Creating NFTs on the Solana Network
Solana is a rising star in the NFT world because of affordability and features
In a recent article, “How to avoid spending $100+ in fees to buy a $2 NFT,” I talked mostly about solutions to avoid spending a lot of Ethereum token on gas by using other blockchains that talk to the Ethereum blockchain.
Another competing blockchain I haven’t mentioned before is the Solana network. Every day NFTs are becoming more mainstream - even Melania Trump is jumping into the fray and is selling NFTs. The network she’s chosen is the Solana platform.
Regardless of your personal opinions of Melania Trump, Solana is becoming popular network for NFT creation and collection. It has risen in popularity because gas fees are much cheaper than Ethereum making it more accessible to more people.
Setting up your Solana Wallet
If you’ve used MetaMask and the Ethereum network, you’ll find using Solana to be very similar - except far less expensive. And just like setting up your web browser or phone to use Ethereum, you will need a wallet specifically for Solana.
The Phantom.app wallet is an extension, similar to MetaMask, which you will install into your web browser. Information about Phantom and how to download and install the wallet can be found at Phantom’s website.
Unlike MetaMask, one really cool feature of the Phantom wallet is the ability to view your NFTs right in your wallet!
There are a number of wallets and mobile wallets besides Phantom, and you can find a complete list on Solana’s website at https://docs.solana.com/wallet-guide/apps.
Once your wallet is installed and configured, you’re ready to get some Solana and purchase NFTs! You may purchase Solana from exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, and others.
NFT Marketplaces on the Solana Network
Now that you’ve got some Solana in your wallet, you’re ready to either mint your own NFTs, or purchase collectible art and items. Here is a list of some popular Solana Marketplaces:
Solsea - this is an open marketplace (similar to OpenSea for Ethereum) where anybody can mint NFTs on the Solana network. There are no requirements to start minting here. You can also purchase and sell NFTs, and the site is broken down into these categories: 3D, Art, Painting, PFP, Photography, Trading Cards, and Video. You can also specify secondary royalties on your NFT sales.
Solanart - this is a curated marketplace. Anybody can purchase (and resell) NFTs from Solanart, but if you’re an artist and wish to sell your own art NFTs, you will need to apply and submit a portfolio.
DigitalEyes - another open marketplace where anybody can sell NFTs. It’s alpha software at this point, and it doesn’t appear to allow users to create NFTs on the site. You can sell any NFT in your wallet. Artists who wish to gain more attention can apply to be “VerifEyed” creators - get the eye pun? 👀
This has been a quick overview of the Solana Network for NFTs. As always, feel free to comment and ask questions! I tailor these newsletters based on feedback from you, so also let me know if there is a particular question or subject you’d like me to cover.
To close out this newsletter, here’s a South Park clip for your amusement.