The world of digital art and blockchain innovation continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace. While 2022 marked a pivotal year for NFTs—ushering in mainstream adoption, creative experimentation, and groundbreaking collaborations—the momentum has only accelerated into 2025. From artist-driven collectibles to brand-powered utility tokens, NFTs have matured beyond speculative assets into meaningful digital experiences.
This article explores some of the most iconic and influential NFT designs that defined the early wave of the movement, offering inspiration for creators, collectors, and innovators shaping the future of Web3.
What Is an NFT?
An NFT, or non-fungible token, is a unique digital asset verified using blockchain technology. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are interchangeable (fungible), each NFT is one-of-a-kind or issued in limited quantities.
NFTs can represent ownership of various digital items—artwork, music, videos, virtual real estate, in-game assets, and even digital identities. Stored on decentralized ledgers like Ethereum, they provide verifiable proof of authenticity and provenance.
Since their surge in popularity around 2020, NFTs have transformed how artists monetize creativity and how brands engage audiences. As we look ahead to 2025, the focus has shifted from mere ownership to utility, community participation, and immersive storytelling—all powered by innovative design.
👉 Discover how blockchain platforms are enabling next-gen NFT experiences.
Proof of Merge – Mason Hall & Michael Blau
One of the most conceptually brilliant NFT projects of recent years, Proof of Merge, was created by Mason Hall and Michael Blau—engineers at a leading Web3 venture firm. This collection wasn’t just art; it was a living record of one of crypto’s most significant technological shifts: the Ethereum Merge.
The Merge marked Ethereum’s transition from energy-intensive Proof of Work (PoW) to the more sustainable Proof of Stake (PoS). The NFT series visually narrates this evolution through symbolic imagery:
- Stage 1: A black bear representing Ethereum 1 (PoW)
- Stage 2: A white bear symbolizing Ethereum 2 (PoS)
- Stage 3: The two merge into a panda bear—representing the unified network
What makes this project stand out is its dynamic metadata. Each NFT evolved in real-time as the Merge progressed, with changes recorded directly on-chain. Collectors didn’t just own static images—they held pieces of digital history.
This fusion of technical insight and artistic expression exemplifies how NFTs can go beyond aesthetics to become cultural artifacts of technological transformation.
Shibuya – Emily Yang (Pplpleasr)
Emily Yang, widely known by her alias Pplpleasr, is a visionary digital artist who redefined what NFTs could achieve with her project Shibuya. Described as “anime meets Black Mirror meets crypto,” Shibuya is more than an animation series—it’s a decentralized storytelling platform.
Launched in 2022 with backing from major investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Shibuya introduced a novel model: free-to-watch, blockchain-monetized content. Viewers access long-form animated episodes at no cost, but participation in the creative process requires holding a "Producer Pass" NFT.
These NFTs grant holders the power to:
- Vote on plot developments
- Influence character arcs
- Choose alternate endings
- Earn revenue shares from future releases
By merging entertainment with interactivity and ownership, Shibuya blurs the line between audience and creator. It's a prime example of Web3-native media, where fans don’t just consume content—they help shape it.
👉 Explore platforms where creators are launching interactive NFT experiences.
GoblinTown – Truth Labs
Few NFT drops captured the chaotic spirit of 2022 quite like GoblinTown. Created by the anonymous team Truth Labs, this collection of 10,000 grotesque, crudely drawn goblins launched as a free mint, requiring only gas fees to claim.
Despite minimal marketing and no roadmap, GoblinTown exploded in value almost overnight. At its peak, some goblins sold for over 9 ETH—a staggering return for a project initially dismissed as satire.
Why did it work?
- Anti-aesthetic appeal: In a market flooded with polished PFPs (profile pictures), GoblinTown stood out with its deliberately ugly, rebellious style.
- Community-driven energy: Owners embraced the absurdity, creating memes, lore, and even virtual concerts.
- Cultural commentary: Some interpreted the project as a critique of NFT speculation itself—a self-aware joke that became real.
GoblinTown proved that virality in Web3 isn’t always about beauty—it’s about narrative, emotion, and shared identity.
SUPERGUCCI – Gucci & SUPERPLASTIC
Luxury fashion met digital collectibles in SUPERGUCCI, a high-profile collaboration between Italian powerhouse Gucci and animation studio SUPERPLASTIC.
The collection featured Gucci-styled versions of SUPERPLASTIC’s iconic characters: Janky and Guggimon. Dressed in signature Gucci patterns and accessories, these animated avatars bridged streetwear culture with high fashion.
But what truly elevated SUPERGUCCI was its phygital integration:
- Purchasing a Janky NFT granted access to a matching Guggimon NFT
- Every buyer received a handcrafted ceramic figurine shipped from Italy
- Owners gained exclusive access to virtual events and fashion previews
This blend of digital prestige and tangible luxury set a new benchmark for brand-led NFTs—proving that fashion houses could innovate without diluting their heritage.
Nitropass – PUMA
Sportswear giant PUMA made headlines during New York Fashion Week with its Nitropass NFT drop—a bold experiment in real-world redemption.
Holders of the Nitropass NFT—originally minted in August—could "burn" their token to claim one of two physical sneaker designs. This marked the first time a major footwear brand allowed customers to exchange an NFT for actual merchandise.
While the visual design of the NFT itself was relatively simple, the utility model was revolutionary:
- Bridged digital collectibility with physical product ownership
- Encouraged long-term engagement beyond initial purchase
- Positioned PUMA as a forward-thinking player in Web3 commerce
Nitropass signaled a shift: NFTs were no longer just art or status symbols—they were becoming keys to real-world value and experiences.
The Best Is Yet to Come
NFTs have fundamentally changed how we perceive digital ownership. What began as pixelated avatars and experimental art has evolved into immersive platforms, community-driven narratives, and brand-powered ecosystems.
From Proof of Merge's technological homage to Shibuya's interactive storytelling, from GoblinTown's subversive charm to SUPERGUCCI's luxury fusion and Nitropass's physical-digital bridge—these projects illustrate the vast potential of NFT design.
As we move further into 2025, expect even greater innovation: AI-generated art, dynamic generative storytelling, decentralized media studios, and deeper integration between virtual worlds and everyday life.
The future of NFTs isn't just about owning digital files—it's about participating in new forms of culture, creativity, and connection.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve by exploring emerging NFT trends on leading blockchain platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes an NFT design 'cool' or valuable?
A: Beyond visual appeal, cool NFT designs often feature strong storytelling, cultural relevance, utility (like access or rewards), and community engagement. Scarcity and artist reputation also play key roles.
Q: Can I make money from collecting or creating NFTs?
A: Yes—many collectors profit from reselling rare or trending NFTs. Creators earn royalties on secondary sales. However, like any investment, risks exist. Always research before buying or minting.
Q: Are NFTs still relevant in 2025?
A: Absolutely. While the hype cycle has cooled, NFT adoption has deepened across gaming, entertainment, fashion, and identity systems. Their use cases continue expanding beyond speculation.
Q: How do I start collecting NFTs?
A: Begin by setting up a digital wallet (like OKX Wallet), funding it with cryptocurrency, and browsing marketplaces. Focus on projects with clear utility and active communities.
Q: Do I own the copyright when I buy an NFT?
A: Not necessarily. Buying an NFT typically grants ownership of the token, not the intellectual property. Licensing terms vary—always check the project’s policy.
Q: What role does blockchain play in NFT design?
A: Blockchain ensures authenticity, tracks ownership history, enables programmable features (like evolving art), and supports automated royalty payments to creators.
Keywords: NFT designs, blockchain art, digital collectibles, Web3 creativity, Ethereum Merge, phygital NFTs, interactive storytelling