Unknown Mascots
Chara Kit is the first generative NFT collection from Loam Media. Launching on NEAR Protocol, this collection is the proof of love for cartoon characters, and the process of creating them. ( ＾◡＾)っ ♡
200 unique characters. The collection will launch using Gorilla Shops new NFT web-shop builder, and generative tooling. Gorilla Shops is building on Mintbase. This means the Chara Kit collection will own it’s smart contract. The collaborative nature of Loam Media is well suited to this partnership.
Chara Kit will be Creative Commons Zero (CC0). This allows creative remixing with upsides for both the original and derivative artworks.
CC0 enables scientists, educators, artists and other creators and owners of copyright- or database-protected content to waive those interests in their works and thereby place them as completely as possible in the public domain, so that others may freely build upon, enhance and reuse the works for any purposes without restriction under copyright or database law.
For this collection, I have been thinking a lot about the notion of “low fidelity” in NFT projects. I think there’s a lot to be gained from designing projects that are open ended platforms, leaving space for community and fans to share ownership and co-create with a project. So I am launching a “low fidelity” NFT collection.
2% of the collection will have a Rarity Trait that will provide a custom reveal of that character.
Think of it as a web3 version of a commission of an original artwork. You receive a new 1/1 work of art that is based on the silhouette. The final form is digital visual media, but you may be in for some surprises. For the rest of us 98%, well The Road is wide open.
Chara Kit is collaborating with artists across the NEAR ecosystem to build out characters and mint new NFT artworks based on the platform designs. Holders of the collection will have opportunities to participate in the growth process and win new derivative NFTs from collaborators.
While I will work to bring additional utility to the collection, I intend to do so as a thoughtful steward. Not in a rush here. I will be listening to the community while learning from other innovative projects.
This collection is helping Loam (the individual artist) to expand on their art studio building something much more collaborative and interactive. Loam Media is focused on building a transmedia art studio, that will help to shape the metaverse and the everyday. Our focus is on creator and fan ownership of comics, animation and games.
The collection is inspired by the silhouettes that concept artists create to generate numerous characters. The style is inspired by the humor of cartoons and the numerous characters that populate our imaginations. In another way this collection is inspired by a familiar Pokemon guessing game.
The collection is the platform.
I think of this project as a kind of character design platform. It is only the beginning of the character. It is open enough to allow the buyer of the NFT to put some of their imagination and personality onto the character they own.
In the spirit of building in the open the Project Roadmap is under development. I am open to experienced community advice. The following Roadmap is subject to some change.
The original Chara Kit collection of images is established with a Creative Commons Zero license (CC0).
Establish DAO for Loam Media (AstroDAO)
500 NFTs are minted and made for sale on Chara Kit NFT Web Shop.
Establish Discord Channel in collaboration with Gorilla Shops.
Holders of Chara Kit NFT’s can choose to “reveal” their character.
2% of NFts have Reveal Rarity. In a collection of 200 that is 4 NFTs.
Collaborations with NEAR NFT artists to build out characters further.
Chara Kit will work to create mulit-media entertainment products in comics, games, animation, and merchandise. We will work to bridge the gap between traditional cartoon consumerism and fan ownership.
I would like the owners of Chara Kit NFTs to have a stake in the multimedia studio. And to have special access to collaboration.
While we will work to bring additional utility to both the collection, we intend to do so as thoughtful stewards. We’re not in a rush here. We’ll be listening to the community before we decide what comes next.
Building Expansive NFT Universes: CC0, Fidelity, & On-Chain Bundling