The SPARK of LivingBots, and whats next

In 2021 I watched Gary Vee draw the Rare Robot and it clicked. Storytelling wasn’t an add-on to art. It was the heart. I started LivingBots so kids (and adults) had a safe place to express themselves, flaws included. Even robots have weaknesses. That’s the point.

I thought LivingBots would become a bigger NFT project. What 2025 Tim knows: their real value lives in the classroom and IRL. We had a generative drop that struggled, and a Thirdweb contract issue forced me to lock it. That hurt. But the community had my back, and the lesson was simple, SLOW DOWN, go IRL, and battle-test the work with students.

PaperBots and SketchBots grew from that mindset. At VeeCon people wanted something tangible, so I drew. Kids love them because they’re easy to learn and fun to customize. Over one summer I sold 250 sketch cards. The Bots don’t need to live only on-chain to matter.

Volunteering backstage at NFT.NYC taught me that showing up matters. Put in the time, do the work, make genuine connections. That led to opportunities, a microphone for my art, and eventually helping with events in New York and NFT London, my first real trip outside North America. Different city, same takeaway: the world is big, diverse, and worth exploring.

Today I split my energy between teaching and creating. I love the work, I love the people, and I love using AI and design to make ideas real. My north star for LivingBots is simple: lean into the work you avoid. The Bots help you get uncomfortable, so you can grow with your team. We learn together.