Around 2021, curiosity got the better of me and I found myself diving headfirst into the rapidly growing world of NFTs and digital collectibles. While the technology divided opinion, what genuinely fascinated me was the incredible artwork and the passionate communities forming around independent creators.
One artist whose work immediately stood out was Kid Eight and his beautifully surreal Evol collection. Inspired by his distinctive cherub character, I created my own Squattie interpretation before taking things one step further with a fully realised 3D tribute scene.
My homage to Kid Eight's G'Evols collection, created for a community art competition.Building A Tribute
The artwork was created as an entry into a community competition celebrating the G'Evols collection. Rather than simply recreating the original artwork, I wanted to build an entire environment that felt as though it belonged within Kid Eight's universe while still carrying the unmistakable angular style of Squatties.
The result was a dramatic 3D composition that combined stylised lighting, environmental storytelling, and custom-made props inspired by the NFT collection.
Final character models for the tribute scene.Every Detail Counts
One of my favourite elements was a custom-designed banknote created specifically for the scene.
Although it only appears briefly as it burns within the composition, designing tiny details like this has always been one of my favourite parts of building larger worlds. They're the kinds of Easter eggs that many people never notice—but I know they're there.
The custom banknote created for the scene.Winning Isn't Everything
The piece ultimately didn't win the competition, but that almost became irrelevant by the time it was finished.
Like many of the projects that have shaped Squatties over the years, the real reward came from pushing myself creatively, experimenting with new techniques, and building something I simply wanted to exist.
Looking back, the NFT boom may have come and gone (for now?), but it introduced me to a wealth of talented independent artists whose work continues to inspire me today. This project remains one of my favourite creative experiments from that period.
The scene as a CD cover concept.