Behind every piece of art in Web3 is a story. Sometimes that story is about creativity and imagination. Sometimes it's about survival.
For the artist known as Brats, art is not just expression. It's a lifeline.
Creating for family
Brats creates pixel art within the XRPL ecosystem. But unlike many artists in Web3, his journey into NFTs didn't begin with dreams of profit or speculation. It began with necessity.
After being laid off from his job as a barista, Brats found himself facing a difficult reality. At home in Indonesia, he now cares for his elderly parents while also supporting his wife, child, and extended family — all living together under one roof.
Art became the path forward.
"I decided to create pixel art and sell it just to support my big family and my small family."
Sometimes the motivation to create is deeply personal.
"Sometimes I create art just to afford one piece of bread for my child, one for my wife."
His honesty is raw, but it reflects the reality many artists around the world face.
A message to artists entering Web3
Brats has strong feelings about the culture surrounding Web3 art. For him, the XRPL community represents something meaningful — a place where artists and collectors can build genuine relationships.
His message to newcomers is direct:
"Don't come to XRPL just to make art, take money, and leave whenever you want. Instead, build and create."
Integrity matters to him more than anything else.
"Honesty is the most important thing. The people here are kind and open if you truly want to grow."
He also speaks openly about the greed that sometimes appears in the space. His words are blunt, but they come from wanting the community to stay genuine.
Creating in the quiet hours
Despite the challenges he faces, Brats continues creating whenever he can. His favourite time to work is late at night in Indonesia, when much of the Web3 world is waking up.
"When it's 12 PM in the US, it's midnight in Indonesia… that's my favourite time to create."
With coffee nearby and a quiet house, he can focus on bringing pixel characters and stories to life.
The Brats Collective
Among the pieces he has created, one project stands above the rest: The Brats Collective. This pixel collection is the work he feels most proud of.
Continuing it, however, has been difficult.
"The tablet I used to create The Brats Collective had to be sold to buy food for my family."
It's a reminder that behind every digital artwork is a real human story, sometimes filled with sacrifice.
Gratitude and hope
Even with the hardships he faces, Brats speaks with gratitude about the people who have helped him.
"I also think about the kind people out there who sometimes help me. Especially CommUnity."
The XRPL art community is often described as supportive and welcoming, and artists like Brats are part of why.
Not every artist needs a sale to be helped. Supporting artists beyond buying →
Looking forward
Brats continues creating pixel art whenever he can, pushing forward despite obstacles and uncertainty.
His story is a powerful reminder of what art can mean — not just as creativity, but as a way to provide, connect, and survive.
And while the future may be uncertain, one thing remains clear: as long as he can create, Brats will keep drawing.
Where to find the work
- The Brats Collective — Search The Brats Collective on XRPL Home Explore →
- Brats Punk — Search Brats Punk on XRPL Home Explore →
- Bears Punk — Search Bears Punk on XRPL Home Explore →
Key takeaways
- He turned to pixel art after being laid off, supporting parents, wife and child under one roof.
- He sold the tablet he used to make his proudest collection in order to buy food.
- His message to newcomers: build and create, don't extract and leave.
- He works at midnight Indonesia time, when the rest of Web3 is waking up.
- He credits the CommUnity for helping him keep going.
Come sit by the fire
The Hearth is where XRPL Home’s artists and collectors trade what they’ve learned.
Join the community More from the HearthOriginally published on X on March 15, 2026. Read the original on X ↗
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