1. Hand-Made in the Age of AI
During the Renaissance, masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael were celebrated for their mastery of anatomy, perspective, shading, and other advanced techniques.
This expertise was hard-won: it took years of apprenticeship and relentless practice to perfect.
This is a well-known fact by LEP as Windows 69 copy from the “Lep Exclusives” collection is signed by “Leonardo da Vinchi”.
“maybe i’m leonardo da vinci 4real” (10/11/2021)
Fast-forward to the era of AI, where millions of styles can be replicated in seconds. “Technical capabilities” are effectively obsolete, leaving intention and humanity as the true core of art. Low Effort Punks (LEP) emerges from this landscape as a testament to the value of raw expression and humanity.
It’s humanity against the machine. It’s the contrast between old times when technique was paramount to current times where we need to move past technique to redefine art.
2. Original vs. Derivative
LEP is a derivative of CryptoPunks, yet in a world where every artist borrows from something— and AI borrows from everything—the concept of “original” feels blurred As Claire Silver says, if influence equals theft, then all artists are thieves. LEP embraces that notion: skill alone means nothing - message and intentions mean everything.
The artwork may look simplistic, but the spirit is undeniable.
“Yes but you can’t copy my fragrance” from LEP (27/08/2021)
“An original flower idea ” from “The Low Effort Manifesto” collection.
The Artwork may be a derivative and look like another Artwork, yet be totally different. Derivatives can be valuable. Derivatives can be Art.
3. Blockchain as a Historical Time-Stamp
LEP releases punks gradually (from 2021 to 2023) - creating Art in the bull and creating Art in the bear market. LEP uses the blockchain to capture moments of hype and panicyet still minting without caring about the panic omnipresent in the environment
There is no point to speculate too much because more punks are coming at 0.01 ...
This slow drip challenges the typical NFT craving for instant sellouts. Each punk minted is a piece of a long-term performance, showing how real history continues after 2021.
“making history one punk at a time” (29/06/2023)
“Part of Art History” from The Low Effort Manifesto
4. The “Punkest” Collection: Underground and Raw
At first glance, LEP might seem borderline ridiculous, an insult to “Art”, another derivative, just a joke ... But that’s the entire point. It’s a rebellion against overworked aesthetics, favoring spontaneity and raw intention instead. The “punkest” angle here is that it doesn’t care if you think it’s “ugly” or “unskilled.” That disregard for polish is precisely what makes it punk.
”i’ll show you who’s the punkest” 06/05/2022 “doing the punkest thing in the world” 27/04/2022
“Stand out” from “The Low Effort Manifesto” collection
5. Memes as Cultural Weapons
Memes shape cultural conversations in the 21st century, and LEP taps into that energy with an instantly shareable, riffable form. By keeping it simple, it invites everyone to create their own “low effort” derivatives—mirroring how CryptoPunks kicked off the 10K movement.
This approach can transform LEP into a Global Cultural Object (as 6529 would define it), establishing a whole new category within the meme ecosystem: turning everything “low effort ”
”Exponential growth Exponential meme” 03/05/2021
”The real chance here is to become a meme lord by collecting” 30/04/2021
“Lil Guy 3" and “Memes” from “The Low effort Manifesto” collection
6. The Low effort way
6.1
Reinventing the Collector-Artist Relationship
Traditional gatekeepers are gone Low effort punks are minted directly on-chain and collected by the fastest punks, so anyone can become a collector. “Words by LEP” pushes that further by inviting community input. No curators needed: you experience the artwork directly through a variety of events inside LEPEMPIRE in Cryptovoxels. It’s a playground, not a lecture hall.
The only thing LEP is teaching is to listen to yourself. Be PUNK.
“each piece exist thanks to the words chosen by the community” 10/11/2021
The Gatekeeper from “The Low Effort Manifesto” collection
“Let me explain you what art is and welcome to my art gallery.”
6.2. Punk = Lambo?
Punk = Lambo” mocks the absurdity of tying freedom to a price tag. At the same time, the drop mechanics—like gas wars—reflect the speculative side of NFTs. Ultimately, the goal is to show that while money matters, it shouldn’t overshadow the deeper introspection and relationships art can foster. The goal is to EVOLVE.
”Let’s EVOLVE” 12/02/2022
”yes money fun and all but reach the unvaluable” 24/11/2022
“”Money” from “The Low Effort Manifesto”
“Money won't make you happy (probably, idk tbh)”
6.2. Provenance Matters
? “What If I’m Beeple?”
NFTs revolve around provenance. Whether the artist behind LEP is famous or anonymous, the blockchain levels the playing field. If a childish artwork slaps, it slaps. Actually it probably slaps because it’s fun and simple.
This highlights the raw emotional punch of art, rather than who made it. Anyone can do it.
“what if we ’ re product of vitalik’s imagination” 29/03/2023
“I mean we never know” from “The Low Effort Manifesto”
6.4. Art Should Be Fun
LEP reminds us of the childlike joy in creation. If it takes more than five minutes or stops being fun, it’s not truly “low effort.” The community vibe follows suit: slow Discord chats, minimal FOMO. In a space that can be dominated by short-term greed, this approach stands out.
Have fun and the rest will follow.
”ok today was fun” (posted 68 times on twitter between 2021 and 2023 : LEP is having fun)
“RollerCoaster punk” from The Low Effort Manifesto collection
6.5.Trust your Gut
It’s all about the ”Why”. A quick drawing can hold more humanity than a hyper-polished work if the intention is genuine. But you need to listen to yourself. Be genuine.
Become your own master.
“trust your gut punk” 31/07/2023
”LET YOUR GUT GUIDE YOU” 08/07/2022
“Gut” from the Low Effort Manifesto collection
“Trust your gut. Connect with other punks”
6.6.Anyone can be an Artist
LEP’s origin involved “lazy minting” and borrowing a bit of ETH from someone in Cryptovoxels. Essentially, starting from zero. The artist had nothing but good intentions and a willingness to overcome any obstacle. It’s proof that you don’t need big backing to create something meaningful.
LEP has also been using Windows 69 (Windows 98) - to prove that technology is not what is stopping you from creating.
LEP’s core message is that anyone can be an artist, anyone can be a collector. That was the promise of NFTs from the start.
”you ’ re not less artist than me her him they or whatever” 12/02/2023
“ you ’ re a great artist tbh” 23/02/2022
“Fine
Art” from The Low Effort Manifesto
“Museum grade quality low effort Art”
6.7. Going Beyond Traits
Yes, these low effort punks mirror CryptoPunks, but each LEP is hand-drawn, complete with “human accidents.” That’s the opposite of algorithmic perfection. Traits become irrelevant; the little imperfections become the heart of each piece. It’s a direct human imprint, making each piece unique. 1/1 fineart basically.
“ no traits becos 1/1 (also works as agent deflector)” 05/10/2023
1 LEP = 1 LEP from The Low Effort Manifesto collection
6.8. Surpass Any Obstacle
LEP famously drew 3,000 punks in 12 days to beat an OpenSea deadline for the sunsetting of lazy minting. Another time, a hack threatened LEPEMPIRE as multiple parcels were stolen, and the community rallied to save assets. These moments highlight the “human vs. the system” dynamic.
You can accomplish a lot when people band together, even in a space as cutthroat as NFTs. The best intentions will attract the best people, and you can surpass any obstacle together.
“YOU WON’T STOP ME ELONMAX” 01/07/2023
”SEND HOW MUCH CAPTCHA YOU WANT VITALIK YOU CAN’T STOP ME” 07/03/2023
“Your Punk is mine” from The Low Effort Manifesto Collection
6.9. The Power of Silence
Eventually, LEP went from constant tweets to just “Hi.” That silence is a stance: real art doesn’t need relentless marketing. Collectors who rely solely on hype to see “value” miss the point. Discord can be slow at times and that doesn’t really matter.
Most of the times, it’s fun.
“don’t be afraid of silence” 25/07/2022
”face the silence” 15/06/2022
“Zen
Punk” from The Low Effort Manifesto
6.9.6. World liberation - buy punk for 0.01
A key message is also to let a chance to anyone who wants to collect fine art, to make fine art affordable. LEP thus decided to release all the LEPs for 0.01 ETH - or about 17$ at the time of writing and most likely 30$ when most collectors purchased a LEP.
Most high profile collectors just discard low price mints, hence why very few crypto art “whales” are present in the discord at the time of writing.
“0.01 cryptosphere liberation” 30/09/2023
“World liberation” from The Low Effort Manifesto
6.9.6.9 BUY PUNK
”Buy Punk” is the name of the function when you buy a cryptopunk. LEP is not saying “Buy a low effort punk” but Buy Punk, intentionally blurring the lines. What does “Buy Punk” really mean ?
If Punk = Freedom can you really buy your way into Freedom ? Perhaps buying an Art piece is an invitation to introspection, to listen to yourself, create, evolve and eventually become Free ? Or just an oxymoron ?
Maybe i should’t have written this long ass piece and just bought more punks ?
Am i ruining the meme ?
”FUCK” (infinite occurences)
OK,BUY PUNK, THX
10 000 humans with their own personalities (thieves, entrepreneurs, degens, cowboys, lawyers, cooks, gamers, porn addicts, policemans, artists ...)
They need to free themselves to survive in a Cyberpunk future where everything is distracting them from finding their true selves : social media algorithms, media, influencooors, work, brands ….
”BUY PUNK” is the name of the artwork - showing the tension inside of each of these humans in the fight for freedom. Searching for PUNKness, when the world is screaming them to BUY more and be someone else than themselves. But these humans have a secret weapon : the low effort philosophykindness, confidence and listening to their inner voice to remain free.
Long live Low Effort Punks.
“Genius” from Words by LEP
7. THE LOW EFFORT ART MOVEMENT
NFTs took the world by storm in 2021 — but a recurrent critique from the traditional art world was that there was nothing truly new, just the tokenization of previous artistic innovations.
Maybe it was cope, but maybe there was truth to it: it was hard to find a coherent movement emerging across the different NFT sub-communities and aesthetics.
The fragmentation was real — and so was the collapse: most assets suffered a 95% decline in value. And no, they’re not coming back.
7. THE LOW EFFORT ART MOVEMENT
Computer art predates NFTs (digital art began in the 1950s).
Generative art predates NFTs (1950s).
AI art predates NFTs (1970s).
Crypto art, while having a shared ideology and a recognized group of artists, lacks any strong visual cohesion.
7. THE LOW EFFORT ART MOVEMENT
NFTs are a distribution mechanism, not a real art movement. They allowed natively digital art to be signed, dated, and distributed — but did not create an aesthetic revolution.
Amidst the craziness of the NFT bull run — just one day before BAYC minted — something different happened.
A movement was born: resisting the urge to “cash-in” and aiming to create long-lasting cultural value.
Low Effort Punks.
NFT PFP collectors dismissed it as just another derivative. Crypto artists laughed it off — to them, PFPs weren’t art. Traditional art didn’t even bother looking.
But this is where the biggest Trojan Horse of the 21st century lies.
The birth of what could become an unstoppable art movement: The Low Effort Art Movement.
7.1 THE STOLEN IP
Being a derivative is itself a statement: IP should be shared online to unlock the full power of digital art.
LEP’s stance is close to the CC0 philosophy if art can be remixed, reused, and repurposed, it can gain endless new meanings.
By making all punks low-effort, hand-drawn copies, the artist gave each one an individuality missing from the pixelated originals. Subtle "errors" made them human.
Their names made them alive — from "cyborg" to "VR Porn Watcher," "Straight Up Karen," or "WWII Collector" a reflection of tech-soaked lives.
And the artist goes further — teasing a second 10K collection where each punk will have a unique corresponding "ode."
7.1 THE STOLEN IP
It’s not about copying.
It’s about proving that in a digital world, derivatives can be truly unique.
Shared IP can lead to exponential meaning.
7.2 THE SIMPLICITY OF THE ARTWORK
The artist chose to stay visually close to the originals. He limited the “unique” pieces added to the collection.
Why not start with original landscapes or figurative art ?
Because visual simplicity is a core principle.
It’s an invitation: you can do it too.
7.2 THE SIMPLICITY OF THE ARTWORK
Art doesn’t need to be intimidating. No need to spend months perfecting something.
Take a picture, redraw it in five minutes, find a name, and let the meaning unfold.
Simplicity liberates.
7.3 THE STYLE
Random child drawing on google VS Landscape from the LEP Exclusives
Most see child drawings as "unfinished" a training phase.
LEP says: that's the point.
7.3 THE STYLE
Like Picasso’s Le Taureau series, where fewer lines captured more life, LEP embraces simplicity as strength.
It's not a flaw — it's a deliberate return to pure gut expression.
Meaning > Technique.
Less is more.
Picasso “Le Taureau”
7.4 AN ART MOVEMENT ON STEROIDS
Wojak, a low effort character ?
NFTs especially CC0 allow art to spread like wildfire.
Low effort can't be copyrighted. It invites remix, reinterpretation, evolution.
LEP thrives by being memeable, shareable, ridiculous — embedding itself in crypto-native culture.
It spreads like a virus — not an institution.
7.5 THE TRAD ART WORLD IS FUCKED, WELCOME TO
THE CRYPTO ERA BABY
Traditional art relies on:
Museums as gatekeepers
Storage and insurance costs
Experts authenticating or rejecting works
Galleries and auction houses taking massive cuts
Manipulated prices at art fairs and galleries
7.5
THE TRAD ART WORLD IS FUCKED, WELCOME TO THE CRYPTO ERA BABY
NFTs destroy this structure:
Museums can curate instantly with CC0 works. (without purchasing)
No insurance or storage needed.
Blockchain = public proof of authenticity.
24/7 online art fairs.
Real price transparency.
Crypto-native movements like LEP don’t just make new art — they make a new art world.
Enhance from the Words by LEP collection
7.6 THE 4 SUB COLLECTIONS IN LEP UNIVERSE
LEP EPIC STUFF - “best stuff ever”
These are community designed items (not made by the artist) - these items are native to cryptovoxels and were worn during all the LEPEMPIRE events : parties, art exhibitions, races … they are a testament to how participative Low Effort Punks are - with the community stepping in to design works released by the artist.
Words by LEP“words are spells”
7.6 THE 4 SUB COLLECTIONS IN LEP UNIVERSE
—> “give me a word and i’ll make that a #finearts piece”.
Words by LEP show the interaction between the artist and the collectorsthe “co-creation” process. It’s also a meme in itself - wikipedia says that “Fine art is a visual art considered to have been created primarily for aesthetic and intellectual purposes and judged for its beauty and meaningfulness.”
Now i’ll let you deal with the following question, what aesthetic pleasure and intellectual lessons do you take from looking at the artwork “Airport” ?
Once you are done with this exercise, please repeat the process with the artwork “Napkin”
Airport - Words by LEP
7.6 THE 4 SUB COLLECTIONS IN LEP UNIVERSE
Obviously, the collection has great meaning and depth in its critique - but with it’s own style, low effort.
I see it as the ultimate weapon to make the hole trad art hate NFTs if these are worth smth one day.
Blockchain surival kit - “hello cryptotraveler daily tools by LEP the low effort punk himself”
Napkin - Words by LEP
7.6 THE 4 SUB COLLECTIONS IN LEP UNIVERSE
These tools give depth and context to the artwork.
the date advice book has greatly helped leps in his conquests
LEP has access to the blockchain codes to chain the blocks
The 12 words are useful to form all kind of sentences
Without ruining the hole mystery, all of these items have a context - they are tools summoned by LEP to to save blockchain souls.
LEP Exclusives : Exclusive items from LEP, the low effort punk
LEP Exclusives shows how everything can be art.
No effort punk : Abstract Art
2021 : Commemorative Art
10K tweets piece : performance art
Blockchain domination : shared moment inside the metaverse
Landscape : figurative art
Low effort art trophy : Art given away for a specific achievement
Low effort punk 37 sale moment : A sales can be Art.
Statement : tweets can be art
7.6 THE 4 SUB COLLECTIONS IN LEP UNIVERSE
You get it : tweets, interviews, sales, screenshots, signatures, trophy’s, abstract or figurative, guidelines, wordings -
EVERYTHING CAN BE ART. ART IS EVERYWHERE
Meaning > Effort & Art Form
7.69 A PLACE IN ART HISTORY
As LEP states :
“Low effort avoids the implicancies of the technical path as the only path there is. Low effort is a way to be closer to message delivered thru conceptual meaning.”
Let’s try to compare it to other movements to find it’s place in Art History
7.69 A PLACE IN ART HISTORY
Inspirations:
Renaissance (15th-16th century):
Humanism: questioning the established order and centering humanity over divinity.
LEP mirrors this by shifting from "computer-centered" creation back to "human-centered" raw expression.
Dada (1916-1924):
Rejection of traditional skill and seriousness. Spontaneity and rebellion.
Conceptual Art (1960s-70s):
Idea over execution. Meaning > Technique. Fluxus (1960s): Participation, democratization, simple acts over preciousness.
Punk Movement (1970s):
DIY ethos. Rawness. Authenticity over polish.
Crypto Culture / CC0 philosophy (2018- ):
Open-source art. Collective ownership. Blockchain timestamping.
Oppositions:
Renaissance Academies & Traditional Institutions:
Rejects technique as a gatekeeper.
Modern Art Market (20th–21st century):
Rejects luxury commodification of art.
NFT Blue-Chip Culture (2021- ):
Rejects prestige-driven exclusivity.
AI-Generated Art (2020s):
Reasserts human imperfection and intention over machine perfection.
7.69 A PLACE IN ART HISTORY
Core Ideas Brought by LEP :
Anonymity:
Who made it doesn't matter — what it means does.
Meme Culture and Humor:
Art should be fun, accessible, and viral.
CC0 Native Art:
Full liberation of IP — exponential cultural growth.
Blockchain as Memory:
On-chain minting = permanent historical record.
Distinctive Style:
Childlike, simple, immediately recognizable, radically free.
LEP is the missing piece that NFTs needed to take over the world : the birth of a distinct Art Movement.
The philosophy of the movement, “ anyone can be an artist” is a direct continuation of the technology and a pure reflection of the crypto culture, as well as a core promise of the early internet - democratization.
Long live Low Effort PUNKS, may the Low Effort Art Movement reach new highs and open doors to all, collectors and Artists.
