RRC-XX [DRAFT] Creation of an Emblematic Character for RARI DAO

Introduction

RARI DAO stands for creativity, innovation, and community within the Web3 ecosystem. I propose the creation of an emblematic character, a symbol that captures the essence of RARI DAO: digital art, decentralization, and the connection between creators and collectors. Inspired by iconic styles such as Nouns, OPtimism Character or BanklessDAO to mention some, this character will not only serve as a representative emblem for the DAO but also act as a catalyst to connect and strengthen its global identity. Its purpose goes beyond symbolic representation, becoming a strategic pillar to position RARI decisively in the NFT market, excelling in art creation and promoting the core values of decentralization. This integrative approach aims to establish the DAO as a benchmark in innovation and digital culture, driving the sustainable growth of its ecosystem and its global recognition.

Why is creating an IP beneficial for a DAO?

In the realm of DAOs, IP can include:
• Emblematic characters: Designs like the one proposed for RARI DAO.
• Stories or narratives: Lore that defines a universe or community.
• Visual art and NFTs: Original works that strengthen the project’s identity.
• Registered trademarks: Names, logos, and slogans associated with the project.

  1. Brand identity:

IP helps build a unique identity that sets the project apart in the market. An emblematic character or narrative can become a recognizable symbol both within and outside the Web3 ecosystem.

  1. Monetization and sustainability:

A strong IP can be monetized through:

• Merchandising: Selling physical products (t-shirts, pins, posters) or digital items (stickers, avatars, etc)

• Exclusive NFTs: Limited collections based on the IP, generating revenue and community engagement.

• Licensing: Allowing others to use the IP in their projects in exchange for royalties or agreements.

  1. Community building:

A character or narrative can act as a unifying element, helping members identify with the story or values of the project. It also fosters a sense of belonging and active participation.

  1. Scalability and collaboration:
    A well-designed IP can evolve and adapt to new contexts or collaborations, such as partnerships with other DAOs, events, or brands. It can also expand into different formats, such as video games, animated series, or educational content.

  2. Global recognition:
    A strong visual icon associated with the DAO can transcend the Web3 space and resonate with broader audiences, attracting new users, partners, and investors.

  3. Protection and control:

Registering the IP ensures the project maintains control over its use, preventing imitations or misuse. This is particularly important in an open ecosystem like Web3.

In summary, creating an IP is a strategic investment that combines creativity, community, and sustainability. It is a powerful tool to strengthen the brand, generate revenue, and build deeper connections with the audience.

Building with Propuse

Many of the most enduring brands from the 2021 NFT boom owe their longevity to the strength of their community-driven IPs. These NFTs, owned by the community, have become more than just collectibles—they’ve been embraced, expanded upon, and reimagined by their holders, transcending their original purpose. This deep sense of ownership and connection has allowed these brands to remain relevant and influential, proving that an IP powered by community creativity and participation can achieve lasting cultural and economic impact.

Benefits for the RARI Community

• Strengthening DAO identity: An emblematic character will help unify and connect initiatives under a common symbol. • Increasing recognition: It will be a powerful tool to differentiate RARI DAO in the Web3 ecosystem. • Fostering participation: The character will act as a catalyst to attract more users, creators, and collectors to the community. • Scalability: Its modular design will enable adaptation to new projects, collaborations, and narratives over time.

Growing the Public Good: Identity as a Catalyst for Public Goods (if we wan’t to follow this path)

In Web3 ecosystem, a strong identity is not just a brand asset, it is a public good that fosters accessibility, collaboration, and innovation in communities. By establishing a shared symbol or iconic character, RARI DAO can enhance its contributions as a public good in the following ways:

  1. Strengthening Social Trust:

A shared identity creates a sense of belonging and mutual recognition, enabling trust between participants. This is especially important in decentralized systems, where identity can bridge gaps between pseudonymous users.

  1. Enabling Interoperability:

A recognizable and universally accepted identity can act as a common thread between DAOs and protocols. This fosters collaborative efforts and encourages communities to pool resources, aligning with the spirit of public goods.

  1. Empowering Community-Led Innovation:

By offering an open and creative token, RARI DAO allows the community to adapt and expand its character into new narratives, tools, and collaborations. This flexibility reflects the open-source principles of public goods, allowing for collective ownership and creative contribution.

  1. Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility:

The iconic character serves as a cultural touchpoint, inviting diverse audiences to interact with RARI DAO. This broadens participation in Web3 and decentralization efforts, further cementing the DAO’s role as a public good.

  1. Catalyzing Sustainable Funding Models:

The identity can be a launchpad for sustainable funding initiatives, such as licensing, NFT collections, and educational content. These activities not only sustain the DAO, but also reinforce its contributions to the broader ecosystem as a self-sustaining public good.

Impact Statement

The creation of an iconic character aligns with RARI DAO’s commitment to fostering decentralized creativity, expansion, and innovation. As a public good, the character will symbolize inclusivity, collaboration, and shared ownership, driving long-term value for the Web3 community. Its presence will amplify RARI DAO’s impact by serving as a bridge between diverse initiatives, resonating with users around the world, and creating tangible pathways for decentralized and sustainable growth.

In this way, RARI DAO evolves from a simple creative hub to becoming a critical public good that powers the broader Web3 ecosystem.

Character Value

The proposed character will bridge creativity and technology, encapsulating the values and objectives of RARI DAO. Its design will not only strengthen the community’s visual identity but also serve as a catalyst for new experiences and opportunities within the Web3 ecosystem.

Example of DAOs with identity

In Web3, a strong identity is essential to stand out in a decentralized and competitive ecosystem. Brands with well-designed PFPs (Profile Pictures), like BanklessDAO, Optimism, or Arbitrum, generate higher engagement by creating visually recognizable and emotionally resonant symbols. These identities strengthen community loyalty, foster participation, and amplify their reach on social media. Additionally, an iconic PFP serves as an entry point for new users, enabling the community to grow. Finally, these visual identities effectively convey the project’s values and purpose, acting as a bridge between technology and people.

OPtimism


Bankless DAO



Links info about Chippi
chippi info
chippi book
chippi linktree

Nouns DAO

• Characters: Nouns, small pixel-art of unique characters that represent generative NFTs.
• Details: Each Noun is auctioned daily, and the funds are used for proposals within the DAO. They are known for their simple design and cultural impact on Web3.
• Philosophy: Decentralized community and governance with a creative and collaborative approach.

Nouns are a decentralized community focused on art, culture, and innovation in Web3, recognized for their distinctive pixelated aesthetic and DAO governance model. Their success lies in their commitment to openness: one Noun is auctioned daily, generating revenue for community-driven projects voted on collectively. The CC0 license allows anyone to use the designs, driving organic brand expansion. Additionally, they’ve inspired cultural movements (#Nounish) that blend creativity, technology, and global collaboration. Their strong positioning comes from combining memorable art with real utility in Web3.

SporkDAO

  • Characters: The Spork as the central symbol, embodying versatility, collaboration, and community within the Web3 ecosystem. But also are 2 more characters buffircorn and beaver.
  • Details: Evolving from the ETHDenver community, SporkDAO brings together builders, innovators, and creatives to drive educational initiatives, events, and decentralized projects that benefit the global Ethereum community.
  • Philosophy: “BUIDL together,” focusing on collaborative and sustainable growth in Web3, fostering an inclusive environment where ideas and projects can thrive.

Link


Building this proposal

“Creation of an Emblematic Character for RARI DAO,” the following key elements are required:

  1. Budget & Timeline
    • Estimate costs for execution, 3design, marketing, and production (e.g., NFTs, promotional materials, merchandise).
    • Proposal to secure funding from the DAO treasury or through external partnerships.
    • Set deadlines for design creation, community presentation, and the official character launch.

  2. Required Team (6-8 people):

    1. Creative Director (1):
      • Oversees the project vision and ensures alignment with RARI DAO’s values.
    2. Digital Artists (2):
      • Design the character and create additional visual materials.
    3. Designer (1):
      • ensures the project’s visual identity is cohesive, aligning the character with branding and promotional materials across all mediums.
    4. Storyteller/Copywriter (1):
      • Develops the character’s narrative and drafts associated content.
    5. Community Manager (1) (Inside RARI having communication with Art Director)
      • Engages the community, organizes votes, and manages feedback.
    6. Web3 Marketing Specialist (1) (Inside RARI having communication with Art Director)
      • Designs the distribution strategy and maximizes the character’s impact within the Web3 ecosystem.
    7. Legal/Intellectual Property Specialist (Optional, 1):
      • Ensures IP protection and establishes collaboration agreements if needed. Inside and outside of the project.
  3. Definition of the Creative Concept:
    • Develop a clear vision for the character, aligned with RARI DAO’s values (decentralization, creativity, and community).
    • Determine the artistic style, inspired by examples like Nouns DAO or Bankless DAO.

  4. Community Collaboration:
    • Organize votes or surveys to gather ideas and allow DAO members to choose the final design.
    • Engage the community from the start to foster a sense of ownership.

  5. Implementation Strategy:
    • Plan to integrate the character across RARI DAO’s platforms and content (social media, NFT drops, merchandise, etc.).
    • Develop collaborations with other DAOs or projects to expand its reach.

  6. IP Registration and Management:
    • Ensure the character is legally protected, with a model that allows collaborations (e.g., CC0 licensing or specific agreements).
    With these steps, the proposal can be executed effectively, creating significant impact both within and beyond RARI DAO.

Breakdown of Phases and Estimated Time

  1. Research and Conceptualization (1-2 months):

• Define the vision, values, and style of the character.

• Gather ideas from the community through surveys or creative sessions.

  1. Design and Development (1-2 months):

• Create initial sketches and prototypes.

• Iterate based on community feedback to finalize the design.

  1. Narrative and Implementation Strategy (1.5 month):

• Develop the character’s story and its connection to the DAO.

• Plan its integration into content (NFTs, social media, etc.).

  1. Production, Test and Launch (1.5 month):

• Create promotional material (merchandising, minting NFTs, FOMO & Hype campaign, videos, etc.).

• Coordinate the official launch of the character.

Total: 5 Months

Budget Require

Position Monthly Salary (USD) Hours per Week Total (USD) Works With Months Active
Creative Director (PM)(1) $5,300 35 $26,500 Digital Artists, Marketing Month 1 to Month 5
Digital Artists (2) (2D & 3D Skills) $2,300 (per artist) 25 $23,000 Creative Director, Copywriter Month 1 to Month 5
Storyteller (1) $2,100 20 $6,300 Digital Artists, Marketing Month 1, 2 & 5
Brand & Communication Designer (1) $1,800 20 $3,600 Marketing Specialist Month 3 to Month 4
Marketing/Web3 Specialist (1) $2,200 30 $4,400 Creative Director, Community Manager Month 4 & 5
Legal/Intellectual Property (1) $1,000 16 $5,000 Entire Team Month 1 to Month 5
Patents & International Paperwork - - $2,200 - -
Total General - - $71,000 - -

PS: The budget has been super optimized, taking into account the hot issues that exist with the DAO, with this proposal that can be great help and save the path of the DAO to a certain extent. This is Team work in some many ways :zap:

Notes:

  • This is a first draft, so we will discuss and adjust it over the next few weeks before starting its full execution.
  • When I started to consider this idea now prop I spoke with Addie to find out how many of this positions can we merge with RARI DAO and of course if there is any possibility of this. But if not i propuse this table with this positions.
  • I have spoken with the team regarding the positions I propose. I have had the draft for this prop since mid-November, but doing HR and finding the right people to build took time. However, I already have the positions covered in case they are required.
  • The idea is that the first delivery of the PFPs will be minted in a L2 and will be limited to create hype, from there to be able to generate FOMO, there will be returns and they will have a purchase and ownership value.
  • This could be the way to attract more collectors, DEGENs and some Web3 profiles to the RARI Chain.

About Soho:

Sohobiit is a crypto artist who has been active since 2020, the year in which she began her journey in Web3, merging creativity and technology within the blockchain ecosystem. Prior to that, she accumulated more than 12 years of experience in the world of technological entrepreneurship, working as a project manager, art director, and digital marketing and design specialist. Her multidisciplinary approach has allowed her to build innovative projects and be an active voice within Web3 LATAM communities, standing out for her creative and strategic vision. An active member of the ETH MEX core team, she joined to RARI delegate team since February, contributing ideas and improvements for RARI and advocating for a shared future. She is also co-founder of Happ3n.

Happ3n is a Web3 platform dedicated to creating meaningful connections between people through shared experiences in both the digital and physical world. It connects communities and fosters collaboration by integrating blockchain technology with social interaction.

I’ve more than one year building with ETH MEX initiative and this year i lead as Project Manager ETH MEX event 2024.

Soho Statement:

As a RARI DAO delegate I want to see the DAO grow in different areas, so I consider that the development of this IP/PFPs can be quite good in many ways such as brand amplification/recognition and monetization.

3 Likes

gm this is a first draft that I am open to discuss, as any idea for improvement or optimization is welcome :slight_smile:

Strongly against this as it is hugely expensive and I feel will have minimal impact on usage of rarible or rari chain.

What KPI/metric do you see this impacting and how would it do so? How much value would this return to the DAO?

5 Likes

This is a first draft of the proposal. As I mentioned before, I’m open to discussing the proposed amount, the number of people involved in the project, and considering improvements during the process to implement them effectively, as many times as it has to be.

Regarding KPIs or impact metrics: although they are perceived as simple marketing indicators or measurable numbers, this initiative I propose has a much broader scope. The main objective is to deeply connect current Rarible users and reach those who do not yet connect with RARIBLE, with the evolution and human identity of the brand, something fundamental for an intellectual property (IP) and in this case a PFP collection.

Storytelling is a powerful tool that not only generates sales, but also fosters an emotional connection with the brand. A well-designed strategy activates the empathy of the audiences towards the project, generating a lasting bond that transcends the immediate use of the platform, just as if you do not foster it, you do not exist.

In terms of the return of value for the DAO, this proposal seeks to position Rarible as a brand that people identify with (artists, collectors, new people, degens, etc) which in the long term can translate into greater loyalty, greater adoption and a strengthening of the community. Although the impact is not immediate, the narrative behind this strategy has the potential to consolidate Rarible as a leader in its segment, something that benefits everyone involved.

It’s important to understand that this is not a magic solution or will have results overnight. In the Web3 ecosystem, we have seen recent cases that demonstrate that success comes from constant construction. For example, the Pudgy Penguins brand managed to generate a great impact even in a bear market and now with its airdrop more, thanks to a combination of storytelling, consistency, and a solid strategy focused on the community. Their recent airdrop not only excited their existing community, but also attracted the attention of new people, showing the power of building a coherent and consistent narrative over time, it takes you to places we can’t imagine today.

PS: The greatest inventions were thought of in the most difficult moments of our humanity. We must be open to dialogue, which is our strongest source and where we can start to build things that help us evolve as DAO.

I don’t think its a good idea to advance with this proposal in any way. The budget asked is insanely high, and during the past Happ3n La Ronda campaign when 8-9 artists launched their NFTs on the Rari Chain, there were a total of 3 mints, where I minted 2 of them myself. This indirectly demotivated the artists and I don’t see them coming back anytime soon :slight_smile:

In my experience as a 3D artist, I could sell out collections from myself, but when I tried to help other artists make sales by launching collections, the results were dissapointing, no matter how cool the art looked. On top of that, bridging communities to another chain is extremely difficult without a proper powerful partner or an effective reward campaign.

In my eyes this rather looks like an attempt to milk the treasury then a humble proposal thats really going to make the Rari Chain grow. I’d rather point you towards the Grant Commitee, see if you can get a grant to continue this.

4 Likes

Thanks for the proposal @sohobiit. I do see the value of a brand strategy, and we shouldn’t underestimate the work that goes into that. The examples you shared, e.g. Optimism, are all ecosystems with a very good design.

That said, I would agree with the other delegates, that the requested amount is not in the range that a DAO of our size sould spend on such an initiative. I also don’t really see the need to have seven people working on this.

I agree with @forexus that this could be a topic for a grant. It’s definitely great that you started the initiative and we appreciate that.

Thank you for sharing your perspective! I understand that proposals like this may seem overly ambitious or even “crazy” at first glance, but I firmly believe that in Web3, many of the successful projects started out as questioned experiments. It is natural that not everyone will be able to see the immediate benefit, and I deeply respect the opinions of those who feel that this proposal has no clear path. If the delegates decide not to continue with it, so be it.

It is true that, as you mention, the results of La Ronda were not as expected; however, the simple fact of having launched this initiative had a positive impact by giving visibility to artists and allowing them to go further with their art. It may sound romantic, but not everything is measured only in sales (although I understand that that was expected, considering also that it went through a moment like DevCon, full of attention in other areas). Connecting communities to new chains is a challenge, but if we do not start moving, we will continue to perpetuate this narrative that it is impossible.

We constantly talk about attracting more artists, but if every proposal that is submitted is perceived as an attempt to drain the treasury, perhaps we should work on establishing clear guidelines or a structured system for requesting grants that allows us to build sustainably. This idea that “everything should be free” or that every proposal is a way to take advantage will not get us far.

At the end of the day, giving opinions and questioning initiatives is valuable, but one result does not define that it will always be that way. This ecosystem is based on learning, iterating and taking risks, even when it seems difficult. I appreciate your comments and suggestions. :pray:

1 Like

This is super important, and that’s when community match with more than a brand, with personas behind building and caring you know :DD and they want to be part of something!

This is a first draft where I put all the positions, but I think we could work with marketing people who can do that work within RARIBLE, Idk, that’s why I put all the positions that this initiative needs, but we can adjust to a budget or needs, maybe do this as an intern before leaving and have some topics like legal, marketing and things like that.

Ofc, thank you for your point of view. We will discuss it in the next calls and if you do not see this proposal ad hoc or in any way, always open to dialogue, inputs and looking for solutions to make RARI Foundation grow.

PS: I think it would be super interesting to be the first brand to launch this from within its own ranks, generating a lot of opportunities to grow in many aspects internally and externally.

1 Like

Thanks for the response. Checking in with the foundation, what marketing and branding aspects are already there, sounds like a good idea.
The main aspect mentioned so far was the cost, so if you can get that down considerably, there may be more support for the proposal.

1 Like

Thank you for putting up this proposal!

On the format side, especially for long proposals like this, it would be easier for the community to grasp the details if the proposal adhered to the suggested Proposal Template included in the Governance onboarding post.

On the content, I agree with other delegates this request is disproportionate with the size of a Treasury like Rari.

The Rari protocol is underutilized and a broad marketing campaign like this seems inefficient given the current state of the Rari ecosystem. Even if it were successful and it managed to attract artists and users to the Rari ecosystem in the long term, there is currently very little to do in the Rari ecosystem so, Why should they stay? I think we should first try to give artists and users specific reasons to come and stay before focusing on general marketing campaigns.

Here you provide great examples of design work for web3 DAOs. However, most of these DAOs have huge communities, grant campaigns and a rich app ecosystem which justifies such initiatives, the Rari ecosystem still has to build that.

Suggestion

Would you consider shifting the concept of the proposal toward a contest? Instead of designing the whole character and lore concept yourself, why not democratizing the possibility to become Rari DAO’s Character artist by encouraging artists to submit their ideas by offering competitive rewards for such a task. In this way, most of the budget can be destined to community winners and the team behind the proposal can keep a management fee to oversee the process and select the winners.

5 Likes

I love the initiative, it could be a bit more organic as you mentioned, so it could give a sense of surrounding Web2 artists and show them the benefits of RARI, getting there by doing a branding of this magnitude in your portfolio means a lot.

I’m also strongly against this proposal, as I don’t see any real value in it for the growth of the chain or DAO. Sure, it’s a fun idea, but it doesn’t contribute to the chain’s development.

Just sharing my thoughts here, ultimately, I’m not a delegator, so the decision isn’t mine to make.

nothing salvageable, that is to say against everything or could you give some idea of ​​how to turn it around?

Well, I just don’t see this proposal as particularly helpful or valuable for the chain or DAO at this stage. Right now, the focus should be on initiatives that drive growth, adoption, or tangible benefits for the ecosystem.

While this is a fun idea, it feels more like a nice-to-have rather than a priority. Perhaps it’s something the DAO could explore independently without requesting funding.

Given where the chain currently stands, I think the available resources would be better spent on efforts that directly strengthen the chain’s position and community.