Meet Allie Vogel: NFT artist and Senior Product Design Lead at Microsoft

It’s such a pleasure to have you on the #DESIGNWITHDOT blog Allie!

1. How did you start your NFT journey? What drives your creativity?

It all started when I first became involved with Blush as an investor and then Advisor in late 2020. As Blush pivoted its product line to launch an NFT first, Bueno suite of products for creators in the space I started getting more deeply involved in the community. By July 2021 I was full-on diving into my NFT journey.
First as a collector and now as an artist, the NFT world is ever-changing and evolving. There really is a place for everyone.

I mostly pull my inspiration from personally impactful life experiences. We have the capacity to grow so much from our past and these experiences help us channel our creativity, which ultimately influences my art and is a means for growth.

2. Tell us about your workshop coming up? What can we learn from you?

 I am teaching a workshop around using machine learning to create art at the Business to Buttons conference in Stockholm (along with my colleague and friend from graduate school Brian Washington).
We will be taking students through the process of creating art using principles and practical tools for machine learning.
This will be an excellent opportunity for students particularly interested in the NFT space and the future of generative art.
This workshop will take students through the ideation process of creating a collection. Giving them a high-level background in machine learning principles, and also the practical tools to create their own artwork using this technology. Finally, we will be giving students the opportunity to mint this on the blockchain and create their own NFT.

3. What’s your dream? (Where do you want to see your life and the world in 10 years? Year 2032!?)

I love teaching and would love to continue speaking and giving many more art and technologically focused workshops for many years to come!

4. What are you working on at Microsoft?

I’m currently the Product Design Lead for the Autonomous Development Platform, a data management solution for autonomous driving cars and capabilities.

5. What advice would you give to your younger self 10 years ago?

Being a late bloomer is actually a gift. It’s not a race to the top. Run towards your passions, explore them, don’t be afraid of a challenge, and you are never too old (or too young)!

6. What are your thoughts on social media? Hate it? Can’t live without it? Give us your best social media tip or insight!

I’m still struggling to find my social media identity 🙂

7. What’s your dream travel destination or the next place you want to visit?
#TravelWithDot

Crete with Dot!

8. What’s your favorite food experience you would take me to in your city, and what would we eat? #EatWithDot

I’ve always wanted to visit OCD. There’s a six-month waiting list.

9. Who has been a mentor or someone you have looked up to for advice and inspiration? How do they help or how have they helped you?

I’ve been lucky enough to have several wonderful mentors that have really helped shape me both personally and professionally.

Kim Lenox, from my LinkedIn days, Pablo Stanley & everyone I’ve worked with on the Bueno team – a constant source of inspiration and of course, Dot Lung, who has taught me how to tell my story through social media and ultimately to not be afraid to live my best life in all aspects. 🙂

10. Dragon or Unicorn? & Why?

Dragons – ignite the fire within!