From Scratch: Complete Roadmap for NFT Creation

Five-Step Action Plan to Quickly Get Started with NFT Creation

Want to turn your digital works into NFTs? This process is more straightforward than you might think. Whether you are an artist, musician, or game developer, creating NFTs requires following clear steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Blockchain Foundation

The choice of blockchain platform directly affects all subsequent stages. Ethereum, as the most mature option, supports the richest ecosystem, but the transaction fees are relatively high. If you are concerned about cost-effectiveness, you might consider alternatives like BNB Chain, Solana, Cardano, or EOS. Each platform has its own characteristics: some emphasize low fees, while others offer better security guarantees. Before making a final decision, it is essential to research each platform's fee structure, wallet compatibility, and market activity—because NFTs cannot be migrated to other chains once created.

Step 2: Prepare a digital wallet and necessary funds

Creating a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet is essential for managing NFTs and paying transaction fees. Choose a wallet application that is compatible with the blockchain you have selected, and securely store your private keys and mnemonic phrases—leaking this information means completely losing control of your assets. Next, you need to purchase the native token of that blockchain to pay for Gas fees (network processing fees). This can be done through mainstream exchanges or directly purchased within certain wallet applications.

Step 3: Determine the NFT creation and trading platform

There are many NFT markets available in the market, each differing in functionality, fee structures, and user bases. Make sure the selected platform is fully compatible with your blockchain and wallet. Many platforms not only support NFT minting but also offer built-in sales features, which can simplify your entire process from creation to sale.

Step Four: Execute NFT Minting

The specific steps may vary by platform, but the usual process is as follows:

1. Connect Wallet - Complete wallet connection authorization on the platform
2. Positioning Creation Function - Locate the NFT minting option (usually labeled as “Create” or “Mint”)
3. Prepare Digital Content - Your work needs to meet specific format requirements. Digital artworks should be in JPG or PNG format; if it's a 3D model, it needs to be in GLB format; audio and video should be in the corresponding standard formats. If you use AI-assisted creation tools to generate artworks, make sure you have obtained the corresponding rights.
4. Upload Media Files - Upload carefully prepared images, music, videos, or other assets to the platform.
5. Fill in the metadata - Add a title, detailed description, attribute tags, and other information for the NFT. You can specify whether the holder receives additional benefits (such as access to exclusive content, community invitations, etc.). Also decide on the supply of the NFT - some creators limit the quantity to maintain scarcity, while others choose unlimited supply.
6. Confirm Minting - After checking all parameters, click confirm, and the platform will permanently record your NFT on the blockchain.

Step 5: Launch and Sell Your Work

After the NFT is created, if you want to sell it, you need to actively list it on the platform. Set a reasonable price, choose a sales method (fixed price, auction, or Dutch auction), establish other transaction conditions, and then publish the sales listing. This step is optional, but if your goal is to profit from your creativity, it is a necessary step.

Real-World Scenarios of NFT Applications

Art and Collectibles

Digital art, pixel art, generative art, and AI creations can all obtain verified identities through NFTs. This opens up new business channels for creators—works can be permanently tracked, and authenticity cannot be faked. Collectors can own and trade these digital assets just like traditional artworks.

Opportunities for Audio and Video Creators

Music producers can directly issue albums, singles, and even concert tickets to fans, bypassing traditional record companies and intermediaries. Video creators, filmmakers, and sports event broadcasters can also encode their works as NFTs, reaching a global audience and opening new revenue streams.

Game and Virtual Item Ecosystem

In-game characters, weapons, skins, items, and other virtual goods can become real tradable assets. This allows players to have full ownership of in-game items and trade them on official or third-party markets. Rare game NFTs can sometimes be quite valuable.

Cost Composition of Creating an NFT

Network Fees (Gas Fees)

This is the most direct cost. Each time an NFT is minted, a processing fee must be paid to the blockchain network, using the native token. The amount of the fee depends on the level of network congestion and the complexity of the transaction. During peak times, Ethereum fees can reach hundreds of dollars, while chains like Solana usually have fees of less than 1 dollar.

Platform Fee

Many NFT markets charge fees during the minting stage, which may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the sale price (usually 2-5%). A platform commission must also be paid after the sale is completed.

Storage Cost

If you choose to store media files on decentralized storage services (such as IPFS), you may need to pay long-term storage fees. Some platforms may cover this cost for you.

How to Price Your NFT

Pricing is a discipline that requires both rational analysis and creative judgment. Consider the following factors:

• Scarcity - The less the supply, the rarer it is, and the greater the price potential.
• Creator Reputation - Works by renowned artists inherently have greater pricing power.
• Market Trends - Research the sales prices and trading activity of similar NFTs.
• Functionality and Rights - Does the NFT grant the holder actual utility or exclusive rights?
• Visual and Emotional Appeal - Aesthetic value and cultural significance can affect pricing.

Practical suggestions: Look at similar NFTs that have been sold to find a reasonable price range; if it is a first-time sale, consider starting at a lower price to build credibility; then adjust flexibly based on market response. Communicating with other NFT creators to understand their pricing strategies and market insights can help you make more informed decisions.

Legal Issues That NFT Creators Must Know

Copyright and Ownership

Copyright law fully applies to NFTs. If you create an NFT using someone else's work without permission, you will face serious legal consequences. Before minting any NFT, you must ensure that you have all rights - either it is an original work or you have obtained explicit authorization from the copyright owner.

Prevent Content Theft

Unfortunately, some people will steal others' work to create NFTs. If you find that your creation has been unauthorizedly turned into an NFT, you have the right to take legal action. At the same time, to protect your work, you can take precautions through digital watermarks, regular searches, and reporting mechanisms through platforms.

Core Points Summary

NFT technology provides a new way to verify ownership of digital assets. From concept to implementation, the process of creating NFTs has become relatively accessible, but the key to success lies in understanding the entire ecosystem – from choosing the right blockchain, to precise pricing, to respecting intellectual property.

Whether you are an artist looking to explore the creative economy of Web3, or a game developer hoping to expand your business, understanding the core principles of NFTs and the practical steps involved is the first step. By being fully prepared before taking action and avoiding common pitfalls and legal risks, you will have the opportunity to find your own chances in this rapidly growing field.