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@ The Bitcoin Community Newsletter
2025-06-03 01:54:24In the Bitcoin and Nostr ecosystem, creators are redefining what it means to make art. In this YakiHonne interview, artist nostr:npub1gwa27rpgum8mr9d30msg8cv7kwj2lhav2nvmdwh3wqnsa5vnudxqlta2sz shares his journey from the NFT craze to authentic expression through filmmaking, travel, and daily art on Nostr. Freed from chasing likes, he now thrives on the energy of zaps—small Bitcoin payments that fuel a new rhythm of creation and a freer way to live. (Note: Zaps are microtransactions on Nostr where users send Bitcoin to support creators, offering a direct, decentralized alternative to traditional “likes” or tips.)
What drew you to Nostr as an artist, and how has it changed your creative process compared to platforms like Instagram or Twitter?
bitpopart: Before Bitcoin and Nostr, I ran a travel content company, producing documentaries and media worldwide. With eight years of study—four in Graphic/Multimedia and four in Animation and Film—I felt a pull to explore. Filmmaking fueled my passion, while drawing took a backseat. I dabbled in NFTs, which showed me art could be profitable, but after years in NFTs and “shitcoins,” I found clarity: Bitcoin became my belief, a path to creative and financial freedom.
Nostr was a game-changer. I left NFTs behind, and zapping sparked something profound. Being rewarded with Bitcoin for doing what I love—creating—aligned with the value-for-value philosophy I embraced running my company. I’ve never created solely for money; the work has to matter. Many clients became friends, and those bonds still inspire collaborations. Nostr lets me share art authentically, free from algorithmic pressures, and connect directly with a community that values my work.
You’ve described zaps as carrying a unique “energy.” How do even small Bitcoin payments influence your motivation or creative rhythm?
bitpopart: Art is my passion, but creating can be solitary and demanding. Nostr’s zap culture changes that. For years, I’ve posted daily, sharing my art and its stories, building a vibrant community through consistent engagement. Even a 21 Sats zap carries weight—unlike a simple like, it’s a genuine nod to my work using Bitcoin, the hardest currency. It’s not about wealth but about others valuing my effort, which reignites my creative drive. My goal is to grow as an artist, spread joy, and inspire others.
Your Halving 2024 and Magic Internet Money pieces started with community zaps and grew into larger art sales. Could zaps evolve into a new form of crowdfunding or collaboration?
bitpopart：Over the past two years, I’ve seen small zaps spark full-scale art projects and even drive real sales. Here are two examples where zaps grew into something extraordinary:
Halving 2024 Artwork For the Halving 2024 project, I invited the Nostr community to join in. Seventy people zapped 2,100 Sats each, earning their npubs a place in the final artwork. That piece later sold at auction to nostr:npub1l77twp5l02jadkcjn6eeulv2j7y5vmf9tf3hhtq7h7rp0vzhgpzqz0swft for 225,128 Sats.
Magic Internet Money
Similarly, 50 contributors zapped 2,100 Sats to shape the piece, which was later sold to nostr:npub1mw6tm8kery0dwmz670vvg74z0xzttwt3y7yppya5rulufpkkaj7qmg2922 for 480,000 Sats.
These examples highlight the power of zaps, not just in fueling creativity but also in driving sales. It all starts small and grows into something greater. The engagement from others with my art continues to energize me, reinforcing how art connects people.
The Nostr community has deepened my artistic journey, unexpectedly pulling me toward street art. Sharing reflections through my drawings is fulfilling, but when they resonate with others, it sparks a cycle of inspiration and creation. My art style is gaining recognition, and more people are commissioning me. I stay true to the principle from my company days: I dedicate time to projects that inspire me or come from people I connect with. Time is our most precious resource, and I choose to invest it in what matters. Bitcoin empowers me with the freedom to do just that.
Why are zaps essential for artists to thrive on Nostr, especially when some developers hesitate to integrate them?
bitpopart：Zaps channel the community’s energy into the creative process. My art requires dedication, and zaps—unlike likes on Instagram or Twitter—carry tangible value that fuels inspiration. Without this interaction, creation stalls. Nostr has shaped me as an artist, offering a platform where I own my media and connect directly with supporters.
I don’t push developers to add zaps; I simply use apps that support them. Why share on platforms mimicking outdated social media? Zaps make Nostr unique, transforming how I create and engage. The proof is in my journey—I’m loving it.
You’ve compared Nostr artists to unbanked communities adopting Bitcoin. Will Nostr remain niche, or could it become a global alternative for artists?
bitpopart：For now, I believe Nostr and zaps will remain a niche space. Building a brand here demands real dedication, as most people are accustomed to the instant gratification of traditional platforms. If you already have a large following elsewhere and are earning income, there’s often little incentive to try new platforms—unless something sparks your curiosity to explore further.
For new artists, Nostr is incredibly exciting, but it requires steadfast persistence. Giving up after just one month won’t cut it. This reflects a broader challenge in life today: we abandon things too easily. I often compare it to sports—mastering something takes blood, sweat, and tears, but the reward is worth it.
Years ago, when I started my travel content company nostr:npub105em547c5m5gdxslr4fp2f29jav54sxml6cpk6gda7xyvxuzmv6s84a642 I went through a similar process. Earning from my initial stock footage took time. I see the same pattern now with zaps. The key difference is that Bitcoin grants me something invaluable: more time to focus on building my brand and creating the art I love. Yet, even with Bitcoin’s “time freedom” or “financial freedom,” you still need an inner drive to create. For me, that drive comes from the inspiring artists around me, who push me to never settle for “good enough.” This doesn’t mean I dislike my work; it means I’m always striving to improve.
Last month in Spain, while visiting a friend’s gallery, I saw one of my earlier pieces. I wasn’t thrilled with it, but my friend reminded me it’s part of my journey. I needed to embrace it and take pride in the growth it represents. Once again, I was reminded: we never stop learning. Every person you meet, every project you undertake, is part of the path. So keep creating and be proud of your journey.
What features, beyond zaps, do you wish Nostr had for earning, collaboration, or audience growth?
bitpopart：I strongly support auctions. Beyond auctioning my artwork directly on Nostr, I’d love for the app to have a dashboard or timeline showing who zaps me most frequently or generously. This would help me track my supporters and perhaps reward the biggest ones with a free piece of art. Community building works both ways, and I deeply believe in giving back.
I vividly remember meeting nostr:npub18ktmcfkq422zd83sqqwp3wtxrpfq8znv2rp5tcqkr5d4k64q68aqtfdj5e last year at Nostrdam in Amsterdam. He was one of the first to buy my art and merch, and he still supports me. That meant a lot, especially being able to thank him in person. I’ll never take for granted the people who appreciate, support, and make this creative life possible. I love what I do, but without the community’s energy—fans’ zaps, messages, and presence—creating wouldn’t be nearly as fulfilling. Their support makes it profoundly meaningful.
How do you reconcile Bitcoin’s “hard money” ethos with the emotional, subjective world of art? Has Bitcoin’s scarcity influenced your themes or pricing?
bitpopart：Art is life. Bitcoin is the tool that grants us greater freedom to pursue our passions—whatever they may be. For me, it’s creating art. Earning sats gives me, over time, more financial freedom to focus on my craft. That’s why I don’t obsess over prices or immediate sales.
I often remind myself: even if one day I have “enough” Bitcoin, the creative process won’t change. My greatest goal is to keep growing as an artist and to give back. If my art increases in value, I hope it can one day help someone less fortunate, perhaps by selling it for a better life. Money is just a tool—necessary, since we can’t pay with kisses at the store, but never my ultimate aim. Bitcoin is the freedom tool that helps me become not just a better artist but a better person. It all starts with something simple: a smile, kindness, and positive energy. To me, zaps are a reflection of that vibrant energy shared online, yet profoundly real.
I wish you a beautiful life. Keep walking your own path. This is your life, your journey.