Rhett Mankind is the founder of TurboToad, a memecoin developed with the assistance of ChatGPT. Mankind is an Australian digital artist with over two decades of experience in branding, advertising, and digital art. His work spans the NFT (Non-Fungible Token) space and explores the integration of artificial intelligence in art creation. ^[1][2][3][4]

Education

Rhett Mankind began his academic journey with a Diploma in Electronic Publishing and Multimedia from Swinburne University of Technology, completed in 1998. He furthered his education at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), where he earned a Diploma in Film and TV, specializing in Visual Effects, in 2006. This academic background laid the foundation for his career in digital design and multimedia. ^[1][2][4]

Career

Rhett Mankind began his professional journey as a Senior Designer at Eclipse Group, now Deloitte Digital, from 1998 to 2000, focusing on digital screen design for high-profile clients. He later worked in London as a Digital Designer for AKQA and ID Force, contributing to web and interactive screen designs.

After returning to Australia, Mankind continued to build his career, taking on roles such as Motion & Digital Designer at EmeryFrost (now Frost Collective & Emery Studio) and Digital Designer at Tribal DDB. His expertise in digital design and motion graphics led to roles in creative direction and commercial filmmaking, including positions at The Otto Empire and The White Agency, where he provided creative direction and managed design teams.

In 2020, Mankind shifted his focus to the growing field of crypto art, gaining recognition for his digital art experiments and involvement in the NFT space. His work has been featured in galleries and auction houses, including Sotheby’s and SuperRare. Despite challenges in the NFT market, Mankind continued to explore new avenues, such as the AI-driven project TurboToad, launched in 2023. ^[1][2][3][4]

Interviews

Insights on the NFT Space

Rhett Mankind has actively participated in discussions around the evolving NFT space, one of which was on Benjamin Cowen's YouTube channel on August 8, 2021, offering insights into its growth and opportunities for both artists and collectors. In an interview with Benjamin Cowen on his YouTube channel, Mankind delved into the definition of NFTs and the ongoing market evolution. He highlighted the volatility of the NFT market, acknowledging the potential for profit while also emphasizing the importance of understanding cryptocurrency fundamentals for newcomers.

Mankind discussed how digital artists are increasingly exploring the NFT space, which is creating unique opportunities within the art world. He noted that while Ethereum is the dominant blockchain for NFT activity, other networks like Tezos and Flow are emerging with potential for niche markets.

He also touched on the cultural shift within the art community as NFTs continue to integrate into mainstream culture, suggesting that this space will see continued growth and innovation in the years to come. ^[5]

Insights from Rhett and Allan McKay

In a second interview with Allan McKay's website on March 23, 2021, Rhett discussed the rapidly evolving world of digital art, focusing on NFTs and their impact on artists. Rhett highlighted how the motivation behind creating art has shifted in the digital age, with many artists now seeking validation through social media. He emphasized the importance of creating art for its intrinsic value, using Beeple as an example.

Rhett also addressed the challenges and misconceptions associated with success in the NFT space. Many artists enter the NFT world with the expectation of immediate financial rewards, inspired by stories like Beeple's. However, Rhett noted that the reality often differs, with success requiring a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of NFTs, including the need to connect with collectors and navigate the unpredictable nature of digital art markets.

The conversation also explored the broader implications of NFTs for the art world. Rhett compared the current state of NFTs to the early days of the internet, a period of rapid development and new opportunities, but also one where long-term stability is still being established. Despite the hype, Rhett asserted that NFTs are not just a passing trend but represent a significant shift in how art is created, valued, and collected. He encouraged artists to explore this new space, acquire the necessary skills, and find their place in the evolving digital art landscape. ^[6]