The Interview I Art Collector seedphrase
Kate Vass is excited to continue her exploration of the evolving role of collectors in the digital art world by sitting down with one of the most prominent figures in the Web3: Daniel Maegaard aka Seedphrase. In this interview, Kate seeks to delve deeper into the shifting landscape of art, where digital identity, ownership, and creativity are being redefined by blockchain technology and NFTs.
Seedphrase, known for his early investment in rare CryptoPunks, has emerged as a leading voice in this movement. His journey began in 2013, and his conviction in NFTs as both art and identity has only grown. One of his most notable acquisitions is the iconic "seven-trait" CryptoPunk, which has become a symbol of his brand. His commitment to the space extends beyond collecting, as he also explores music, gaming, and the fashion world, all connected to his digital presence.
Through this conversation, Kate Vass explores what drives Seedphrase’s passion for NFTs, his views on the cultural significance of digital art, and how he sees the future of Web3 collectors in reshaping the art market
Daniel Maegaard aka Seedphrase
KV: What is your earliest memory of engaging with art, and what motivated you to start collecting?
SP: From a young age, I was deeply captivated by art. I attended art classes in school and made it a priority to visit exhibitions and galleries, which enriched my cultural understanding. However, it wasn’t until late 2018 that I began to see art as more than just a passion—it became an investment. The emergence of digital art on the blockchain opened my eyes to new possibilities beyond traditional canvases. Witnessing the significant appreciation of my digital art investments in the following years inspired me to refine my approach and build a collection that has since become well-known.
“Autoglyph #149” by Larva Labs (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
KV: When did you begin collecting NFTs, and does it relate to your background in any way?
SP: As a teenager, I spent a lot of time online, often immersed in video games alongside my studies. This naturally led me to discover crypto, especially as Bitcoin started gaining attention in forums and the news in early 2013. By the time Ethereum NFTs emerged in 2017, I was already a seasoned crypto enthusiast with over four years of experience in the space. Initially, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of pixels on the blockchain, as I was more focused on the liquidity and volatility of coins. However, my background in gaming made me keenly aware of the potential for NFTs to gamify digital economies. The realization of how NFTs could leverage their non-fungible nature to build unique digital ecosystems was a lightbulb moment for me. This insight gave me the confidence to start building an NFT collection alongside my crypto portfolio.
KV: What was the first NFT piece that you acquired for your collection, and why that particular one?
SP: The first NFTs I acquired were Axie Infinity land parcels. My goal was to create a passive revenue stream, and I believed that land ownership within the game would be the most effective way to capitalize on its growth. This decision proved to be pivotal, as I became one of the largest landowners for many years as the game gained popularity. The revenue generated from this investment provided the additional capital needed to expand my digital art collection.
“Fidenza #456” by Tyler Hobbs (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
KV: Your iconic CryptoPunk headpiece is a significant part of your identity. What does it symbolize in your life?
SP: Seedphrase is more than just a profile picture; it’s the embodiment of The Maegaard Collection and a reflection of my journey in the Web3 space. It symbolizes the fluid and evolving nature of identity in the digital age—how we can craft and shape our personas in ways that transcend traditional boundaries. Through Seedphrase, I aim to inspire and connect with people both online and offline, using curation and art as the mediums to explore and express these new dimensions of self.
This headpiece serves as a beacon, guiding others into the mysterious and rapidly evolving world of Web3. It’s a reminder that in this space, identity is not fixed but malleable, allowing for endless possibilities of self-expression and creativity. Seedphrase encapsulates the pioneering spirit of the digital revolution, where art, technology, and identity converge to create something truly unique and transformative.
“CryptoPunk #8348” by Larva Labs (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
KV: Your collection varies greatly in terms of taste and style, incorporating crypto, generative, and AI artworks. What is your main approach when selecting an artwork for purchase?
SP: Having built my career on investing in crypto fundamentals, I’ve applied the same rigorous approach to my digital art collection. My primary focus is on the historical and cultural significance of each piece, as I believe these factors are key to creating a collection that stands the test of time.
For instance, I invested $150,000 in a complete set of 10 Autoglyphs, despite the significant premium at the time. I recognized that owning the first-ever onchain generative art collection was essential for establishing a truly impactful collection. Similarly, I acquired a full set of AlignDraw Paper Prompts, the first-ever text-to-image AI prompts, because I understood their pioneering role in the evolution of AI-driven art.
In essence, my approach is guided by a deep appreciation for the transformative milestones within the digital art space. I seek out artworks that not only resonate with me personally but also hold the potential to shape the future narrative of digital and generative art.
“RAREPEPE #263 - Series 1 Card 1 - The Nakamoto Card” (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
KV: Could you elaborate on your current 'collecting style' and how it has evolved? Is there a consistent theme, element, or style that ties all the works in your collection together?
SP: My collecting style has evolved significantly, reflecting both market trends and my own expanding interests. Initially, my focus was on gaming-related NFTs, driven by their potential for long-term passive income and the emerging concept of play-to-earn, which I foresaw as a major catalyst for mass adoption in the crypto space. This early investment strategy still generates returns today and laid the foundation for my collection.
As the NFT space evolved, I began to notice the growing trend of using NFTs as profile pictures, which naturally led me to CryptoPunks. Immersing myself in the CryptoPunks community, especially within the early Discord, was pivotal. It was here that I connected with pioneers like Snowfro, VonMises, NateAlex, and others who introduced me to the significance of generative art. This new understanding guided me to Autoglyphs and the early projects on Art Blocks, marking a shift in my focus towards the intersection of art and algorithm.
By the end of 2020, Nifty Gateway was gaining prominence in the digital art space, which inspired me to start collecting works from leading digital artists—those who would go on to define the industry. Around this period, my interest in AI art began to grow as well, leading me to acquire pieces from artists like Refik Anadol and DeepBlack. However, it wasn’t until recently that I experienced another lightbulb moment, prompting me to significantly increase my investments in early AI works, recognizing their potential impact on the world of art.
The consistent thread that ties my collection together is my commitment to pieces that represent significant milestones in the evolution of digital and generative art. Whether it's the early play-to-earn gaming assets, iconic profile picture NFTs, pioneering generative art, or groundbreaking AI creations, each piece in my collection embodies a pivotal moment in the digital art landscape. My collection is a testament to the transformative power of these technologies and their ability to reshape the way we create, collect, and perceive art.
“Winds of Yawanawa #464” by Yawanawa & Refik Anadol (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
KV: What sparked your new interest in collecting AI art, and why did you decide to start acquiring these pieces?
SP: I initially dabbled in AI art a few years ago, but it remained a relatively small part of my collection. However, everything changed with the release of ChatGPT 3.5. This marked a turning point for me, as I quickly realized that AI is poised to fundamentally alter the fabric of our lives. Whether we embrace it or resist it, AI is going to impact every single person on the planet in some capacity.
Understanding the profound implications of this technology, I began to see AI art not just as an emerging medium but as a historical artifact of a pivotal moment in human evolution. I recognized that future generations will likely look back and ask, "Where did it all begin?" And art, with its timeless ability to capture and reflect societal shifts, will be one of the most powerful ways to trace that history.
This realization compelled me to start heavily investing in AI art. I’m fascinated by how AI can push the boundaries of creativity, offering new forms of expression that were previously unimaginable. By acquiring these pieces, I’m not only supporting the artists who are pioneering this frontier but also preserving a critical chapter in the ongoing story of technology and human creativity. AI art represents the intersection of art and innovation, and I’m excited to be part of its evolution.
KV: Which piece in your collection are you most proud of, and why?
SP: There are a few pieces in my collection that I hold in particularly high regard: CryptoPunk #8348, Autoglyph #149, also known as "The Bear Glyph," Rare Pepe "Nakamoto Card" and my complete set of AlignDraw paper prompts. Each of these pieces represents a significant cultural or technological milestone in the digital art world.
The Rare Pepe "Nakamoto Card" holds profound significance within the digital art and blockchain space. It stands as an early exemplar of the intersection between meme culture and technological innovation. Minted on the Counterparty protocol in 2016, this particular card is both a cultural artifact and a rare collectible; symbolizing Satoshi Nakamoto's legacy while pioneering the concept of digital ownership. Its scarcity, combined with its historical importance, makes it an essential piece in the narrative of NFT evolution and the broader discourse on digital art.
CryptoPunk #8348 is especially meaningful because it was part of the pioneering wave that sparked the entire profile picture (PFP) collection craze. It’s not just a digital avatar; it’s a symbol of the early days of NFTs and the birth of a new cultural movement.
Autoglyph #149, "The Bear Glyph," is another piece I’m immensely proud of. Autoglyphs are the first on-chain generative art series, marking a technological achievement in the art world. The fact that these artworks are created and stored entirely on the blockchain sets them apart as a true innovation in digital art.
Finally, my full set of AlignDraw paper prompts holds a special place in my collection as they represent the earliest examples of text-to-image AI art. These pieces are at the forefront of the intersection between artificial intelligence and creative expression, showcasing the potential for new forms of art that blend technology and imagination.
Together, these works embody the cultural shifts and technological advancements that define the digital art landscape, and I’m proud to be a steward of these pivotal pieces.
"A yellow school bus is flying in blue skies #84" - alignDRAW (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
KV: As an advocate for musical expression through NFTs, how do you see the potential of music as NFTs in this space? What unique opportunities do NFTs offer to musicians and the music industry?
SP: Music has always been a powerful force for bringing people together, and I believe that music NFTs have the potential to extend this tradition into the digital age in unprecedented ways. Even in a world where music is more accessible than ever, fans still crave deeper connections with their favorite artists. Music NFTs offer a revolutionary way to facilitate these connections, creating new avenues for fan interaction that were previously unimaginable.
With music NFTs, fans can gain exclusive benefits like early access to concerts, limited-edition merchandise, and even opportunities to go backstage or interact directly with the artist. These digital tokens transform the traditional fan-artist relationship, turning it into a more interactive and personalized experience.
For musicians and labels, NFTs offer greater control over their work, bypassing traditional distribution channels and allowing them to directly reach their audience. Beyond monetization, NFTs can be used to build a dedicated community around the artist, fostering a sense of belonging among the most passionate fans. This direct engagement not only enhances the fan experience but also creates a sustainable ecosystem where artists can thrive independently.
In essence, music NFTs are more than just a new format for distributing music—they represent a transformative tool for artists to deepen their connection with their audience, create unique experiences, and ultimately, redefine the way we experience music in the digital world.
KV: What are your thoughts on NFTs that combine visual art with musical elements? Have you invested in any such pieces, and what potential do you see in this type of multimedia NFT?
SP: I'm a strong believer in the power of storytelling and its ability to ignite the imagination. Combining visual art with musical elements creates a richer, more immersive experience that resonates on multiple sensory levels. This fusion is a natural fit for Seedphrase, given my deep involvement in both the digital art world and music.
I’ve been experimenting with audio-visual NFTs for some time now, exploring how these mediums can enhance each other and create a more compelling narrative. One artist who has particularly inspired me is Anyma. His work exemplifies the seamless integration of music and visual art, and I’ve been fortunate to collect his work SuperRare.
I see immense potential in multimedia NFTs. They open up new avenues for artists to express their creativity and for collectors to engage with art in a more dynamic way. As the technology and platforms supporting these NFTs continue to evolve, I believe we’ll see even more innovative and impactful works that push the boundaries of both art and music.
“Gazers #402” by Matt Kane (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
KV: What inspired the creation of your new song, “ANGELS", and how does this track connect with the Web3 communities and CryptoPunk?
SP: "ANGELS" was deeply inspired by my formative experiences during my early days in the Web3 scene in Los Angeles. The time I spent there in 2021 and 2022 was pivotal in shaping both my personal journey and the evolution of my Seedphrase persona. Los Angeles became more than just a backdrop; it was the birthplace of my real-life identity as Seedphrase, a persona that bridges the worlds of mainstream culture and the Web3 community.
It was during this period that I had my iconic helmet crafted by the same talented team who created Marshmello's helmet—a symbolic piece that became central to my identity within the CryptoPunk and broader Web3 communities. Additionally, I forged key connections with industry leaders, including the music management team at ThreeSixZero, and signed with an agency, further solidifying my role as a cultural ambassador between traditional and digital worlds.
"ANGELS" captures the essence of this transformative chapter in my life. The track symbolizes the birth of Seedphrase as more than just a digital avatar—it represents the merging of music, art, and technology, embodying the spirit of innovation that drives the Web3 community. This song is a tribute to those early days in Los Angeles, where the vision of Seedphrase began to take shape, and where I first envisioned using music as a medium to connect and inspire both the Web3 community and the world beyond.
“The Answer” by Anyma (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
KV: What are the biggest challenges you face in advocating for the digitization of high-end luxury goods?
SP: One of the biggest challenges in advocating for the digitization of high-end luxury goods is overcoming the gap in education and technology adoption. Many people still struggle to associate luxury with digital assets, as the concept of luxury has traditionally been tied to physical, tangible items. This is why we often see digital luxury goods paired with physical counterparts, where the digital twin offers additional utility or exclusive access.
However, the process of setting up digital wallets and managing self-custody remains a significant hurdle for many potential adopters. The complexity and unfamiliarity of these technologies can be intimidating, which slows down broader acceptance and integration into the luxury market.
As augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and other digital innovations continue to evolve, and as a digitally native generation begins to mature, the perception of what constitutes luxury will inevitably shift. While these changes are on the horizon, the current challenge lies in bridging the gap between traditional luxury consumers and the emerging digital landscape. It's a gradual process, but one that is essential for the future of luxury in an increasingly digitized world.
“Anticyclone #470” by William Mapan (Daniel Maegaard's Collection)
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*The responses provided in this interview have been preserved in their original form, with no alterations to the interviewee's stylistic choices or grammar. - Kate Vass
Seedphrase on X: @seedphrase
Website: https://www.seedphrase.com
Collection link: https://opensea.io/DANNYSECURE