Jason Heuser may not be a name you yet recognize, but it is quite likely you have come across his work. It is literally everywhere from Prime Time TV chat shows, to household items like kitchen aprons and oven mitts and even branded t-shirts. But as successful as his art has been, Jason unfortunately has barely seen a cent from it. That’s because his popular piece went massively viral without his consent. But that is all about to change since Ethernity are conducting an art Drop with his most famous piece yet “WELCOME TO THE INTERNET” to celebrate the launch of their new platform.
A militant cat wielding a gun and riding a fire breathing unicorn. It’s ethereal, it’s symbolic and it celebrates everything from the inception of the internet, to the upsurge in NFTs and it’s a celebration of digital art.
1. Can you give us a little background about how your work as an artist has brought you into the NFT space?
Stumbling into everything as I tend to do, I started my digital career making absurd art that made me laugh and soon took hold on Reddit and other social media platforms. After doing this for over ten years, making memes and prints the traditional way aren’t as relevant. I’m embracing the chaos, letting it flow through me as I explore the new NFT space, and so far, I’ve had the most fun of my entire career. I’ve gotten to partner up and make some lasting friendships while getting some justice for Gustav [my cat who is showcased in my infamous ‘welcome to the internet’ piece].
2. People recognize your work all over the world and for good reason. What serves as your main inspiration?
80s/90s action movies, attention deficit disorder, and a deep desire to make people laugh all form the basis of my triforce of inspiration. I also get motivation when people disbelieve in me, thanks to my high school art teacher. Shoutout to Ms. Schiavo.
3. Your work, of course, has become an internet sensation. When did you realize that something was different about your ‘WELCOME TO THE INTERNET’ piece?
When I started seeing it in public on various products. I first saw it on BART when I was working in San Francisco, I had inquired as to where they purchased it and I found plenty of products on Alibaba and eBay. When I REALLY knew it was different was when I saw it in Windows 10. That’s when I knew I had something else on my hands.
4. It must be shocking to start seeing your work merchandised all over the internet. Do you see this as complimentary or something else?
It started out humorous to me, but it quickly became frustrating when I started seeing all the people making profits off it. One company that has respected the art and chose to work with me was Karben4 brewing.
5. With NFTs, you’re now expected to have fully transparent licensing power over your work – is this a big difference from what you’re used to?
I’ve had the fortune of working with a few companies who license my work. As far as the big picture goes, NFTs allow for much more transparency for all involved. To me, that’s incredibly valuable since the majority of sales for welcome to the internet products are not made by me
6. Ethernity and the NFT movement are protecting artists and helping them get credit on the business side. Do you think this kind of change is just the beginning?
Absolutely, this is a game changer for artists of all kinds. We’re at the precipice of a massive shift , so much so that most people aren’t ready. Get on the train now, it won’t be in the station for long. How many times have we all heard about the evil record companies, or corporations taking all the profits and leaving scraps for the people who do the lion share of the work? As Din would say “this is the way”.
7. You are in good company with other talented artists in the NFT world – who else do you think can benefit from this new technology?
I’m humbled by the artists I share the NFT space with. As far as what’s next? I have quite a few ideas as to whether NFTs could benefit everyone in the future. I think I’ll keep that close to my chest for now, but the future’s bright for NFTs and not so bright for the companies not embracing this tech. Sooon.
8. Thank you for taking the time to answer. If there are any last thoughts you want to share about ‘WELCOME TO THE INTERNET’ and NFTs in general then we are all ears!
Any IP lawyers who are looking to drop copious amounts of cease and desist letters and lawsuits on behalf of gustav contact me on my website.
President_heuser on ig
