In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Daz 3D has once again teamed up with The Diigitals, a leading all-digital modelling agency, building on their past collaboration in support of Black Girls Code earlier this year. This time, the team is releasing a ground-breaking and innovative

NFT designed to showcase the Asian-American Pacific islander experience. All proceeds from the NFT sales will be donated to non-profit Stop AAPI Hate. The non-profit Stop AAPI Hate operates the Stop AAPI Hate reporting center, which tracks incidents of hate and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. In addition to the NFT drop, Daz 3D will be releasing exclusive 3D content on their own marketplace, and will also be donating proceeds from the sale of those assets as well.

Now is the time to rally behind the Asian Community

There is no better time than now to stand up for inclusivity, diversity, and love for all communities. May is a special month for the AAPI community, making it the perfect time to raise awareness about serious issues that trouble Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country and the world.

Just a few months ago, NBC News released alarming data showing that Anti-Asian hate had nearly doubled in March of 2021. The types of hate-crimes being committed daily, including acts of violence, racism, and even hateful rhetoric toward Asian-Americans that has saturated the US throughout the COVID-19 pandemic especially is cause enough for action. Many voices are using their platform and reach to advocate for more love and change.

Coming Together to Make an Innovative NFT

This project is meaningful for a lot of people, both on and off the team who created it. This NFT simply wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative effort of a number of professionals and passionate creators, making this NFT the perfect fusion of culture, art, and technology with a powerful purpose.

The NFT is a combination of contributions by Cameron James-Wilson, CEO of the Diigitals and creator of virtual idol Joon Yung, Preston Woo and the team at Tafi and Daz 3D, and Braeden Duperron, fourteen-year-old violinist.

When we asked Braeden why he contributed to this NFT by playing the violin for the soundtrack, he said: “I was so excited to play the violin for a project that would help other people like me with all the money going to Stop AAPI Hate. I hope this inspires people to treat others better . . . I’m excited to joinwith Stop AAPI Hate to spread awareness of the racism experienced by Asian peoples throughout North America and the world.” Braeden goes on to explain his own experiences as someone of AAPI heritage saying, “Looking different—I’m of mixed heritage—Japanese, Hawaiian, and Filipino—when people meet my white mom, they think I must be adopted and have even asked where my mom got me. I don’t let it bother me and keep doing what I love—playing the violin. I hope everyone enjoys my performance.”

The NFT features the original digital character Joon Yung, or J-Yung, created by The Diigitals. “Bringing together art and technology to benefit such an amazing initiative and stand against anti-Asian hate was an easy decision for us at the Diigitals,” Cameron said. “As an artist who is heavily inspired by Korean culture, I cannot be silent on the rising issue of anti-Asian hate across the world.”

In the NFT, J-Yung’s outfit was designed exclusively for the launch by digital artist and fashion designer Jin3D, a proud Korean artist. “The increase in anti-Asian sentiment across the country is very troubling and disturbing,” said Jin3D. “A natural reaction in the Asian-American community has been to hide our Asian identities and cultures for fear of being targeted for verbal or physical attacks. Turning to digital art and digital fashion has allowed me to express myself while keeping true to me Asian identity. I am honored to use my skills in support of AAPI month.”

Preston Woo, Chief Strategy Officer of Daz 3D and Tafi, leaders in 3D digital art, said, “With all proceeds going to Stop AAPI Hate, this NFT drop is deeply personal to me. I’m proud of Daz 3D and our collaboration with The Diigitals and OpenSea in support of this important, relevant cause.

With all proceeds going to Stop AAPI Hate, this NFT drop is deeply personal to me. I’m proud of Daz 3D and our collaboration with The Diigitals and OpenSea in support of this important, relevant cause.

Preston Woo, Chief Strategy Officer of Daz 3D & Tafi

Why the Team Partnered with OpenSea

OpenSea is the platform of choice at Tafi and Daz3D for all of our NFTs. OpenSea is the first and leading marketplace for NFTs and user-owned digital goods, including collectibles, gaming items, domain names, digital art, and other assets backed by blockchain technology. Not only are they easy to work with, their platform offers more flexibility and freedom enhancing the NFT experience, from flexible auctions, NFT bundling, and low transaction fees. In all, the OpenSea platform is excellent at what it does, and we are proud to work with them, especially in offering this groundbreaking NFT in support ofStop AAPI Hate.

View our groundbreaking NFT on OpenSea