As usual, I'm offering you some music to set the mood. I've chosen autechre, a group known for often incorporating randomness into their compositions, much like fx(hash) and myself, copeau - we all share a preference for lowercase names :)

Plunging Deeper into the Web 3 Art: An Enlightening Chat with Paul Schmidt, COO of fx(hash)

Before we dive into the conversation, it's crucial to understand the unique position of fx(hash) in the world of crypto art. fx(hash) holds a distinctive place as the first platform to bring generative art to the Tezos blockchain. This pioneering approach has been a critical factor in its success, shaping the journey of artists, collectors, and the broader community in this burgeoning field.

As I embarked on my journey to explore the world of Web 3 art, I realized that the realm of crypto art extends far beyond artists and encompasses a rich network of diverse contributors. Today, I am delighted to present a condensed overview of my insightful conversation with Paul Schmidt, a tech enthusiast, and the dynamic COO of fx(hash). As we navigate through his journey and visions for the future, we unravel more dimensions of the fast-evolving world of Web 3 art. Stay tuned for more such compelling conversations.

Introduction and Paul's Journey in fx(hash)

François Godineau: What inspired you to delve into the world of NFTs and Web 3?

Paul Schmidt: I saw more and more people talking about it on my Twitter timeline and wanted to work in an exciting field. I saw the potential of art and crypto and found it intriguing to be part of such a space. That's what led me on this path.

François Godineau: Could you elaborate on your role at fx(hash)?

Paul Schmidt: As the COO at fx(hash), my primary responsibility lies in business operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly. As we are a startup after all, there are no set roles, we are quite fluid in how we work as a team. While I have an interest in art and fashion, I wouldn't classify myself as an artist.

François Godineau: How did your association with fx(hash) begin?

Paul Schmidt: I discovered fx(hash) through Twitter or Discord around its release time. It perfectly fit what I was looking for as a consumer, prompting me to reach out to ciphrd and offer my help. I initially joined as a moderator, and over time, we succeeded in transforming fx(hash) into a sustainable business and building a team.

fx(hash): Structural Overview and Community Building

François Godineau: Could you provide insights into fx(hash)'s legal structure?

Paul Schmidt: As of today, fx(hash) operates as a French SAS.

François Godineau: Can you share your strategy for community building on platforms like Twitter and Discord?

Paul Schmidt: Our community has grown organically since the beginning. Our primary focus was to develop the product, enhance its features, and cater to the needs of artists and collectors. This approach attracted many individuals who further amplified our message. All of this would not be possible without cosimo, he truly is great at what he does

François Godineau: What was the biggest sale on fx(hash)?

Paul Schmidt: The biggest sale to date was "Garden, Monoliths #156" by zancan. It was bought by Le Random for a staggering 75k tez.

fx(hash) Operations: Fees, Functionality, and Features

François Godineau: Your platform charges a fee, correct?

Paul Schmidt: Indeed, we levy a 5% commission on primary sales and 2.5% on secondary sales. This income stream is crucial to compensate our team for their work.

François Godineau: Does your platform curate the displayed artwork?

Paul Schmidt: While we provide a platform open for all to showcase their work,have a policy of no curation. We want to empower everyone to curate on their own, build their own solutions on top of fx(hash), such as seen with Tender.art.

Team Structure and Organization at fx(hash)

François Godineau: Could you tell us about the size of the fx(hash) team?

Paul Schmidt: At present, our team consists of five to six members. We plan to expand and increase the team where necessary in the next year.

François Godineau: How is your team organized, and what are your specific skills within the team?

Paul Schmidt: We heavily rely on Notion and Discord for seamless communication. We trust each team member to fulfill their roles and empower them accordingly. As for my skills, I'd say my ability to bring structure is a significant asset, helping bring order to the chaos. But above all, our motivation to elevate fx(hash) and generative art to the mainstream world fuels us.

Future Vision and Advice for Beginners

François Godineau: Do you have any advice for beginners entering Web 3 or starting as crypto artists?

Paul Schmidt: I'd encourage them to find their unique style that stirs emotion, rather than merely copying existing styles. Utilize the medium fully, deliberate over what you aspire to create, and consider your releases and interactions. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and carve your unique path.

François Godineau: Can you share fx(hash)'s vision for future growth?

Paul Schmidt: We aim to remain small as a team. While we have plans to grow, we don't aspire to become a company of hundreds. We firmly believe that a compact team of around 20 skilled, highly motivated, and aligned individuals can create a superior product compared to a larger team that lacks cohesion. Think of Whatsapp and early Notion as examples of companies that we want to model.

Wrapping Up the Interview

François Godineau: Thank you for this enriching conversation, Paul.

Paul Schmidt: Of course, always. And have a nice rest of the day. I'm excited to read the interview.

Connect, Explore, and Share Your Journey in the Web 3 Space

I hope this conversation has given you a deeper understanding of the operations and visions at the heart of fx(hash). If you're curious to dive further into the world of Web 3 Art or interested in becoming part of the fx(hash) community, don't hesitate to visit their website and Discord channel.

For French speakers, be sure to check out the French version of this article on my blog, lartistecrypto.com, where you'll find more detailed insights about the world of crypto art.

For artists and individuals in the Web 3 space interested in sharing their journey, experiences, and insights, I'm open for interviews. To see the interview protocol or to schedule an interview, visit linterview.lartistecrypto.com.

Furthermore, this conversation with Paul Schmidt will be minted as an NFT on fx(text), the component of fx(hash) that enables text minting. This provides a unique opportunity for readers to own a piece of this dialogue, capturing a moment in the evolution of Web 3 Art.

Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations with leading figures in the crypto art world, and don't forget to subscribe for regular updates!