Artist FAQ

Creator Dashboard instructions on this page describe V2.

If you use the legacy dashboard, follow Staging & Testing (Legacy) and Mainnet Launch (Legacy).

Application

How do I apply to Art Blocks? Apply at artblocks.io/apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The acceptance rate is approximately 10%.

What does Art Blocks look for? Innovation in how generative code expresses artistic ideas, technical proficiency, and conceptual depth. Art Blocks is interested in work that pushes the boundaries of what the medium can do — not just technically polished, but genuinely interesting.

I applied and haven't heard back. What should I do? Art Blocks reviews applications as a team and may take several weeks. If it's been more than a month, feel free to follow up at apply@artblocks.io.

Can I submit multiple projects for consideration at once? Generally, start with your strongest project. Once accepted and your first project launches, you're welcome to discuss future projects.

Technical Requirements

What programming languages are supported? JavaScript. Generative scripts must be written in JS and run in a standard browser environment.

Can I use TypeScript? You must upload compiled JavaScript. Develop in TypeScript if you prefer, but compile to plain JS before uploading.

Can I use multiple libraries? No — one library (one dependency) per project. Scripts are limited to a single external library from the Art Blocks Dependency Registry.

What if my preferred library version isn't in the registry? Contact Art Blocks in #artist-tech. The team can evaluate adding new versions to the registry.

Can I use ES modules or import statements? Only for libraries that use module-based delivery (e.g. Three.js v0.161+). The generator handles import map setup for registered module-based libraries. For standard UMD/IIFE libraries, the library is injected as a global.

My script uses Math.random() — is that a problem? Yes. Math.random() is non-deterministic. Seed a PRNG from tokenData.hash instead. See Building Your Project for the recommended sfc32 implementation.

How large can my script be? Scripts are stored on-chain in segments of ~24KB. There's no hard limit, but scripts larger than ~200KB may incur significant gas costs. Optimize and minify where possible.

Can I update my script after it's live? Scripts can be updated until the project is locked. Locking is permanent — after the lock, the script cannot be changed. Locking is required before a project sells out.

Creator Dashboard V2

My project shell disappeared from the dashboard. What happened? Confirm the dashboard environment and chain, then reconnect with the registered artist wallet or a wallet with contract access.

See Creator Dashboard Help.

How do I preview my script in the Creator Dashboard? Open the project and select View outputs. Samples shows unminted renders. Tokens shows minted outputs and lets you refresh their renders after a script change.

To mint an output, configure a fixed-price minter and price, then select Mint. Pause the project before switching to a different final minter.

Can I import my testnet configuration to mainnet? Yes. Open the production project and select Import project. Review and select the supported metadata, render, script, Flex asset, and PostParams changes before starting.

Edition size, artist address, payment settings, minter configuration, project status, outputs, and contract history are not imported.

See Move to Production.

What's the difference between Canvas Mode being on or off? If checked, data is directly pulled from the Canvas element using .toDataURL() when producing static image renders. This additional rendering mode can be leveraged for projects with varying aspect ratios across different tokens.

Please note that scripts containing multiple Canvas elements may not render as intended.

I set up my payment splits wrong. Can I change them? You can update payment configuration up until the project is locked. After locking, the royalty splitter is immutable — contact Art Blocks to request a splitter replacement.

How do I format my project description? My line breaks aren't working. The description field renders standard Markdown: **bold**, *italics*, #/## headers, and links all work.

Markdown collapses whitespace, so <br> tags and trailing double-spaces do not reliably create paragraph breaks. To force a blank line, put   on its own line:

First paragraph.

 

Second paragraph.

The Creator Dashboard preview can render slightly differently than the live collection page, so check the live page after publishing to confirm formatting looks right.

Artist Profile

How do I update my artist name, profile picture, bio, or links? Sign in to the Creator Dashboard, open the account menu, and select Profile. This editor is separate from an individual project's Details. Changes apply anywhere the profile is used, including past projects.

Can I change my artist page's URL slug myself? No. The slug isn't editable from the Creator Dashboard. Contact Art Blocks in #artist-tech or #help to request a slug change.

I updated my profile but the changes aren't showing on the site yet. Profile updates can take a few minutes to propagate across the site due to caching. If it's been longer than that, contact Art Blocks in #artist-tech or #help.

I'm the credited artist on a project, but I can't edit the artist profile. Why? This usually happens on collaboration or partner releases where the on-chain creator wallet isn't the one registered to you. Contact Art Blocks in #artist-tech or #help with your details and the team can update the profile manually.

Staging and Testing

How do I get Sepolia testnet ETH? Use the Alchemy Sepolia faucet or ask in #artist-tech on Discord — community members often share faucet access.

How many test mints should I do before submitting for review? Mint at least 20–40 test tokens and review them under View outputs. Inspect the live generator view, static captures, and feature distribution.

My script renders correctly locally but not in the dashboard preview. Why? Common causes: CDN <script> tags in your script (the generator injects the library — don't add your own), DOM setup code (e.g. creating a <canvas> element that already exists), or references to external resources.

My static thumbnail shows a blank or mid-render frame. How do I fix this? If you are using the delay timer, increase the Render Delay under Render settings so the initial state has time to stabilize.

If a specific frame is the intended thumbnail, set window.$useRenderPreview = true at the top level of your script and call window.$renderPreview() when that frame is on screen.

See Thumbnail Capture with renderPreview.

Can I test PostParams on staging? Yes. Navigate to your token on artist-staging.artblocks.io and use the PostParam editing interface while logged in with your artist wallet.

Artist Pipeline

How long does review take? Typically 1–3 weeks. The Art Blocks team reviews each project carefully and may request revisions.

What kind of feedback might I receive? Output quality, trait distribution, edge-case handling, script performance, and artistic considerations. Address all feedback before requesting re-review.

What happens between testnet approval and mainnet launch? Art Blocks coordinates a production deployment slot. You'll open the production project, import supported settings, verify the remaining release values, mint token #0 when cleared, then publish and open minting.

Can I change the edition size after launch? Edition size can only be decreased on V3 contracts, never increased. Once tokens are minted past a reduced size, the size is fixed.

Pricing and Revenue

What percentage do I keep from primary sales? 90% of primary sales go to the artist; 10% to Art Blocks.

What are typical secondary royalties? Up to 5% total on secondary sales. By default, roughly 2/3 goes to the artist and 1/3 to Art Blocks. Artists configure the exact percentage in the Creator Dashboard.

When can I withdraw royalties? Secondary royalties accumulate in your 0xSplits splitter contract. Distribute at any time by visiting app.splits.org and triggering a distribution.

Can I accept an ERC-20 token as payment? Yes, with the Set Price – ERC20 minter. Contact Art Blocks to confirm the token is supported.

Security

Should I use a hardware wallet? Yes, strongly recommended for your artist wallet, especially after project launch.

My wallet was compromised. What do I do? Contact Art Blocks immediately at apply@artblocks.io and in #artist-tech on Discord. Artist address updates require a proposal/approval process.

Can someone copy my script? Your script is stored on-chain and is publicly readable. To protect your work, ensure your project is locked before launch, so no modifications are possible.

Post-Release

Can I release future projects? Yes. Many Studio artists release multiple projects. Use the same Creator Dashboard account and artist wallet.

My project sold out. Can I add more tokens? On V3 contracts, you cannot increase the edition size. You can release a follow-up project instead.

I see my art being used without permission. What can I do? Art Blocks' standard license gives collectors the right to display their specific token, not to reproduce the project at scale. For licensing concerns, consult with a legal advisor familiar with NFT IP.

How do I add animated thumbnails to my project after launch? Contact Art Blocks in #artist-tech with your animation settings (render delay, aspect ratio, MP4 specs).