by Grace Slansky, DesignerCon
This year’s DesignerCon (DCon) is fast approaching. The upcoming convention, which is the largest toy and collectible event in the U.S., has fans buzzing. As the first live show to return to the Anaheim Convention Center — and on the heels of a wildly successful, but vastly different virtual show in 2020 — DCon is already making headlines, but why stop there?
For years, DCon has been the go-to event for exclusive art toys and collectibles, building up a reliable fan base who trusts the convention to curate the best of the best. DCon is a convention founded on collectibles, dedicated to bringing the premier exclusive experience to its attendees. They have proven themselves time and time again, having pulled it off even when in-person interaction wasn’t possible. The convention’s organizers have proven their commitment and flexibility.
While DCon remains a staple for collectors, the collectibles themselves have changed quite a bit, particularly recently. Enter the NFT (non-fungible token), or rather enter the NFT boom of the last year, a cultural phenomenon and genre-bending reality that brought digital art to the forefront of pop culture and exposed a new demographic to the world of collectibles! While NFTs and art toys maintain their important differences, they both cater to the collector, bringing ever-evolving art to the consumer in limited quantities.
Ever pursuing the best and most comprehensive experience for fans, DCon is diving headfirst into NFTs this year … but not without some help. DCon has partnered with New Zealand-based digital collectible app VeVe to make a big splash! Working together, they have created a series of DCon exclusives, namely limited-edition digital collectibles from DCon all-star artists, IPs, and brands.
There was a lot to consider in creating the convention’s first NFT partnership, but DCon’s vision fit seamlessly with VeVe’s. The platform was created by artists for artists, meaning there is an emphasis on maintaining relationships and high standards. With a crossover between collectors, an incredibly easy and consumer-friendly buying process, and the alignment of the companies’ core values, the partnership just works! With the VeVe app, collectors can easily purchase and sell limited-edition digital collectibles, which can be displayed in a virtual showroom to be viewed online or in augmented reality, allowing users to walk through their own personally curated collection. With the option to use U.S. dollars and a user-friendly interface, making it clear that VeVe is, at its core, about the collector.
In line with this mission to cater to the individual consumer, VeVe stands out from others in the NFT space with its commitment to 100% carbon-neutral NFTs. In a space that is often fraught with ecological damage and a disregard for the environment, VeVe’s stance is refreshing. Neutralizing its carbon footprint and environmental impact has been a huge priority for VeVe. The company’s recent partnership with Immutable X furthers this goal, paving the way for VeVe to scale from its current user base and provide millions of everyday consumers seamless, secure and carbon-neutral experiences in the world of digital collectibles.
In anticipation of the event, VeVe has pulled from its own successful releases, including Marvel drops, Star Trek NFTs, and work from artists such as Ron English and Frank Kozik. With a history of legendary creations, the curated drops for DCon are sure to be buzzworthy. But wait, there’s more! There will also be DesignerCon-exclusive drops with Tristan Eaton, Tara McPherson, Camille Rose Garcia, and more!
And best of all, this experience is truly accessible for collectors, from the interface to the varied price points. The programming accommodates everyone. Collectors can even expect limited drops of blind boxes for prices starting at just $13, featuring randomized 3D models of various 3D toy series’ curated by VeVe founder David Yu.
When asked about the partnership, Yu says, “VeVe understands the importance of the unique connection and, as a fan, I feel that DesignerCon is the eye of the storm — where the like-minded come to explore, learn, and be inspired. The VeVe team are collectors at heart and created the platform with collecting at the forefront, whether it be art or any other form of pop culture fandom. We’re really excited to be bridging the physical and digital worlds of collecting, including some drops that pair NFTs with replica art toys, and our platform aligns perfectly with the interest of DesignerCon attendees.”
This partnership is a real example of the synergistic possibilities that occur when core values align. With their mutual respect for the collector and as true fans themselves, VeVe and DesignerCon are set up to make history together. Tickets are on sale now, for those who do not want to miss this historic moment, taking place from Nov. 12-14. For more info, visit designercon.com.
