art, I kept creating those characters. They feel like little rays of light. Even when the stories are a bit twisted, they are still rooted in empathy. People are multifaceted, and I like reflecting that in my work.

OpenSea: You mentioned empathy as a driving force. Where do you think that comes from?

Adamtastic: I have thought about that a lot. As a kid, I was bullied, but I had a few friends who stood up for me when they did not have to. That left a deep mark on me. It taught me to look out for others when I can.

So while empathy does not necessarily dictate what I create, it does guide the intention behind my work. That desire to connect and care for others is the foundation.

OpenSea: Your work has been shown around the world, from New York to Hong Kong. Has travel influenced your art?

Adamtastic: Travel itself, not as much. It is the people and cultures that have the biggest impact. And that can happen anywhere, not just abroad. Since joining this community, I have connected with people all over the world, and those conversations shape how I see things.

My background is in animation, where the rule is that if you can tell a story without words, you have done it right. I think of my art that way too. It should not matter who you are or where you are from, you should still be able to connect with it. That is why I usually leave out words, to keep it universal and open to interpretation.

OpenSea: I love that. It also feels true of digital art. You can connect with anyone, anywhere, instantly.

Adamtastic: Exactly. Even traditional artists benefit from that. Every time someone photographs a painting and posts it online, it reaches more people than it ever could in a gallery. Embracing digital art just makes sense.

OpenSea: Since phase three of the project is wrapping up, what is next for you?

Adamtastic: The Conversation is ongoing. I see this as the start of something bigger. I would love to bring it to live settings, doing paintings in real time with audiences. Someone once described these as aura portraits, and I love that idea.

I plan to keep making physical pieces too. Up to now, most have been smaller studies, but I am ready to scale up. I would love to see some of them printed large or even as murals. I want to keep exploring and expanding.

OpenSea: I think people would love to watch that process live. Thank you for this conversation and sharing details about Conversation Starters! 

Adamtastic: Thank you. I really appreciate you taking the time.

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