Artist Interview: Makelismos | NFT CULTURE | Web3 Culture NFTs and Crypto Art

We are thrilled to have spent time with the famous artist Makelismo. His work is revered by many, from Madonna to Pope Francis, and his ongoing project, The MAKELISMOS, is in its second year, bringing new life to many well-known works of art, technology and fashion. As part of his ongoing project, “Every Child Is An Artist”, Makelismios collaborates with The Crypt Gallery in an NG release on March 8 at 6:00 PM EST.

Can you tell us a little about yourself, your career and how Makelismos brand started?

I’ve always liked drawing since school, but when I had to choose a university path I decided on advertising instead of art. I have no regrets because I developed my career as a screenwriter which I enjoyed and learned a lot. It was during a break between programs that I decided to return to Mallorca and continue painting. Painting actually parallels the creative process of a screenwriter, so I continued to create, but instead on canvas and not on a script. The truth is, it was a real surprise how quickly everything fell. I published one of my works on Instagram and pilot Jorge Lorenzo contacted me to do an assignment. From there, and always with Instagram as an extension tool, a number of top sports stars from the US contacted me. The ball grew and reached Madonna, Cara Delevingne, Cam Newton, Manny Machado, Jarvis Landry, Antoine Griezmann, Vinicius Jr… and Pope Francis himself. The MÄKELISMOS (www.makelismos.es) project was born two years ago with my partners Jesús Moreno and Alfonso López. We wanted to give new life to the works in the form of technology, fashion and art. The truth is, we knew it could work, but not so quickly and with such good reception.

What inspires you about art? Who are your artistic influences?

I am inspired by a movie, a book, a character from the story, a song… I am inspired by those characters who were different, who made their existence an event that transcends their lives.
Dalí, Picasso, Velázquez, Twiggy, Basquiat, Keith Haring, James Rosenquist, Einstein, Mohamed Ali… there are many who have influenced me when it comes to creating.
These are people I admire not only professionally, but also for their capacity for social and cultural transformation, beyond their eccentricities.

How do you create your art? What is your process in terms of inspiration, planning, create and release?

I usually drop my daughter off at school and go to the studio. There are always days that are much more productive than others, it all depends on the inspiration of the moment, but having that routine makes it easier for me to attract that inspiration. I don’t think so, or at least I don’t leave everything to the whips and mice that suddenly come and save you. Once I’m in my workspace, there are days where I spend 10 hours painting, others 4 hours…it depends on various factors, but there’s rarely a day I don’t
make progress on a work. Nowadays, fortunately, I have a high workload that requires me to go to the studio 6 days a week. I’m not complaining, quite the contrary. Being able to organize my week as I want is a luxury that I really appreciate.

What advice would you give to other artists starting out?

I want to tell them that, as in all facets of art, the most important thing is what each individual holds and their way of channeling the world’s expression and gaze through a canvas, a song or a cooking recipe. I am not the one to give life advice, but I would like to emphasize that the most important thing is to want to tell stories, express feelings and looks. Everything else, fame, applause and likes is a flash in the pan, it must be secondary or a consequence, and not at all the reason or goal of creation. I would also add that it is important to know how to deal with frustration. Continuing, and continuing, and continuing to do what you love is the key, despite the fact that sometimes they try to make us see that what we are doing is not good enough.

How did you first hear about NFTs and why did you choose to expand into this industry?

It’s funny because the first person who talked to me about it was Micah Johnson, who I often talked to about art. Now look at him, his progression in this area is incredible. It was with MÄKELISMOS and my partners that I started to give my 3D works a new life, and through The Crypt Gallery we started this amazing journey that has just begun.

What has been your favorite experience in the art industry?

The experience with Pope Francis had a great impact on me. Firstly, because of the kind of social profile and openness it represents, secondly, because of its artistic sensibility, which
explains a lot about its sensitivity in all other areas, and thirdly because it is a solidarity event that took us from the UN headquarters, where one of my paintings was auctioned for his
children’s foundation Scholas Occurrentes, until the solemn reception in the Vatican. Quite an experience. Madonna also had a big impact on me professionally. She is very clear about what she wants and she is very on top of the whole process. When it comes to the NFT field, I share with my partners a premise which is that, regardless of the opportunities, we are guided by personal feeling. And that’s where we meet King of Midtown, Vasia Makrisand The Crypt Gallery team on the way. They are a benchmark in the field, but
above all, they are excellent people and professionals who respect art above all else. It is not easy in the business and artistic path to find the true key, which is none other than walking hand in hand with wonderful, responsible and talented people. They are without a doubt the best experience so far in the digital field. There are many more, but far from artistic and technical aspects, the person at the center of everything as the DNA of our work has made a perfect match with them. Very grateful and eager to continue growing together. Also, Moishe Mana, one of Miami’s artistic and technological promoters, has also impressed me a lot with his desire to leave a unique legacy, which he is undoubtedly achieving. Not all
with his opportunities decides to dedicate himself to improving the lives of others.

Are there any upcoming projects or plans you would like to share
society?

We are launching an ongoing Every Child is an Artist collection with The Crypt Gallery. Next March 8th we present a 24-hour daily auction Dalí Child, and we hope it will be another sell-out like all our previous drops. “Every Child is an Artist” is a famous series of icons represented by children as an expression of the childlike creativity that we should never lose. It will be a series that will continue throughout the next year with different icons. Having been to Art Basel and The Gateway Miami, the first Web3 metropolis on the planet we will
have a presence as a known brand in NFT NYC where we will also present our on/off business model to investors and to a specific NFT audience where our Web3 www.makelismos.io will be a meeting point for talented people, artists, creators… on a platform full of benefits for our collectors. Shortly after, we travel back to the United States, in this case to Los Angeles to start a new collaboration with an important agent in the art field in Beverly Hills. In addition, we will start an artistic collaboration with the Hard Rock Hotel and expand the fashion collection strategy to both Europe and the USA. If all goes well, we are open to fashion partnerships and interesting investors for the brand. We are very excited about our many upcoming projects!

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?

The best is always yet to come. Thank you for the interview and for the cultural promise you are making!