A Letter from NFT.NYC’25: Why I Still Believe in Digital Art

Jun 27

Written By DAB

by Cansu Peker, founder of Digital Arts Blog

Hey you magical artist,

It feels right to write this one more like a letter than a blog post. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on something big that just happened — and what it’s meant to me.

If you are new here: I’m Cansu — a writer and curator specializing in digital art, and the founder of Digital Arts Blog. My background is in cinema and economics. Over time, the former evolved into a fascination with new media art and digital storytelling. The latter led to a strong belief in the future of blockchain and what it can mean for artists navigating this rapidly shifting landscape.

That’s why getting to speak at NFT.NYC’25, the world’s first and biggest NFT conference, was truly a dream come true.

Last Thursday, I joined a panel titled “The Evolution of Digital Art NFTs: Defining a New Art Movement.” I got to sit alongside Vanessa Nawka Leschke, Maksymilian Nawka, Marjan Moghaddam, Kyt, and Dani Ropi. We talked about how to ensure meaningful art is truly seen, valued, and preserved; the many ways we can exhibit digital work; and what the future might look like as digital art continues to be adopted and understood.

Beyond my own panel, I was lucky enough to hear from other incredible artists, creators, and even investors who genuinely believe in this space. It was one of those rare moments where the right people, energy, and ideas all come together.

In a world full of doubt, conflict, and burnout, it’s refreshing to meet people who share your excitement about something. It’s sweet to feel hopeful. To believe in something. To sense that you’re growing alongside people who lift you up, who cheer for you, and who truly care.

That’s what community actually means.

I met artists this week who felt like old friends — like I’d known them all my life. That’s why we keep talking about the power of community. Because it is powerful. It’s not just a buzzword. It’s joy. It’s connection. It’s belonging.

Given that you're still here, reading this, allow me to be honest with you for a moment: that was something I really needed.

Running a blog about something as niche as digital art isn’t always easy. Most people don’t fully get it — not yet. You can only be so excited about the future, about how it’ll grow and be recognized and appreciated, before that excitement starts to wear thin.

There are days where it’s hard to keep believing in something when it feels like only a few others maybe do. Sometimes you get lost in numbers, vanity metrics, or the emptiness of online spaces. You might feel isolated. You start to wonder if anyone else even cares.

And then, slowly, the fire that once kept you going… starts to fizzle out.

But NFT.NYC helped me light it back up. Full force.

It reminded me why I started this blog in the first place — why I’ve poured hours of love and energy into this field. Why I keep showing up.

Because I’m not alone. We are not alone. We are a whole community. We are big. And, we are growing. We have resources. We have each other. We have everything we need. Plus, it’s already happening. What started with a handful of people is turning into a global movement.

So I decided to stick around a little longer; for those who still care. For those who have ideas and projects and visions in this field that are worth spreading the word about. We’re a publication, after all, and it’s for that little corner of the public that means so much to me.

Share your updates, ideas, and art with us. Collaborate with us on your Instagram posts. Write an essay for our Community Blog. Let’s spread the good news.

The fact that you’re still here means the world to me. You’re an integral part of this journey — so, thank you.

With so much love,
Cansu