Happy November! This month, we delve into the secret lives of four NFT artists and their studios across Australia. What are their creative processes and must-have tools? What do they do in their spare time? Our first artist in this series, Mysterious Al, answers all your questions and more. Keep scrolling for an exclusive glimpse inside his studio!

Mysterious Al

Mysterious Al’s busy studio is in Collingwood, VIC. Just off Johnston Street, the artist has access to great lunch options nearby, and the location is easy for people to visit. According to Al, he spent a long time working from old warehouses “with questionable health and safety that regularly flooded or got broken into, so it’s nice to have a secure comfortable space where I know my work won’t get eaten by rats.”

1) Tell us about your journey into digital and/or physical art.

I’ve been making physical art since I was a small child, and I’ve been making digital art for the last 20 years or so. Actually, I was selling flash animations on ebay for £20 back in the early 2000’s, so making art on the blockchain kind of feels full circle for me. Back then I had no ledger or anything, there was no proof of ownership… It was all just a bit of fun. I’m taking it more seriously now (although it’s still fun).

2) What inspires you to create?

I’ve always made art. It makes me feel good and like I’m contributing something to the world. By making items that are treasured I can live forever in some way.

3) How would you describe your style? 

I make easily accessible artwork that’s fun, colourful and exciting, but with a darker undertone just beneath the surface.

4) What are your studio essentials?

Computers, tools, paint, paper, canvas, lots of glue. You name it. The studio is set up so that I can pretty much rig up/make anything here.

5) What are your goals as an artist?

To keep making art forever.

6) Any tricks of the trade to share? 

Eat healthy and get regular exercise. Take long showers.

7) Describe your studio, on camera!

8) Anything else you’d like to share with the audience?

Keep an eye out for my upcoming digital X physical project dropping at the end of November. I’ve made 100 original artworks that we’re planning to do something very cool with. Follow me on Twitter/Insta to be the first to see it! @mysteriousal.

And that’s the end of part 1! Stay tuned for part 2 of this series, where we feature our next artist, Marble Mannequin. Keep up to date with us on Instagram or Twitter, or browse our collections here.