Bitcoin / Ordinals
Visualising Rare Sats
Branding / Illustration

Introduction
This case study seeks to standardise the way Rare Sats are represented across digital platforms, providing a universally recognisable suite of icons that reflect the distinctiveness and the storied nature of these digital artefacts.
In the dynamic landscape of Bitcoin, a significant innovation has caught the attention of the web3 community and experts alike: Rare Sats. These are not just the smallest units of Bitcoin, but each carries its unique story, making them more than mere digital fractions. This fascinating concept stems from the introduction of Ordinals, a development created by Casey Rodamor, that has infused individuality into each satoshi.
Rare Sats stand out as distinct entities within the Bitcoin blockchain, each with its unique characteristics and history. They are digital artifacts, valued not just for their monetary worth but for their place in Bitcoin's evolving narrative.
However, as the interest in Rare Sats grows, so does the challenge of how they are visually represented. Different platforms are currently using a variety of icon sets to depict these unique satoshis, leading to a disjointed and inconsistent visual narrative. This inconsistency dilutes the rich story that each Rare Sat has to tell.
Recognising this gap, I have embarked on a mission to develop a unified icon set for Rare Sats. This endeavor is not just about creating a standardised set of symbols. It's about crafting a visual language that reflects the uniqueness of each Rare Sat and resonates with the foundational principles of Bitcoin and the innovative Ordinals concept. The goal is to weave a cohesive story through each icon, embedding within it the philosophy and spirit of Bitcoin.
Design Process
The journey of creating this unified icon set for Rare Sats began with a deep dive into the heart of Bitcoin's technology. I drew inspiration from the SHA-256 algorithm, a cornerstone of Bitcoin's security and integrity. This algorithm didn't just inspire me; it shaped the very foundation of the design process. I adopted a 256-pixel grid as the canvas for each icon, a direct homage to this cryptographic element. This choice was more than aesthetic—it was a tribute to the underpinning technology of Bitcoin.
With the canvas set, I then focused on the live area for the icons, ensuring that each design would be clearly visible and aesthetically balanced. For this, I turned to the golden ratio, a principle mirrored in nature's design. This ratio guided the creation of a padding within the icons, symbolising the harmony and precision found in both nature and Bitcoin's architecture.
At the core of each icon design is the representation of the blockchain. I incorporated a three-dimensional cube within the live area to symbolise the blockchain technology that underpins Bitcoin. This element ensures that each icon not only represents a Rare Sat but also pays respect to the technology enabling its existence.
To capture the dynamic nature of Bitcoin—a network defined by movement and transactions—I utilised an isometric grid. This grid forms triangular patterns, reminiscent of arrows, symbolising the fluid transfer and flow of Bitcoin. These arrows represent the transactional movement within the network, the creation of new digital assets, and the ever-evolving nature of Bitcoin.
The isometric grid, coupled with the block, became the foundation upon which each icon was built. This dual-focus approach ensured that every design was not only aesthetically pleasing and aligned with our narrative but also adhered to a consistent visual framework.
The icons for Rare Sats were thus born out of a disciplined process, within the boundaries of the established rules. This method ensured that each icon told a distinct story, contributing to the overarching narrative of Rare Sats, while maintaining a uniformity essential for the recognisability and usability of the icon set.
However, there are times when rules are broken. In the world of Ordinals, 'cursed inscriptions' represent a unique phenomenon where the established rules are bent, leading to unexpected and unconventional outcomes. Inspired by this concept, I decided to integrate a similar 'rule-breaking' element into our icon design process.
Just as cursed inscriptions diverge from the expected norms within the blockchain, I introduced a deliberate anomaly in the design rules for our Rare Sats icons. I achieved this by breaking the uniformity of the isometric grid, which is the foundational structure of our designs.
In specific instances, I incorporated horizontal lines that cut through the center of the triangles formed by the isometric grid. This design choice intentionally disrupts the predictable flow of the grid, mirroring the unexpected nature of cursed inscriptions.
Through this approach, each icon not only represents a Rare Sat but also tells a story of innovation, adaptability, and the occasional delightful deviation from the norm. It’s a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Bitcoin, where even the anomalies contribute to the richness of its narrative.
Rare and Exotic Sats
Rare Sats are like historical artifacts, tied to important moments in Bitcoin’s history. They include satoshis from significant blocks, such as the first-ever transaction, and other notable events.
Exotic Sats are satoshis that tell a unique story or moment in Bitcoin's history, often linked to creative or memorable transactions. They might include satoshis with interesting patterns or those associated with significant Bitcoin milestones.
This icon set captures these differences perfectly, using diamond shapes for Rare Sats to highlight their value and unique, playful icons for Exotic Sats to showcase their creative charm.
Black
Black sats are rare and valuable satoshis, often linked to significant or unique events in Bitcoin's history.
Block 9
Block 9 sats are from one of the first blocks mined in Bitcoin's early days, highlighting its foundational significance
Block 78
Block 78 sats commemorate the first block mined by Hal Finney, a key figure in Bitcoin's early history.
Common
Common sats are ordinary satoshis without any special historical or unique attributes.
Epic
Epic sats are the first satoshis mined in each Bitcoin halving event, which occurs approximately every four years.
First Transaction
First Transaction sats highlight the very first Bitcoin transaction between Satoshi Nakamoto and Hal Finney.
Hitman
Hitman sats are associated with Bitcoin’s darker uses, reflecting its early association with illicit activities.
Legendary
Legendary sats are the first satoshis of each Bitcoin cycle, marking significant periods in the blockchain's timeline.
Mythic
Mythic sats are the very first satoshis mined in the genesis block, representing the beginning of the Bitcoin blockchain.
Nakamoto
Nakamoto sats honor the creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, and are linked to blocks he likely mined.
Palindrome
Palindrome sats have numerical sequences that read the same forwards and backwards, symbolizing symmetry.
Pizza
Pizza sats commemorate the first real-world Bitcoin transaction where 10,000 BTC were used to buy two pizzas.
Rare
Rare satoshis are the first sats created when a new block is mined after a difficulty adjustment period.
Silkroad
Silk Road sats are associated with the early Bitcoin marketplace Silk Road, significant in Bitcoin's transaction history.
Uncommon
Uncommon sats are the first satoshis mined in each block, making them distinct due to their unique position.
Vintage
Vintage sats are from Bitcoin’s initial mining phase, carrying nostalgic value and historical importance.