Space Summary
The Twitter Space All About Wearables: The Role of Digital Identity feat Nikki Fuego hosted by decentraland. Delve into the world of wearables and digital identity in a creator-centric virtual environment. Discover how wearables influence personal expression, user experiences, and technological advancements. From data privacy to sustainable practices, collaborations, and health monitoring capabilities, the wearable tech landscape is continuously evolving to cater to diverse lifestyle choices. Explore the seamless integration of wearables with daily routines and interconnected devices, shaping a connected, fashion-forward future.
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Questions
Q: How do wearables influence personal identity?
A: Wearables serve as a tool for self-expression, shaping how individuals interact with technology and the world around them.
Q: What role does data privacy play in wearable technology?
A: Data security concerns highlight the importance of safeguarding sensitive information collected by wearables.
Q: Why are collaborations important in the wearable tech industry?
A: Partnerships drive innovation, offering users more diverse and feature-rich wearable options.
Q: How do wearables impact health and wellness monitoring?
A: Wearable advancements enable real-time tracking of fitness metrics, promoting healthier lifestyles.
Q: What trends are influencing wearable design choices today?
A: Sustainability, durability, and fashion-forward designs are key considerations in the wearable tech market.
Q: What is the future outlook for wearables and interconnected devices?
A: The seamless integration of wearables with various smart devices paves the way for a digitally connected lifestyle.
Highlights
Time: 00:15:42
The Evolution of Wearable Technology Exploring how wearables have transformed from basic functions to multifaceted tools for personalization.
Time: 00:25:18
Data Security in Wearable Devices Discussing the importance of protecting user data and maintaining privacy in wearable tech.
Time: 00:35:55
Sustainable Practices in Wearable Design Examining how eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes are shaping the future of wearables.
Time: 00:45:29
Collaborations Driving Wearable Innovation Highlighting how partnerships between tech companies and fashion brands revolutionize wearable technology.
Time: 00:55:17
Health Monitoring with Wearable Tech Exploring the advancements in health-tracking features and their impact on users' well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Wearables play a significant role in shaping digital identity and personal expression.
- The evolution of wearables contributes to immersive experiences and user engagement.
- Data security and privacy concerns remain crucial aspects in wearable technology.
- Customization and personalization are driving factors in the adoption of wearables.
- Collaborations and partnerships enhance the innovation and functionality of wearables.
- Continuous advancements in wearables lead to seamless integration with everyday life.
- Interconnectivity among wearables and devices is reshaping the technology landscape.
- Health and wellness monitoring capabilities improve with wearable tech innovations.
- Environmental sustainability considerations are influencing wearable design and development.
- Wearable technology bridges the gap between fashion, tech, and lifestyle choices.
Behind the Mic
Introduction and Audio Check
Close. Testing, audio. Testing, testing. Hello, Nikki. Hi. Oh, my God. It's happening. Finally. I know. I'm so happy. Well, I guess, like, yeah. Pre show chatter. How are you doing? I'm good. This is the first time I'm using desktop on Twitter space, so I'm really glad I can use my professional microphone instead of my earbuds. Oh, my God. That's why you sound so good. Good. I'm glad. Oh, jealous. Yeah. I'm using my shitty bluetooth speakers. I get. Yeah, yeah. I'm wearing. Nikki, I'm wearing your gear today in world side note. And I'm loading popcorn. Hell, yeah. Yeah. The. The vroomway. I have my vroomway. zip up. And my goral pants. Okay. She's styling. It's on the girl. Gear is honestly my favorite. It's the best. I have several iterations of that I'm just kind of waiting on to publish at some point just because I went and, like, hyper fixated and made a whole line of them. Chill. All about wearables competition. Chill.
Bringing People In and General Chatter
I have a different one for that. Oh. Oh, my God. Okay, Kim, I'm bringing you up here. Get in here, girl. Send co host. She's here also. Mew muson, Lashrum. Hello, Kanessa. I saw that you were wearing Nikki wearables today. So lovely to see. We love to see it also. Welcome, friends. Cassian, I don't know if I'm saying your name correctly. And Dubal, lovely to see you as well, Kim, saying to Nicky, starting early. I know. I was just like, so all Harmony's in world. Harmony, lovely to see you. Come join us on x. I'm trying to load in. Oh, having some issues. No, I'm not going to jinx anything. I usually get right in with the client, but. Okay. Testy. I think it knows because I'm live. Oh, don't jinx yourself. Knock on wooden. Yeah, Kim, I was saying to Nikki, I'm wearing vroomway shirt and goral pants today, and I'm emoting popcorn and world. So I'm doing all of the Nikki things. I love it. I know. I love it.
Projects and Engagement in Activities
Kim, how are you doing today? Oh, good. I have. I have, like, a few big projects I am trying to tackle and not get sucked into things. And then I'm like, oh, spaces. Yes, yes. And then I'm like, oh, discord. And I'm like, Kim, get out. This is why I told you. I. Nikki, I sent Kim a message before we hopped on. I was like, if you're joining you must mute all of your tabs. And I sent the gun emoji. Lol. Because, like, it's too easy if you're on desktop to, like, get distracted by everything and everything. Yep. Yes. Also low polymers, fancy harmony. So lovely to see you. Hello, friends. We are here with Nikki the queen. Kicking off the. I guess. Yeah, we can start now. Give it. I would say give it, like, two more minutes for people to. Oh, gotcha. Jump. Well, you are the boss, so.
Event Logistics and Anticipation
We. Shall follow what you say. If any of you are in decentraland right now, jump through the no diving pool. I am here and harmony, as well as you are in world. And your beautiful kimono. Nikki, have you picked up any of the kimonos? I have not. I just saw that on Twitter last night. Do it. They're great. It's a need. Dana, can you get coordinates? Oh, yes, yes. I absolutely can. Zero one. That's where I'm at right now. Sure, yeah. Toxic. Mariana. So good to see you. Kayla. Hello, Pablito, thanos. Lovely to see you all. Kim has told us, and she is, of course, the goddess of marketing at Decentraland. So we're going to wait a couple more minutes before we actually kick things off. Face moon. Hello. You are slaying these days. So good to see you.
Guest Introduction and Digital Identity Celebration
Doctor drip. Oh, my God. Hello. So good to see you. Actually, for everybody, doctor drip is coming on next week, on Wednesday with KJ from low Poly, and we cannot wait. It's gonna be good time. yeah, I guess. How. How do you feel, Kim, about kicking off now? I waited the two minutes. I did a good job. I'm so eager. I, like. I have all these things that I want to talk to Nikki about. Yay. Okay, so we today. Well, first, I guess I'll introduce myself. I am the social goblin at Decentraland. I think y'all know Kim. She's the head honcho of marketing. And today we are kicking off five weeks of celebrating fashion and digital identity in Decentraland. And it's all part of the all about wearables campaign. There is a competition, which theme is exotic wearables from across the galaxy, which we will get into.
Excitement for Upcoming Events
And there's also a party on the 19th. So, Nikki, I see you. You're looking fire. Also, I love that you're wearing wings. Justice for wings. I love wings. They're the best. I think that they're the best wearables. So we're kicking this off with Nikki because Nikki is very special to theme of all about wearables, which is exotic. Nikki, when I. When I, like, was writing my introduction for you, I literally was like, what can't she do in all caps? Because I feel like you've done it all. But I'd love to, for you to, like, introduce yourself to everybody who doesn't know you.
Nikki's Journey in Wearables– A Brief Introduction
Sure. Well, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. I am Nikki Fuego, wearable creator, 3d artist for Decentraland, and the metaverse in general. Been doing this for just two months shy of three years, which is crazy. I can't believe it's been that long. Congrats. When you. When is your, like, official three year? the last week in November. Let's go very close. Oh, my God. What? That's a huge achievement. Congrats. My first event was the, Christmas event where they were doing Santa and grandpa's dropping presents, and I was fiending over all of the NFTs and foaming at the mouth. That's amazing. Oh, my God. So, yeah, you started in Decentraland, but then I did some Internet stalking on you before, and you're also in Roblox.
Nikki's Diverse Activity in the Metaverse
You do music. You're just like an all around your professional. She's a meta girl. Yes, she is. So for any of you who don't know Nikki, go look at her amazing portfolio. And if you're just joining now, we would love it if you could reshare the space with your friends. If you're enjoying your time also, we are in world. Just jump through the no diving pool. The coordinates are zero one. But, Nikki, I'd love to. When we first talked, you told this adorable story about jumping in and being gifted doctor drip's hat and kite as, like, your foray into wearables. And doctor is here with us. But I would love to hear from you that experience and how you got started creating.
Initial Experiences in Decentraland
Yeah. So, like, most people in that joined Decentraland for the first time, we somehow always end up at Wondermind. I don't. I don't know how or why that happens, but it's like this phenomenon where everybody goes there immediately. And so that's where I went. And immediately I was, like, hooked into the wondermind game because I was like, oh, my God, this is kind of sticky. It's kind of fun. I'm just mining meteoroids. And then I saw the. I'm getting that you're the person that gets distracted by minigames. Oh, I am. Especially if there's, like, a reward that I can grind for. I saw the machine that was, like, crafting. And I was like, are these, like, just things that you equip?
Transition into Creation and Research
And then I got into the whole, like, researching of, like, what an NFT was, and I was like, okay, so this is, like, an NFT platform. Like, I don't know what that means, but, like, let's go for it. And so I just was walking around, and there was this one guy. He used to be in my discord. He has been really active in a really long time, but his name was dog something. It wasn't dog, man, but it was somebody else dog. And he just started talking to me out of nowhere. And so I responded because I was like, okay, this is cool. People are talking. And then he was kind of explaining to me, like, what the platform was, what wearables were.
Discovery and Excitement Over Wearables
And then when he told me that, like, these wearables that everybody was wearing were made by creators and they just published them, my mind was blown because I was like, wait a minute. Like, that's literally all I've ever wanted from a video game is for us to be able to equip our own stuff and, like, create our own stuff. And he's like, yeah. And he saw how excited I was, and he's like, let me go ahead and send you something. I didn't even know you could send things at this point. Like, I was like, this was, like, fresh, brand new. And he sent me a doctor drip backwards hat. Literally. Yeah. And so he sent me that, and then he sent me the kite, and I, like, started geeking out because I immediately could wear it.
Learning the Craft and Engagement
And of course, like, he had to, like, teach me how to do it. I had to refresh a couple times, figure out how it all works because, yeah, that was. But then I equipped it and I was like, oh, my God, this is sick. Like, this looks awesome. And then literally that same day, all of a sudden there was, like, this crowd around the doctor drip who was at wondermind, and I was like, oh, my God, this is the creator. And so I started fan girling. It was like this whole, like, micro celebrity moment, and it was amazing. Yeah, I mean, I still fangirl, but no, it was sick. And that's like, just kind of how I started. I immediately got hooked. And then not long after that is when the, like I said, the Christmas event happened and they were raining NFTs literally on us.
Community Engagement and Passion for Gaming
So I was literally, like, on the computer non stop for the first two or three weeks I was on this platform. Just, she's a gamer girl. I was. I am. I've always been. And I was hooked, girl. That's awesome. So you have the hat and the kite. I'm so curious, like, from there, did you already know, like, blender, did you already know, like, the creative tools that you needed? No, I had blender and I knew how to navigate in it because I bought a 3d printer the year before and I mess seems like 3d prints and stuff. But none of it was like, you know, for video games, it was all for, like, practical use.
Resources and Starting Points in Creation
So they were like hooks that you put on the walls and stuff like that. Like, literally nothing. And these are models that I'm downloading. So I'm, like, not modeling at all. I just know how to import export. And so that was my first step is researching. Well, how does somebody make, like, it didn't make sense in my head. Even as an artist, it didn't make sense in my head, like, how somebody could make something 3d. Like, I just wasn't really into that world yet. And so I did some researching and amazingly enough, KJ Walker had some tutorials and I literally just, like, nose dive straight into those tutorials, learning how to do things and, yeah, I just, I started practicing.
Learning and Creative Development
I spent hours, literal hours, not on just her tutorials, but, like, every tutorial I could find on blender and, like, how to navigate, how to use the tools, how to get the basics down. I did the stupid donut tutorial where I wasted days of my life, which everybody who's an artist knows that tutorial. Yeah, this sounds like. So I for a minute tried to, I was trying to make games with unity. And, like, the first game that I made, I feel like everybody does. The flappy bird clown from what's his name. He's on YouTube. I can't remember. But, like, as, whenever I said that to people be like, oh, my God, I did that too.
Remembering Shared Experiences in Learning
Like, that's what I did that. Okay, so this is crazy information. You've only. So it's been three years that you've been a blender pro this November? Yeah, I. Damn, girl. I wouldn't say pro, girl. There's still. Yeah, like, what the hell? You've made games. You've made wearables. You've made emotes. This is amazing.
Introduction to Wearables
I did not realize that, like, wearables was also your intro to blender. That's crazy. And shout out to KJ for being an incredible resource for the community. I feel like you are one of many creators that I've talked to that they stumble upon her YouTube and then immediately are able to start creating because of all of her resources. That's so sick. I want to get into your creative inspirations because, again, like, when we chatted, you mentioned Halo. You mentioned, like, futuristic. I feel like you're also, like, the perfect case study for our theme for the all about wearables competition, which is like, wearables from across the galaxy because you have dark metal base with neon glowing accents. Specifically, like, the Grand Prix wearables that you have, I love. So I would love to hear you just, like, tell us more about where you pull from when you're creating.
Creative Inspirations
Yeah, so as a. As a kid, there wasn't, like, a great upbringing, so I was always playing video games or, like, things that were, like, escapism, you know, like, trying to get away from reality because I didn't like the reality that I was in. And so, like, I always too, unfortunately, was never living in the moment. I was always living in the future. Like, trying to advance to the future as fast as possible because I wanted to get away from where I was at. And so I was always looking towards futuristic things because it just inspired me of, like, where we could be in 2030, 4500 years, you know, so I was really sucked into, you know, like, I mentioned halo, but also Star wars. Like, huge Star wars nerd. Like, love Star wars, the whole universe. I've seen every show, every micro show, every animation about it, and, like, that kind of universe where technology is just so accessible that you can really advance your identity as a trans person. Identity is everything to me. So, I don't know, I just, I love the idea of merging humans with technology and, like, the whole cyborg stuff. Like, yeah, I'm fascinated with that.
Cyborg Transformation and Identity
I. So two things that you said that I want to dig into one, like the cyborg. Like, would you upload your brain? Oh, absolutely. Like, now, here's the thing. Here's the thing. There's going to be a few guinea pigs that go along the road before I do. But, like, absolutely. I actually have this conversation with my 81 year grandma all the time. Like, no joke. I always ask her, I'm like, grandma, if there's a point in time where, like, if you pass away and, like, I could bring you back and put you in a robot, would you do it? And, like, she's. One day she says yes. One day she says no, and we just go back and forth. I love it. I love to think about that on. The day that you're gonna do it. Like, you have to be ready when. She says yeah, yes. Okay. And then the second thing that you said that is so valuable, and I've seen this across the Internet, is for trans people like metaverses. I've also seen, like, Vrdev, places where people can feel more embodied with their identity, I think is so special, and it's something that we need to protect in these spaces.
Influences from Gaming
I love that. I also, I was so curious because you said halo, you said Star Wars. I was curious if you played any metroid. Oh, yeah, okay. Yeah, that's, like, way more like, yes. Yeah, okay. Yep, yep. And KJ did a great job with that. She did the skin, and then I did the vehicle. And that was a great meld of our minds. And that's totally the vibe went for. I love it. And also, because you also don't just make, like, you. You make utility wearables. So I. And therefore, vroom way. Why racing? So it's funny, I never, like, it was kind of a thing that just, like, happened, which most of the things that have happened in my journey in, essentially, and are things that just happened, I could have never predicted them happening. And the reason I went for vehicles to begin with is because in any video game, if you can collect mounts, which is what they're called, like, writables, so, like, a big one is World of Warcraft played that, like, my whole life.
Exploring the Concept of Vehicles in Wearables
So I have, like, every mount you could possibly think of there. I'm a huge collector in that sense, because I like the idea of being able to traverse these metaverses in style and in creativity. Yeah. And so a lot of these games that have the mounts, like, I don't know, it just. It's like, another extension of your identity and, like, what you are as that person. And so when I joined, essentially, and. And it's still not a thing. Intent. Vehicles were not really a thing. And so I was like, wow, like, there's roads here, there's, like, endless parcels. Why aren't there vehicles? And so I looked at a lot of research into, like, how vehicles could be made. And at the time, they couldn't be made because they need. Well, without doing it on land, like, making a scene. But then it would just be tailored to that scene. And this was pre smart wearables and stuff.
Innovating and Pushing Boundaries
And so I was like, okay, well, I know how to make wearables. So, like, why don't I make a vehicle wearable? I had seen a few that were, like, treading the line of a vehicle. I did. Girl, I do on all this. I just go for it. And the curators hate me for it. Always. You are pushing whatever limit is in place. You are pushing. Sometimes it gets me in trouble, but you're, like, advancing forward, you know, science. Oh, yes. You're eventually going to upload your brain. Yes, literally. And so I decided, I was like, okay, well, there's been a few wearables that have, like, been right on the line of being a wearable versus a vehicle. So I'm going to make, like, a full blown vehicle. And so that's where the original room broom was birthed.
The Journey of the Room Broom
And it was the first car wearable that was published, and it was probably one of the most controversial wearables in my time that I've been here. That thread and that whole topic was, like, crazy. I mean, it was just something that the. The. The team has never had before. And so there wasn't really, like, strict guidelines around it. And so because it kind of, like, broke the bounds of, like, stereotypical wearables, there was a lot of red tape that I had to, like, shred through. Not just cut, but shred through, go you. And so I ended up getting that one through, and then the model o through, I got two of them through. And then, because it started, like, a trend of, like, everybody wanting to do a vehicle wearable, they kind of had to put, like, really hard boundaries on it and, like, say no more.
Community and Collaboration
And so I couldn't get any more past that. And that was a whole thing. But, you know, it all happened for a reason, because now we're. We have smart wearables where we can do that, all of our skin stuff. So it all happened for a reason, but it was really, like, I think, a moment in time when the wearable history of, like, where things really changed and people started to really, like, think outside the box and create really cool things. And so that's where the vehicle started, and everybody loved the room brooms. So I took the vrooms, and I was like, okay, if people like this so much, like, let's make an event out of this. Because at the time, like, having a launch party was, like, a crucial thing whenever you launched a wearable.
Creating Engaging Experiences
And so I was like, okay, cool. So I partnered with wisher at the time, who helped pay for the first three helmets that were uniques, and I did just this, like, parkour course where it was just, like, a race between people who had. I did two different races. Amazing. I did one with the holders of the room brooms. If they had a model o or regular vroom, they got to participate. And then I did a community wide one, and we did just this event, and everybody loved it, and it was a hit. And so that's where the idea of roomway happened. And the rest is history. And here we are.
Acknowledgment and Recognition
Yeah. I also. I want to point out two other times where the community has you to thank for pushing the boundaries and making things better. One was the hands, right? Yep. Yeah. And there was another one that you. That I wrote in. In the. In the. Damn. Exotic. Yeah, exotic. The whole thing of all about wearables. Yep. Come on, Dan. I got sucked in. It's okay. There's a lot to talk about. Yeah. Nikki has been telling us all these amazing stories, so I'm, like, losing my place on my guideline here. You can always tell me to shut up, by the way. I know. I gather. I go and go.
Resetting the Room
We are here for yapping, but before we continue all the yapping. Yeah. I want to reset the room. Everyone give a 100 if you're wearing sweatpants right now. Oh, my God. Such fashionably dressed people. Okay, it's summer, girl. Yeah, I guess that's true. I'm wearing sweatpants. I was like, oh, maybe we can, like, that's something we can all vibe to, but. All right, I guess I'll just be by myself in sweatpants workout shorts. It's too hot, girl. Yeah. Vanessa, why the thumbs down, boo? Also, I want to welcome everybody who joined Shelley, you've been playing at the true room tang, sending vibes for your web three summit. Super nina. We love the kimonos. Unknowa Ruston, Steve, sigh. All of you, I wanna do, like, the Oprah thing where we do, like, you get something and you get something. It's lovely to see you all.
Continuing the Conversation
We are here with Nikki, and we are talking about wearables and digital identity. So, Nikki, you told us about how you started. You told us about, like, making different things with the. With the KJ tutorials. But I would love if you could yap some more, because we are here for it. I want you to walk us through your creative process. Like, what does it actually look like? If you're like, okay, I'm gonna make a shirt. What? Like, what? Where do you start? What do you do? Yeah, it's a good question. So I think it's different for every artist.
Artistic Process and Preparation
For me, it depends what it's for. So, like, I kind of have to go through a checklist of, like, is this a promotional item? Is this a branding item? Like, in the difference between that is, like, if it's a promotional piece, that's just kind of like a throwaway, something for me to market and give away. Or if it's a branding piece, it's something that, it means a lot to me. I want it to earn money, I want it to retain value type of thing, which will typically have utility. so I try to checkbox one of those, figure out which that's going to be, and sometimes it's both. but then I decide, okay, what kind of vibe am I going for? What style am I going for? And again, I'm always like super futuristic.
Mood Boards and Tools in Creative Process
So I immediately start googling different thing, different inspirations of like, different types of fashion, different types of cuts, like styles of clothing and stuff like that. And then I just like, kind of all, I get like a mood board together and, which is really common in a lot of like, art fields. I used to have, I used to be a photographer and like, have my own brand as like, photography and cinematography. She do. This is why I'm all about the arts, girl. Oh, my God. Anything that's expression, I'll do it. The mood boards, are you doing that in like, Photoshop? Are you doing that in Figma? Are you doing that, like, what are the tools that you're using?
Initial Tools and Evolution in Creative Process
So back when I first started, because she was an uneducated queen, I used Photoshop for all of my mood boards because I was in Photoshop 24/7 I've used Photoshop since I was like 14. So it's been a long time of just opening that up and doodling and copying, pasting things in there. but then now I use, miro board. I use pure ref. it just kind of depends. Oh, no. Did Nikki get rugged? No. Can, can you still hear her? Yeah, yeah. Oh, it's me. I'm getting rugged. Okay, Kim, everybody give a 100 for. If you can hear Nikki, you want.
Collaboration and Visualization Techniques
To make sure I'm not rogged. I don't see any 100s either. Okay, it's me. I'm gonna go. but have fun. I'm gonna stop interrupting. Okay. Okay. Okay. We're getting 100 from doctor. Thank you, doctor. We're getting 100 from. Okay. It's a little delayed. I forgot it's a little delayed. Got it. Okay. Okay. I was getting worried there. I was like, oh, crap. Like, have all this juicy stuff from Nikki and I want people to miss out. Okay, so it's Kim's fault. Lol. Blue x. Okay, but you're okay. So you were saying miro board.
Miro Board for Collaboration
Yeah. So if I'm using, like, if I'm collaborating with other people. I'll use Miro because that's a collaborative artboard. Okay. But if it's just by myself and I'm, like, actively working in blender by myself, I'll use pure ref because it's like a tool that sticks in the front of all of your things, tabs and stuff. Does that make sense? Yeah, yeah. Like, you know, you never alt tab out of it, so it's always right there, which is good for, like, having that constant visualization. yeah, I'll use all toggle between those two, and they can have endless amounts of pictures and stuff, so they're really great.
Research and Drawing in the Creative Journey
So yeah, I'll use those for doing up the mood board. And before mid journey, a lot of it was just like, googling pictures or sometimes I would doodle some drawings. Like, a lot of my skins I have actually sketched out because eventually I want to make them drag costumes. so, yeah, I'll put them all into one board. and sometimes I'll use procreate too, to, like, kind of stitch those things together or, like, do like, slideshows. So I see, like, progressions of things because it's very important for me to be organized. You're blowing my mind, though, with, mid journey.
Utilizing AI for Design Inspiration
Like, how you can use that to, like. So I guess once you have your mood board, do you then give, like, what type of prompts do you give mid journey to, like, help you figure out how you want it to look? So I have a hard time with prompts. Mid journey. It helps in giving me, like, shapes or, like, a visual topology. And for those of you who don't know what topology means, that's like, the way that geometry flows in a 3d object. So, like, a lot of times when I'm making cars, obviously, I'm not like a mechanic at all.
Challenges and Methodology in 3D Modeling
So do cars. Okay. Right irl I could do, I can do them virtually, girl, but I cannot do them irl. I don't even know what a carburetor is. Stuff like that. I don't know. This is good. Okay. Yeah, so, like, that, if there's, like, things that I don't know, like, what it looks like from, like, googling or, like, in my mind, then I'll just ask it to spit out something like, super futuristic for me, and then I'll, like, understand that. A lot of times I'll take that picture, put it in Photoshop, and trace out the geometry and, like, completely ignore, like, all of the aesthetic, all the colors and stuff like that.
Modeling Techniques and Creative Adaptations
Just so that I can understand how to model, because I, I model in quads to where, like, everything starts with as a cube and then I just model it from there. similar to how, like, a potter starts with like, a ball of clay and then they, like, model it up similar to that. but yeah, I'll use, Sometimes I use chat GPT for prompts because it's better at, like, doing the long ones. A lot of my prompts are short because I don't want the AI to get confused because I have ADHD. So, like, if I let myself go, I could write a prompt that's like six paragraphs and it'll get so confused, it doesn't even know what it's spitting out.
Coping with ADHD in Creative Processes
I have to be very intentional. I have to go back to chat and say, like, I'm sorry, that was on me. Yeah, literally. And say please and thank you. Yeah, yeah. ADHD moment. Yeah, fun fact. I do thank chat GBT for everything, like.
AI and Personal Safety
Cause I just have this thing that, like, AI is gonna take over and they're gonna know that I'm the nice one and to not murder me and to keep me on the planet. Cause I'm useful. Kim and I were talking about that, like, when I first joined. I was like, okay, I have, like, a personality thing. I need to know. Do you tell. Do you say thank you to chat? And she's like, oh, absolutely. Okay, good. Yes. I feel like that's like, one of those, like, okay, maybe I shouldn't say this as, like, a red flag, but, like, on a date, I feel like that's something I would ask you, say thank you to chat. If it's a no, then, like, we're not going to work. Yeah, it's totally a beige flag. I love it.
Wearables and Skills Development
Okay, so back to wearables. You've kind of, like, walked us through how you get the initial, like, model and how you map out things for before you actually get to making the wearable. I'm curious, like, if people haven't made a wearable before, what types of skills do you think they need to, like, I guess, acquire and, like, where could they get those? I know you said, like, KJ's tutorials are awesome, but I just love to hear from you, like, anywhere else you've pulled on. So there is the infamous pink donut tutorial that I mentioned earlier, and anybody who's been in this industry for any time at all knows what this is. And some of you absolutely hate it. And some of you worship it. I live right in the middle, you know, like, it's great, but there, it could be redone in a different order because it just dives. It teaches you literally everything about blender to make a donut. But it's just so long.
The Challenges of Learning 3D Modeling
It's like hours and hours long, like the whole series. And so it's for people who are just starting out, it could be really overwhelming. It was really overwhelming for me, but I was so hyper fixated that, like, I was able to just push through that. And because I have ADHD, I could do these, like, six-hour blocks where I could do one thing. Definitely comes in handy there. Yes, yes. And it did. And, yeah, I mean, there's really not any, like, I think the biggest skill, if you will. Yeah, I don't know that it's the skill, but I think the biggest thing to consider is why you want to do it. So, like, I had a mentor a long time ago tell me to know your niche, know your audience, and know yourself whenever you're going to do something. And, like, I think that is a huge driving force behind anything because once you know why you want to do it, then you really kind of know what it is that you want to do.
Understanding Your Artistic Intentions
Yeah. Because if it. If it's not already there, then you're going to know what it is. But if it's there, then you're going to know what it is and be able to adapt it and change it to make it your own. I love that. So I think that's a big thing. I think that's. That's just, in general, fantastic life advice. Like, for. For anything. Well, I guess that's what your mentor was saying, and then you applied it to blender. But, like, I think that's such great advice. I, like, Tang had us on her actually shout out to her. She does every Friday. She does, like, a roundtable of creators. But I remember she said, like, what's social media advice that would I give to people? And I. What I said was basically what you just said, like, know why you're doing or I guess, like, don't pick something you don't enjoy.
Creating With Passion
Like, if. If you are going to make. And that totally makes sense with wearables. Like, if you're gonna make something that I guess you want to. To wear and that you are going to enjoy. That's awesome. Yep. And that's. That applies to, like, really any art form. If you're going to make art, you want to make it for yourself. You don't want to make it for somebody else, because then I think there's a little bit of integrity that goes wrong, but I also think there's a little bit of drive that can go wrong, because if you're trying to make something for somebody else all the time, then you're not really fulfilling yourself. You're just doing what somebody tells you to do.
Balancing Personal Projects and Client Work
And I think art should be all about expressing and fulfilling yourself and your own desires. Yeah. So which is, it can be kind of hard when you have clients and stuff, but, like, that's why I think there's a balance of doing stuff for yourself and then also doing things for your other friends or clients or whatever it is. Do you have, like, a golden ratio for yourself? Of, like, I do this much for me and I do this much for others? When I first started. No, and it was awful. There was a boom of, like. And everybody who's in this space right now has been here since then and can attest to this. But there was a boom at the end of 2021, beginning of 2022 on this platform specifically, where there were just, like, dozens, maybe even hundreds.
Explosive Growth in the Wearable Market
I don't know. I mean, I would think hundreds, because I know how many wearables I did. But, like, there was just so many brands and so many artists and so many people coming on here and wanting to publish, but didn't want to take the time to make their own, either, a, they didn't have the time, or b, they didn't have the skill sets, or they just wanted to get something out, like, because learning in 3D is not an overnight thing. Like I said, it took me weeks and weeks, and so I. Between January and the starting of fashion week, which was in March of that first year, I made over 200 wearables. It was close to, like, 250. Okay.
The Success and Exhaustion of Creativity
Yeah. And I'm not the only one. I know. No. And it's because it's, like, it was the first time in my whole life where, like, I had been successful in art before, but nothing like this. Like, I never had people who were just, like, willing to hire anybody to do these artworks and to publish these wearables and just kind of throwing money at all of us artists. And so, yeah, I just said yes to everything. And shout out to Mitchy Todd, who said that at the very beginning, he's like, just say yes to everything. That's my biggest advice. And so I did, and I said no to myself a lot. other than, like, when it came to fashion week, I, like, shut down and, like, made my own stuff and did my own thing because fashion week is really important to me.
Managing Client Expectations
Yeah. And it was great because I was able to, like, build myself up, but, yeah, for, like, literally month and a half, two months, almost three months, where it was just constantly working on something. I actually, like, had things that I was heading off to Doki, and, like, there was things that were tag teaming and stuff. And, you know, it's crazy because some clients were like, can you make this? And then you make it, they're like, okay, can I have, like, seven color variations? Or, like, can you make a male and female representation of this? And it just, like, adds up super quick.
Experiences in Decentraland
Like, for the majority of part, I've been treated so immensely fairly. Like, I've. I've never been treated as well as I have in Decentraland as I have in my real life. So, like, it's. It's giving me a lot of, like, insight of, like, okay. Like, I need to be okay with accepting love, and I also need to understand that the people who aren't willing to give me that love, that I don't need to give that to them. Like, I'm not. I'm not going to settle for people treating me the way that I don't. Want to get 100 for that.
Therapy Session
That was fire. I think that's. Yeah, you're giving us all therapy. Let's turn to therapy real quick. Awesome. This also just, like, hearing you talk about. Because I feel that for myself. Like, and this is also why I don't really like Zuckerberg's ideas for. Well, maybe this is a hot take, but, like, this. Yeah, this is happening. This is Dana talking, not the decentraland, but, like, I don't. I don't think that we want to be one to one with our avatars. Like, we want, like, I can't do a backflip in real life in Decentraland. I equip. Look at me and I'm fucking flying.
Personal Expression Through Wearables
Like, that's the existence that I want. And I think that's also why I would say specifically, your wearables have resonated so much with people like the kittybot wearable when I put it on, I feel so badass. I think you've tapped into a form of self expression that's confident, cool. When I was thinking about words to describe your wearables, I was like, it's the three w's. It's, like, wacky, wild, and wonderful. Because I think you. Yeah. Like, there's something about your wearables that just totally give confidence. I'm curious to hear from you. Like, why do you think your wearables have resonated so well?
Passion for Art and Empowerment
I think it's because I put all of me into it. I don't. I don't let a lot of external things affect how I view my art. I'm very self critical. A lot of my friends know that about me. I criticize my art all the time, but I criticize it with a sense of love because, like, I love what I do. And I think when you love what you do and you put that fully into it, and that's the first thing I think that resonates through the whole thing. And I have this obsession with, like, you know, in both in the trans world and in the cis women world, women are highly oppressed in the sense of, like, social norms and standards and stuff.
Empowerment and Society
And so I like to. I like to live in that female empowerment of, like, embracing that super badass woman, but also, like, in areas like machinery and tech that you wouldn't normally see that empowerment. so that's why I, like, do a lot of female looking machinery stuff or female, sort of gender neutral type of stuff. But then also hyper feminism stuff. Like, it's just all about empowering that, like, stature that we all want to be in, that it's also got this undertone of, like, the societal. Societal standard that is never possible, but it is possible in the digital world because you can be whoever you want.
Reflection on Support and Transformations
and I think people getting a little bit of a taste of that and feeling that I think resonates a lot. That at least I hope it does. No, that, like, 100% speaks to me. I think, like, your line of clothing. What did you say? Like, embo, you said, I'm not gonna do a good job of quoting you, but, like, the embodiment of, like, feminine energy in your. And, like, the empowerment of that, definitely. I get that. Yeah, it's the three w's. It's weird, wacky, and wonderful. I'm, like, sticking with that. There's so. And that's the energy that, like, I've literally blocked my whole life because it wasn't.
Acceptance and Growth
It wasn't normal. Like, it. And anything that wasn't normal wasn't accepted, both in my family and in this area. Like, and so it's finally being able to step into it full force. And, like, really living in that and living in that just self love is, like, the best dopamine feeling ever. Amazing. And also, I think what you said about, like, being. If decentraland is somewhere where, like, you feel more empowered by what you wear, is there a way that you can take that into your IRL existence? I think that's also, like, a lovely thing that I'm going to take away from this conversation because I think it's so empowering.
Rapid Fire Questions
Just for, like, the last ten minutes, I have a couple, like, rapid fire questions. Okay. I want to know what your favorite wearable is of all time. Oh, my God. How dare you? This one I didn't send in the, like, approval box. Yeah, you didn't. Oh, Mandy. Wow. That is a really hard question. I mean, I have. Okay, how about we change it? How will we do, like, top three? Okay, how about we do what I own? Because there's. There's a ton that I don't own that I love.
Unique Wearables and Creative Collaborations
Yeah, I would say that the. The. My favorite that I own is my. Actually, my unique top that Doki actually gifted for me for my birthday last year, which was fucking crazy. Oh, we love it. She's gifted me two uniques now, which is my hair and my top. And so, like, I wear that everywhere now because, like, nobody else can be. It's flexing on us all. Yeah, literally. But, no, I think it's so great. It was. The top was made by dab craft, and they were in my fashion week show, my Runway show last year.
Fashion Inspirations and Individual Style
They were one of the artists that I put on. And, I mean, their. Their wearables are typically, like, always a quality, but, like, this specific collection that they did for fashion week last year was, like, literally 100% my vibe, where it was, like, future fashion, like, high fashion, but, like, futuristic. And, like, this was one of my favorite pieces in the line, so I just love it. I think the wrinkles on the sleeves, that's what I'm wearing right now on stage. Yeah, yeah, I'm looking at it. It's the wrinkles, the leggings, like, the puffer ankles.
Fashion and Individual Expression
Like, I don't know. I just fucking live for this. Like, if I could wear this irl, yes, I would have no problem going out on town, like, dressed, however. You know what I mean? Like, this is so empowering and so fierce. Like, I fucking love it. I am obsessed with, like, over exaggerated, like, areas, even, like, in real life fashion. Like, I love an over exaggerated shoulder. And I think, like, the puffers on the bottom, like, it gives that hour glitz. Hourglass shape. So, like, your whole look, and it's so slay in drag.
Proportionizing and Fashion Concepts
We call that proportionizing. Yeah. And I love it. Okay, new word. So that's. What do we say you do the top three? So you said hair. You said, I'm guessing the pants and the shirt. That's your, that's your favorite three. Well, the. The pants and shirt are one item, so that's technically one. One wearable. I would say the wear bodysuit. That's. Yeah. For real. Right. And it's unique, so, like, not to brag.
Admiration for Fellow Artists
Yeah. And I'm this next one, I'm not just saying because we're best friends, but I genuinely mean this. And this is, you can go to the beginning of this space and hear this, but, like, literally anything made by doctor drip is, like, I fangirl over because it's the RGB stuff that I just fucking live for. Like, I love rainbow neon. Yes. And he fits it in well with everything he does. I wear this backpack and these earbuds. Those are two wearables.
Fashion Aesthetics and Vibrant Designs
Whatever. I wear these, like, pretty much with all of my outfits because I think they're just so badass. Yes. and they're just so well done and, yeah, anything that is, like, neon and futuristic and, like, vibey. Like, I fuck with. Yes. Like, and so clearly, I can't wait to talk with Doctor jip next week because, like, when you look at his, like, past in streetwear and also in lighting, it's like, yeah, you're clearly nailing it in the metaverse.
Mastering the Metaverse Design
Like, you know exactly what to do. That's somebody who knows their niche, knows their audience, and knows themselves, girl. Yeah, 100%. That's another thing that, like, yeah, I love how you keep reiterating to people that it's like, that is key when you're designing in the metaverse. Okay, so that was rapid fire number one. Rapid fire number two is, and this is like, I feel like I'm going to stump you again. So we can customize the question, but if you could make anything, like, wearable wise in the metaverse, it doesn't have to, like, just be decentraland.
Creative Visions and Iconic Collaborations
But, like, what would you make every. Single lady Gaga costume from every single one of her music videos? If I could ever do a collab with Lady Gaga, I would literally cease to exist. Like, I would just puff into a cloud of sparkles and never exist ever again. That's such a good answer. And especially, she just did teasers for her new album, and it was like this boxy, original mama monster type of vibe. And I was like, that has to be a fucking fashion week wearable.
Fashion Icons and Their Influence
Like, like, that has to be it. Like, there's. She belongs in every Runway and every fashion scene in the whole world. Like, I. Everything that she does is so, like, out of the box futuristic. It's. And I think a lot of subconscious comes from Gaga, but I didn't want to be cliche and say gaga. That's what every queer person says. Well, it's just like, like, so typical for queer people to be obsessed with Gaga because she's, like, an icon in the community.
Reflections on Iconic Fashion Moments
So she, her, my favorite, I watched, I just recently watched her video where she, like, did with Vogue, where she goes through all of her looks. And the one that, like, killed me was when she came to, I was an awards show, literally in, like, a little spaceship thing, and she had, like, carrying her, like, what? So iconic icon? Yes, literal icon. Okay, so, yes, that's my wearable dream.
Vision of Future Designs
Okay, so maybe, like, maybe eventually we'll see Nikki walking in, like, the space bubble, being kidnapped. I would die. Yeah, that'd be so awesome. Okay, so I am going to close out with just, like, all of the thanks for all that you've done for this community. I think, you know, like, we have so many people here that have benefited from what you've done. I think just to reiterate, like, Nikki is the reason why we have the exotic category in decentraland.
A Community's Gratitude
And that's the thing we get to talk about. Oh, my God. Okay, well, I guess we didn't get. To talk about that. Or hands. Give us. Give us the. With the time we have left. Give us, like, the why behind both of them. I didn't want to hide it, but I just basically, like, any video game that you play, you have, like, hand equippables things. And I think it's so important to have, like, you know, the hand expression, not to just include it in upper body, but also gives us more tries to play with the upper body and then separate tries for the hands.
Inclusion and Market Diversity
And I think all around, it's just better for more categories to have more self expression and to diversify the market a little bit. Yeah. And then with the rarity, I did that because after having so many clients through 2022 and having that huge blow up. A lot of times, like, ten was way too little and 100 was way too much for some of these artists that, like, were coming from different platforms, didn't have an audience, but they wanted to sell out.
The Development of Wearables
And so 50 just felt like a great in between. And, yeah, so I just. I championed that. I'm like, duh. Like that. Right, right. Yeah, so I just. I championed that really hard, and I didn't shut up until it happened. So, yeah, that's my thing. I don't shut up until things happen. Oh, you. I think, like, yeah, if I. If I can, like, add my. My two cent, I hope this inspires everybody to do.
Encouragement and Empowerment
Do we call it pulling a Nikki? But, like, don't shut up until, like. Be fuego about it. Yeah, be fuego about it. Yes. I love it. Like, please. Like, I think with the central, and that's part of the beauty of what we have here is the fact that, like, you have a say, you have ownership. So, like, please tell us and. And don't shut up about it. Like, be. Be fuego about it.
Civil Engagement
That's a new catchphrase. Okay. Love it. Nikki, it's been so lovely. Like, I feel a little bit spoiled that I got to talk to you for so long. You're so amazing. You're. You're just a force of creativity in this space. And I hope everybody gives you a follow. Everyone give Nikki a heart or a 100 or a clap, because she. I do have some things that I want to give.
Appreciation for Contributions
Holy shit. Okay, first of all, I want to thank you, because I think you've been doing an amazing job since joining the foundation. I think. I think we've needed you for a really long time. So I'm so happy that you're here. and I'm very, spoiled myself to have a whole hour just for me. Like, I. I don't feel worthy, but. Oh, my God, stop. We just want to things you did.
Community Support
And so I appreciate that. And I appreciate everybody who's here. A lot of people who are in the space have been homies with me since day one. and you guys know who you are. And if it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't be in this position, and my life wouldn't be changed. So even if we're not homies, if you've been nice to me, anything nice you've ever said, I've remembered.
Gratitude for Life Changes
And so thank you for doing that. And thank you for helping change my whole direction in life and everything. About me. And I learned from every single one of you every single day. So never stop giving love and never stop being kind. And special thanks to foundation, because I see there's a few foundation people in here. Thank you for putting up with my bullshit.
Passion and Authenticity
And thank you for putting up with my bitching. I know I come off very passionate, but I promise it's always passion. And it's never like, 100% anger. There's like 2% anger there, but there's like 90% passion. So I love everything that's happened. It's all happened for a reason. And I'm excited to where it goes from the future. Amazing.
Concluding Thoughts
I'm going to call it there. Thank you so much, Nikki. And thank you, everybody who came and hung out with us. And we can't wait to see what you do with all about wearables. Just real quick, she'll shilling the contest. We have a contest going on right now. And everybody, you get fully reimbursed for your first wearable that you contribute to the contest.
Encouragement to Engage
So please show us what you can do. And Nikki gave some amazing tips. Just to reiterate something she said, auras are like, a great place to start. And if you're doing, if you're designing a top or a bottom, she said, like, pulling straight from the mesh is a great way to start. So. And shout out to KJ for all of the amazing YouTube tutorials.
Future Discussions
But, yeah, this has been just so lovely. And now, Nikki, we need to, like, talk offline about all the games. Yes. Awesome. All right, bye, everyone. Have a great. Thank you, guys. Love you, everybody. Yeah. Xoxo. Bye.
