Jesperish didn’t set out to become an artist — he was born into it. Raised in the Netherlands by a painter mother and a music-obsessed father, his childhood unfolded like a synesthetic score: progressive rock became color, emotion became form, and gaming became his first canvas. By age 10, he was already manipulating layers in Photoshop CS2 on his dad’s work laptop. What began as fan art for online communities evolved into a signature visual language — melancholic, spiritual, and steeped in abstract architecture.
That language would find a global audience in 2021, when Jesperish’s haunting digital painting, “The burden which is well borne becomes the light” sold to Cozomo de’ Medici and lit up Times Square as part of the Medici Collection. Since then, his works have appeared at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, including a 6 ETH ($10,984) sale of “Embracing the Citadel’s Challenge” at Christie’s New York in 2024. But even as the stakes and platforms have grown, Jesperish’s process has remained intimate: analog sketches, layered digital compositions, and a sensibility shaped more by spiritual inquiry than algorithmic reach.
His latest body of work, “NETRA,” launching on May 5 via NINFA, pushes that vision further inward. Encompassing a 1/1 auction and 100 fully pre-sold digital artworks bound by the motif of the eye, Jesperish stages a visual pilgrimage through perception and the search for inner clarity. Drawing on ancient symbolism, “NETRA” is a demand for slowness in an era of velocity. “We are all living mirrors,” he writes, and in “NETRA,” each gaze becomes an invitation to look back.
Matt Medved: How did you first become interested/involved in digital art?
Jesperish: That’s a tough question — I don’t really remember exactly how I first got into digital art. I was born in 1996, and back then, my dad used to play video games on his laptop. He was already into music, art, and movies, and my mom is a painter as well. So growing up in a house filled with creativity, you naturally start expressing yourself with whatever tools are around. For me, that meant games and computers — they became part of my early language, so digital art kind of evolved from that. It really took off when social media and online gaming became a thing. After school, we’d game every single day, and I started making art for the gaming community. My dad had his first Photoshop license and work laptop, and I started experimenting with Photoshop CS2 when I was around 9 or 10 years old.
How would you describe your art?
Melancholic, spiritual, and filled with abstract architecture — but always grounded in very personal experiences. I like blending digital techniques with a handmade feel. I’m really into textures, layers, and creating visuals that feel like they came from some alternate, ancient-futuristic civilization.
“I often feel extremely intuitive, like I’m plugged into a constant stream of insight — a kind of highway of pure knowledge.”
JESPERISH
What’s your process like? And where do you usually find inspiration?
Since I was a kid, I’ve always seen visuals when I listen to music or feel strong emotions. Last year, I learned from another artist that this is called synesthesia. I was born extremely sensitive, and I think that sensitivity shaped my creative lens. Listening to all the progressive music my dad played, seeing my mom’s art, playing fantasy games, and visiting religious and historical sites during holidays — all of that left a deep imprint on me. My grandparents were also into art, crafts, and philosophy. One of my grandfathers even took a job that gave him more time to reflect on life. He always had the most thoughtful quotes. My other grandfather was a master craftsman — he could make anything out of wood or steel. Both of my grandmothers had a creative vision and were into painting as well. Somehow, even though I wasn’t pushed in any direction, I always felt deeply connected to religion and spirituality — I guess it allowed me to tap into my higher mind. I often feel extremely intuitive, like I’m plugged into a constant stream of insight — a kind of highway of pure knowledge. These days, I find inspiration through music, nature, and especially visiting ancient places.
Lately, I’ve been diving deep into meditation, energy work, and philosophy — and that’s become a huge source of creative fuel. My process usually starts with a vision or a feeling. I begin by sketching — sometimes with pencils, sometimes with fineliners — to capture the idea or story I want to tell. Then I create a more detailed sketch, digitize it, and start combining multiple sketches in Adobe Photoshop. I’ll sometimes create texture work in Adobe After Effects and blend that into the composition. Once that’s done, I return to Photoshop to digitally paint, and sometimes I go back into After Effects to animate the final piece.
What was your breakthrough moment in web3?
That would definitely be in 2021. My artwork “The burden which is well borne becomes the light” was sold to Cozomo de’ Medici — it was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, sales on Tezos at the time. It was also displayed in Times Square in New York as part of the Medici Collection. The market was wild, and I already had a community following from earlier platforms, so it became a huge moment for me. Artists like Sam Spratt and the entire Medici team went out of their way to support me — I’ll never forget that.
What are the biggest challenges facing rising artists in web3?
Visibility is definitely a big one. The space moves incredibly fast, and sometimes it feels like you’re shouting into the void. There’s also constant pressure to create and stay relevant, which can be exhausting. Then there’s the technical side — wallets, contracts, platforms — all of that can be overwhelming when all you really want to do is make art. And of course, the market itself is volatile. If you tie your self-worth too closely to your sales, it can really affect your confidence. But honestly, if you’re not doing this just to make a living — if you’re doing it because you love it — then what reason do you really have to stop?
What advice do you have for rising artists in this space?
Focus on building your voice, not just your brand. Take your time — you don’t need to keep up with every trend. Connect with other artists, ask questions, and share your process. People in web3 really value transparency and authenticity. Don’t be afraid to experiment — this space was built by weirdos trying new things. That’s the magic of it. Create daily, express yourself as much as you can, and use every platform available to you. If you get the chance, go to events. Go to New York. Meet the people.
“Create daily, express yourself as much as you can, and use every platform available to you. If you get the chance, go to events. Go to New York. Meet the people.”
JESPERISH
Here are a few things that helped me: Self-development: Being willing to understand and grow yourself is fundamental. Interest in others: Genuinely caring about other people’s stories builds deeper, more meaningful relationships. Believe in your vision: Stay committed to your creative path, even when it’s tough. Friendly competition: A bit of competition can be motivating — just keep it healthy. Patience: Success takes time. In this fast-paced world, people expect to make it in a year or two. I spent the first three to four years working for free. It wasn’t until the last five years of my 15-year digital art journey that things really started to take off.
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