No doubt you’ve heard of Bitcoin, but what about Bitcoin Ordinals?
“Bitcoin Ordinals” are essentially NFTs minted on the Bitcoin blockchain using satoshis, the smallest units of Bitcoin.
Now, don’t expect me to go into much more detail than that. I’m a photographer/artist and not a tech guy.
I first heard about Ordinals and Bitcoin NFTs back at the start of 2023.
However, I also heard they were clunky and complex, which had me imagining many long nights crying and swearing at my computer.
Plus, I was so busy with so many other things that I just sort of said, “Not today,” and then I forgot about it.
Many days passed, shit, I guess it was a year.
Then, a few days ago, I saw @ARTJEDI1 announce a Twitter Space about Education regarding Bitcoin Ordinals.
So I went to said space, received some great tips, and then collected my first Bitcoin Ordinal.
In the future, I plan to mint or inscribe my artwork on Bitcoin. That post coming soon.
Collecting a Bitcoin Ordinal
Please note. I’m not a professional. This is just my experience and how I did it.
Like anything in Web3 and Art, there are a hundred ways to get from where you are to where you’re going.
Step1: Create a Wallet
Yes, all adventures in Web3 start with a wallet for the appropriate chain. In this case, you will need a wallet that supports Bitcoin Ordinals.
The Twitter space mentioned Xverse wallet. I went with that one. If you have ever downloaded a Chrome extension, then you can create a wallet.
The most important thing to do is write down your seed phrase (12 random words) somewhere safe. Not on your computer. Go get a notebook or something.
Step2: Fund Wallet with Bitcoin
You can buy Bitcoin direct in the Xverse wallet.
However, I had already completed the identification process when setting up my CashApp so I just bought it there.
I then transferred the Bitcoin from CashApp to my Xverse wallet.
Of course, I messed that up and sent the Bitcoin to my Ordinals address. Yes, you have one unique address for your Bitcoin and another for Ordinals.
Luckily, there is a way to send the Bitcoin from your Ordinals address to your regular Bitcoin address, but it costs me a little in transaction fees.
I like to get the full experience!
Just in case you are like me >> Can I recover BTC sent to the Ordinal address in Xverse?
Don’t be like me!
Step 3: Head Over to a Marketplace and find the Bitcoin Ordinal you want to Collect
Now, I didn’t know anything about the Bitcoin Ordinal marketplaces. The only one I’ve heard of is Magic Eden. That’s because it’s a multi-chain market that now supports ordinals as well.
In the Twitter space, they mentioned Gamma.io as a great market for artists so I figured I would begin my collecting there.
Why not right? I mean, it’s all about getting our feet wet and testing the waters.
First, I connected my wallet to Gamma.io.
I then headed to the drops page and scrolled for a little bit looking at the available drops and who the artist was.
I saw 𝕰𝖒𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝕿𝖗𝖆𝖘𝖍 🌈🖤 (@EmpressTrash) who was also a speaker in the Twitter Space and is a familiar voice. I also like her art so it was an easy choice.
Pro Tip: I’m not claiming to be a pro but if I was, I would tell you to do what you love, create what you love, and collect what you love. The end.
NYC Nights – Empress Trash | Gamma
So that’s it. I hit the Buy button and confirmed the transaction in my wallet, and now I have a Bitcoin Ordinal.
Collecting a Bitcoin Ordinal Conclusion
I imagine the tools and marketplaces of today have helped shape the experience into something easier than it would have been in 2023.
It wasn’t that difficult and felt similar to my other Web 3 adventures across chains and marketplaces like ETH, Tezos, Solana, etc.
Soon, I plan to plant my little flag and create my own Bitcoin Ordinal. That post coming soon!
Are you collecting Bitcoin Ordinals? Are you creating Bitcoin Ordinals?
Leave your experience and expertise below. I want to hear about it. Also, feel free to leave a link to your Ordinal. Thanks for reading.
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