Frequently Asked Questions
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A “Digital Original” of an artwork refers to a digital representation that captures the essence, detail, and authenticity of a physical artwork with high-resolution imaging and verified ownership data. This type of digital asset is created using advanced Digital Light Capture Technology and preserved on blockchain to ensure the original artwork’s unique properties and ownership history are recorded transparently and securely.
Here’s what makes a Digital Original distinct:
- This digital transformation allows artworks to reach new collectors and digital art enthusiasts, offering galleries, museums, and artists a way to engage with audiences in virtual and digital spaces while retaining authenticity and exclusivity.
- Blockchain Integration: These digital assets are stored on blockchain networks, often as non-fungible tokens, linking them to a unique digital signature and tracking provenance and ownership history.
- Verification of Authenticity: Digital Originals are authenticated by the owner or authorized institutions, establishing a secure link between the physical artwork and its digital counterpart.
- Accessibility and Preservation: By creating a Digital Original, the artwork can be preserved digitally, making it accessible to global audiences and protecting it from physical risks like deterioration or damage.
This digital transformation allows artworks to reach new collectors and digital art enthusiasts, offering galleries, museums, and artists a way to engage with audiences in virtual and digital spaces while retaining authenticity and exclusivity.
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Here’s a brief guide on how to use your Digital Original:
- View & Display: Enjoy your Digital Original in high resolution on your device or display it in digital spaces for a viewing experience.
- Verify Authenticity: Use the blockchain data to confirm its provenance and authenticity, showcasing it as a verified digital asset.
- Sell or Transfer: Use your wallet to transfer your Digital Original between your wallets. If you’ve purchased a Digital Original for the first time, the terms of the smart contract specify that it can be resold one year after the purchase date. After this period, you’ll be able to list it for sale in this gallery store.
- Sell or Transfer: Use your wallet to transfer your Digital Original between your wallets. If you’ve purchased a Digital Original for the first time, the terms of the smart contract specify that it can be resold one year after the purchase date. After this period, you’ll be able to list it for sale in this gallery store.
These options provide versatility for viewing, sharing, and even monetizing your Digital Original securely.
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Here’s a quick guide for purchasing a Digital Original using a crypto wallet:
- Set Up Your Wallet: Make sure your crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet) is set up and funded with the required cryptocurrency (e.g., ETH or USDC for Ethereum-based purchases).
- Connect Wallet to our website: This usually involves clicking “Connect Wallet” and following the on-screen prompts.
- Browse and Select Artwork: Browse available Digital Originals and select any one you’d like to purchase.
- Confirm Payment: Click “Purchase,” review the transaction details, and confirm the payment in your wallet.
- Transaction Confirmation: Wait for the blockchain confirmation. Once complete, you’ll see the Digital Original in your wallet.
- View and Manage: You now own the Digital Original and can view, hold, or transfer it as desired.
And that’s it! You’ve made a secure digital art purchase.
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- Pick a Wallet: Use an ERC-20 compatible wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet.
- Download & Set Up: Install the wallet app, create a new wallet, and set a strong password.
- Save Recovery Phrase: Write down the 12-24 word seed phrase—don’t save it online.
- Fund with ETH: Use the wallet’s “Receive” function to transfer ETH (needed for transaction fees).
- Add ERC-20 Tokens: Use “Add Token” if a specific token doesn’t automatically appear.
That’s it! Now you’re ready to send and receive ERC-20 tokens.
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Here is a quick guide on how to fund your crypto wallet with ETH and USDC (ERC-20) via an exchange like WhiteBIT:
- Log in to a cryptocurrency exchange like WhiteBIT or create an account there: if you haven’t done so already, register, verify your identity, and log in.
- Deposit fiat or crypto: go to the deposit section where you can add funds to your account via bank transfer, credit card, or crypto transfer from another wallet.
- Buy or exchange your funds for enough ETH and USDC tokens:
- Once your account is funded, go to the trade section.
- Select ETH or USDC and place a buy order.
4. Transfer ETH and USDC to your wallet:
- In WhiteBIT, go to the Withdraw section, select ETH or USDC, and enter your external wallet address.
- Confirm the transaction and pay the withdrawal fee.
- Your funds will arrive in your wallet, where you can now manage your balance in both ETH and USDC.
That's it! You are ready to use ETH and USDC in your wallet.
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- Connect your crypto wallet to the Gallery Store: to participate in an auction, buyers must connect their crypto wallet (ERC-29) containing the required funds of ETH and USDC.
- Browse and select available auctions: Buyers can explore the auction listings and view details about each artwork, including starting bids, auction duration, and artist information.
- Bidding Process: Once a buyer expresses interest, they can bid on the artwork of their choice. Each bid must exceed the previous one by a specified increment, which varies depending on the artwork’s price range. This encourages competitive bidding.
- Bid Monitoring: Buyers can track their bids and receive notifications. If outbid, they have the opportunity to place a higher bid before the auction ends.
- Auction Conclusion: At the end of the auction, the highest bidder wins the Digital Original of the artwork. The transaction is confirmed via a smart contract that automatically transfers the token and distributes royalties accordingly.
- Royalty Payments and Fees: Buyers should be aware that a buyer’s premium (usually 2%-5%) and a storage fee will be added to the final auction price. These fees support the platform and ensure that the artwork’s image is stored on the blockchain and Digital Original servers for 100 years.
By following these steps, buyers can confidently participate in Digital Original auctions, supporting artists and the growing digital art market. For more information, please see the official Digital Original guidelines.
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Here is a quick guide to selling Digital Originals on the secondary market:
- Wait for the Holding Period: If you are a first-time buyer, the smart contract terms may specify a holding period (usually a minimum of one year) before resale is allowed. After this period, you are free to list your Digital Originals for sale in the current gallery store.
- List for Sale: Connect your crypto wallet containing the Digital Original to the website. Navigate to your token collection, select the Digital Original, and click “Start selling”, set your price and choose the selling method (auction or fixed price).
- Confirm the Listing: Approve the listing through your wallet to finalize the sale. Be aware that you may need to pay a small gas fee to complete the transaction.
- Complete the Sale: Once a buyer purchases your listing, the digital masterpiece is automatically transferred, and your proceeds are credited to your wallet.
These steps ensure a smooth resale on the secondary market while maintaining the integrity of the asset and its ownership history on the blockchain.
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To view the Digital Original (DO) you purchased in your crypto wallet, there are two main ways:
- Viewing on Our Website: Connect your crypto wallet where the Digital Original is stored, then navigate to the “My Collection” section. Here, you’ll see your token with a link to a detailed view on a separate page. This method provides a more user-friendly experience, and we recommend using it.
- Viewing in Your Crypto Wallet: Log in to your crypto wallet and go to the “NFT” tab to see your tokens. If the token doesn’t display, you can add it manually by entering the contract address: 0x653cdB21a83b59374C194002Da332D683F5678aA and the token ID. Once added, the token should appear and be available for interaction. You can also view your Digital Original in a blockchain explorer like Etherscan or on platforms like OpenSea.
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The smart contract determines the winner at the end of the auction, selecting the highest bid. The winner then becomes the lot owner in the form of a Digital Original of an artwork, and the token appears in their crypto wallet. All participants who placed lower bids will receive refunds to their crypto wallets as soon as a higher bid is made. However, the Ethereum blockchain network commission is not refunded in this case.
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Experiencing difficulties connecting to your crypto wallet can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
- Check your internet connection. Ensure that you have a stable and reliable internet connection. Sometimes, poor connectivity can prevent your wallet from properly connecting to the network.
- Verify wallet compatibility. Make sure that your wallet is compatible with the Ethereum Network ERC-20 m or service you're trying to connect to. Not all wallets support every cryptocurrency or platform.
- Update your wallet software. Ensure that you’re using the latest version of your wallet software. Developers often release updates to address bugs and improve compatibility.
- Reset your connection. Sometimes, simply disconnecting and reconnecting your wallet can resolve connectivity issues. Close the wallet application or browser tab, wait a few moments, and then try reconnecting.
- Contact customer support. If you've tried all the above steps and are still unable to connect to your wallet, contact the customer support team of your wallet provider or the platform you're trying to access. They may be able to provide further assistance or insight into the issue.
By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve most connectivity issues with your crypto wallet.
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At the initial stage, collectors can only sell their Digital Originals on our platform. After purchasing a token, you’ll need to hold it for at least one year before selling, to help prevent speculation.
In the future, we may offer options for trading Digital Original tokens on other platforms.