NFT art is one of the most prominent segments of the blockchain industry. One artist has led from the front since his debut – and today, many consider him to be the world’s leading NFT artist. That artist is Beeple.
Beeple was one of the catalysts for the NFT boom of 2021 – and ever since, he has continued to create major NFT artworks, hold major events, and been a standard-bearer for NFT art at large. Thanks to his presence, NFTs have established their place in the art world, driving big changes in how we perceive, value and appreciate digital art.
Today, Beeple is one of the biggest artists in the world – both in NFTs and in traditional art circles – but what makes his works so impactful, how did he become the world’s #1 NFT artist, and what could Beeple’s future look like?
Here’s our complete guide to the NFT artist known as Beeple.
Key Insights
- Real name Mike Winkelmann
- Began his daily Everydays art series on May 1, 2007
- Sold Everydays: The First 5000 Days for $69.4 million USD in March 2021
- Opened event venue Beeple Studios in March 2023
- Universally regarded as the world’s #1 NFT artist
Who is Beeple?
Beeple, the professional moniker of artist Mike Winkelmann, was born in 1981 in Wisconsin, USA.
He found interest in art from a young age, and started his career as a graphic designer in the early 2000s. During these formative years, he developed the distinct style that would emerge in his later works.
May 2007 saw Beeple begin his Everydays series – creating a new piece of digital art every day. Daily uploads helped to develop his art skills, with the work he built through Everydays helping to raise his profile as an artist.
Beeple’s art typically blends dystopian themes with political and pop culture satire. He often incorporates celebrities and contemporary issues in his work, creating pieces that are often as visually striking as they are thought-provoking. This has led to Beeple’s works having wide appeal, helping to build his reputation.
What has Beeple accomplished so far?
The Everydays series saw Beeple built a significant online following over time.
In 2019, Beeple collaborated with Louis Vuitton on their 2019 Spring/Summer collection, marking one of the first times that a luxury label collaborated with a digital artist. This began a trend that continues to the present day.
Beeple debuted in NFTs in October 2020, becoming one of the biggest artists to enter the space at the time. Works such as Crossroad – a dynamic piece focused on the 2020 U.S. presidential election – found big success. Crossroad initially sold for $66,666 – one of the most expensive NFTs at the time – before being resold in February 2021 for $6.6 million USD.
In March 2021, a collage of Beeple’s first 5,000 Everydays artworks – titled Everydays: The First 5000 Days – was made available at Christie’s very first NFT auction. The piece fetched $69.4 million USD – one of the highest prices ever paid for artwork by a living artist. With this, Beeple immediately became one of the most recognised artists in the world – marking a huge moment for both digital art and NFTs.
In November 2021, Beeple followed this up with HUMAN ONE, a 7-foot tall hybrid physical and digital sculpture that evolves over time. HUMAN ONE fetched $29 million USD at auction, bringing Beeple’s 2021 earnings to over $100 million USD.
Although these auctions have been less prominent in recent years, Beeple’s following is as strong as ever. He remains a huge figure in the NFT industry, starring in exhibitions, panels and events the world over. His Everydays works continue to roll on and find new fans, with the series recently passing the 17-year mark.
What does the future hold for Beeple?
Beeple’s status as the world’s #1 NFT artist is well-established – and shows no signs of being knocked off his perch yet.
March 2023 saw Beeple open Beeple Studios – a 50,000 sq ft space in Charleston, North Carolina dedicated to digital art. The venue serves as a base for his work and events, with offices, lab spaces, collaboration areas, and room for digital art exhibitions and live events.
Beeple Studios has held a number of events for the NFT and digital art communities – many of which open to the public. Some examples include PepeFest 2024 – a celebration of the internet meme – and his 2024 U.S. election night watch party which featured a live Everydays, DJ sets, attendee competitions and more.
Beeple has had a big impact on both NFTs and digital art.
With his world-record sales, Beeple has helped to legitimise digital art more than any other artist to date. His work has sparked profound conversations on ownership and value, and has been the catalyst for vital debates on the role of technology in the modern art world.
Through collaborations with fashion houses, influencers and brands, Beeple has demonstrated the true potential of digital art. His success has no doubt inspired many creatives to explore both digital art and NFTs – and the industry wouldn’t be the same without his contributions.
17 years ago, Beeple began his Everydays series. With NFT art rising once again, 2025 could see a return to the very top for who is – without a shadow of a doubt – the world’s #1 NFT artist.
Riding crypto waves since 2012, bridging digital and physical worlds through prose.