Step-by-step guide: how to create an NFT from scratch

NFT (Non-fungible Tokens) have become a revolutionary tool for monetizing digital assets. From original artworks to virtual collections — these unique digital objects open new opportunities for creators and investors. In this guide, we will cover the entire process: how to create an NFT, choose the right platform, pay fees, and successfully bring your project to market.

Basic Understanding: What is an NFT and Why Create One?

First, let’s clarify the basics. A non-fungible token is a unique digital item registered on the blockchain. Unlike regular cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum), which are interchangeable, each NFT has individuality and uniqueness.

Main reasons to create an NFT:

• Direct monetization: artists, musicians, and video creators sell their works directly, without intermediaries
• Proof of authorship: blockchain records the original creator and owner
• Collectible value: over time, rare tokens increase in value
• Royalties on resale: earn a percentage from each subsequent sale of your asset

Step 1: Define Content and Prepare Materials

The first step is to decide what exactly you will tokenize. NFTs can be:

• Digital artwork (illustration, graphic design)
• Music tracks and audio recordings
• Videos, animations, 3D models
• Text works and other media formats

Preparing an image for NFT: use professional graphic editors (Adobe Photoshop, Procreate) or free alternatives (GIMP, Krita). Create an original design, export in high quality (PNG or JPEG, resolution at least 1024x1024 pixels). Originality is a critical success factor in a competitive market.

Step 2: Choose Blockchain for Hosting NFTs

The choice of blockchain affects creation costs, transaction speed, and available marketplaces. Consider the main options:

Ethereum — the leader in the NFT market, uses ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards. Most marketplaces support this network. Downsides: high gas fees (gas) during network congestion.

Polygon — a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, offers significantly lower fees. Ideal for beginners.

Solana — fast blockchain with minimal costs. Growing NFT ecosystem, but fewer marketplaces than Ethereum.

Flow — preferred by professional artists and sports franchises. Specialized infrastructure.

Tezos — energy-efficient network with a growing art community.

Step 3: Set Up a Crypto Wallet

To interact with the blockchain, you need a digital wallet. Popular options:

• MetaMask — versatile wallet for Ethereum, Polygon, and other EVM-compatible networks
• Trust Wallet — mobile wallet supporting multiple blockchains
• Phantom — specialized for Solana
• Temple — for Tezos

Installation process:

1. Install browser extension or mobile app
2. Create a new wallet and securely store the seed phrase (safe, encrypted file)
3. Receive and fund your wallet with the necessary cryptocurrency to pay fees

Always keep your seed phrase in a secure, inaccessible place — it’s the key to restoring all assets.

Step 4: Choose a Platform for Creation and Sale

There are many marketplaces on the market. Let’s review the most popular:

OpenSea — the largest universal marketplace. Supports Ethereum, Polygon, and others. Offers “lazy minting” (lazy minting) to create tokens without immediate gas payment. Suitable for beginners and experienced creators.

Rarible — platform focused on creator works. Supports royalties, customizable token parameters. Integrates social features and supports multiple blockchains (Ethereum, Flow, Tezos).

Foundation — premium platform for artists. Requires an invitation but only admits verified creators. Focused on quality over quantity.

Mintable — simple interface, supports free creation. Good for first-time experience.

Solsea — specialized on Solana, low fees, growing community.

Step 5: Universal NFT Creation Process (Using the Main Marketplace)

Here’s a step-by-step guide for a typical marketplace:

Step 1 — Connect Wallet

Go to the platform and click “Connect Wallet.” Choose your wallet (MetaMask, Trust Wallet, etc.) and confirm the connection. The platform will access your public address.

Step 2 — Create a Collection

In your dashboard, go to “My Collections” and click “Create.” Enter collection name, description, logo. This acts as a container for your NFTs.

Step 3 — Upload Content

Click “Add Item.” Upload your file (image, video, sound). Typical max size — 100 MB. Ensure the file is in a supported format.

Step 4 — Fill Metadata

• Token name (should be memorable)
• Description (tell the story of your asset)
• Properties and rarity levels
• External links (link to your website, social media)

Step 5 — Set Sale Parameters

Set the price (in ETH, MATIC, or other blockchain currency). Configure royalties (usually 5-10%) to earn a percentage from resales.

Step 6 — Confirm and Pay

Click “Create NFT.” The system will prompt you to your wallet for transaction confirmation. Pay the gas (network fee). On Ethereum, this can be $10-$300 depending on network load; on Polygon — a few cents.

Step 6: Ongoing Costs and Calculations

Before starting, evaluate costs:

For beginners, starting with Polygon is recommended to minimize the risk of losing on fees.

Step 7: Marketing and Promotion

Creating a token is only half the work. For successful sales:

• Post on social media (Twitter, Discord, Telegram)
• Collaborate with micro-influencers in the NFT space
• Participate in communities, share your work
• Tell the story behind your token, emphasize its uniqueness

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Low-quality content — competition is fierce, exclusivity is key

Mistake 2: Ignoring fees — calculate gas costs in current network conditions in advance

Mistake 3: Losing wallet access — never share seed phrases, keep backups

Mistake 4: Lack of marketing — even great art needs promotion

Mistake 5: Overpricing at launch — start with a realistic price to attract initial buyers

Examples of Successful Projects

• Everydays (Beeple) — digital art sold for $69 millions
• CryptoPunks — collection of 10,000 pixel avatars, each worth thousands of ETH
• Bored Ape Yacht Club — series of apes with multi-million dollar turnover and a developed ecosystem

These projects demonstrate that an NFT business, with the right approach, can be highly profitable.

Summary

Creating NFTs is accessible to everyone. The process involves choosing content, blockchain, setting up a wallet, and uploading to a marketplace. The key is to be creative, ensure originality, and actively promote your project. Now that you know how to create an NFT properly, it’s time to turn your ideas into reality and join the growing world of digital assets.