Lisbon 25: Defiant Squid

NonFunGerbils In Lisbon 2025 with Defiant Squid

In an exclusive interview at the Non Fungible Conference in Lisbon, we sat down with the artist known as Defiant Squid to discuss his work, his artbook, and his perspective on the evolving crypto art space. Defiant Squid revealed that he has curated a physical art book, a project born out of a desire to create something tangible in a predominantly digital world. The book, a collection of his work cataloged since 2022, serves as a physical record of his creations. While it's primarily a picture book, it also provides insights into his artistic journey and motivations.

Defiant Squid describes his art as a blend of nostalgia and geometric forms, often drawing inspiration from video games. Despite being a digital artist, he is obsessed with texture, and has spent countless hours experimenting with brushes to bring a painterly, tactile feel to his work. The result is a unique combination of pixel art and painted elements that stands out in the digital space.

Having entered the NFT scene in 2020, just before a major bull cycle, Defiant Squid has a unique perspective on the market's changes. He believes the space has matured beyond the initial hype, with builders and artists now focusing on long-term commitment and utility rather than short-term gains. According to Defiant Squid, this is a positive development, as it allows creators to focus on their craft and build sustainable careers.

A key topic of discussion was the importance of artist royalties. Defiant Squid emphasized that royalties are a foundational principle of the space, giving artists the ability to earn a living and avoid the "starving artist" trope. He expressed hope that marketplaces will continue to prioritize royalties, as it's something that both artists and genuine collectors deeply care about.

Ultimately, Defiant Squid's core philosophy is to keep making art and pushing technology forward, driven by passion rather than fleeting trends. For those interested in his work and his book, you can find more information and order a copy directly from his website below.

✅Listen on Spotify
🍎Listen on Apple Podcasts
▶️Watch on YouTube

https://x.com/defiantsquid
https://defiantsquid.art

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