Raine 38 - The Multiverse Issue by Raine Magazine

Inspire - Empower - Educate. This is our mission. This is what we do with each issue of Raine Magazine. We are proud to introduce our first Multiverse Issue, where we introduce you to tomorrow's stars in NFTs, Crypto, and the Metaverse. As the Founder of Raine Magazine, it is only fitting that Raine, a platform since 2007 which covers the future of fashion, culture, and technology, releases its first issue that weaves in how blockchain is vastly shaping what commerce and entertainment will become. This future is referred to as the next generation of the internet or Web3. It is a new paradigm that is greatly changing the landscape of how we interact and connect. Here is a little about my personal journey down the rabbit hole of Web3 which led to the inspiration behind this issue. My first brush with crypto was in 2013 when I attempted to buy a machine to mine Bitcoin. Unfortunately, that adventure failed miserably. It then picked up again when I bought Ethereum in 2017 and in 2020 decided to binge-read whitepapers to understand the platforms and protocols that are most future-proof and would be sound investments. During that year, I realized how important this new and fast-evolving industry will be and became hugely passionate about educating and sharing with as many creatives as possible. This inspired me to become a cryptocurrency podcast producer, advisor, and speaker in the space. In 2022, I launched a new podcast on the Pink Kangaru Podcast Network, called Crypto for Creatives. A few months later, Raine Drops NFT Art House was born. Now, take your journey through the pages to discover some of the coolest talent, technology, and destinations that we will be hearing more about in the coming months and years. Enjoy! Truly,

Nova Lorraine Founder, Creative Director & Editor in Chief

Photo Credit: NFT Star Award Winners

Photo Credit: Mel Thadea

Photo Credit: Mel Thadea RAINE: Why did you choose to pursue fashion design? IRINA: Like many people who become fashion designers, I was creating dresses for my dolls when I was a child. Later on, I started to make clothes for myself and my friends, so I didn’t have to think long when the time came to choose what I was going to study in university. RAINE: How did you discover digital fashion design? MEL: I always had an interest in storytelling mediums like fashion and film. I noticed that costumes in films can be so

exciting and curious. Now as a visual designer, I like to help fashion designers to present their designs in a fun manner which is only able to be done in the virtual world. IRINA: I already had many years of experience as a fashion designer when I first saw a work created in CLO3D. It impressed me, but for some reason I thought that it was too difficult to learn and forgot about it for a while until COVID-19 came. Then, I found myself struggling without any work and it was a perfect time to study something new. RAINE: What inspirations do

you have for your designs? MEL: My inspiration comes from different sources; it can be from a photograph, a poem, or a culture. For example, with the Kintsugi project, I was inspired by its craft and philosophy, a beauty in imperfections. We wanted to explore different elements of kintsugi like gold cracks, pottery, etc. that paid homage to Japanese culture but also had a modern interpretation. MEL: Ever-changing. I can’t say I have one style; I think there are still so many different techniques and styles left unexplored.

RAINE: Do you prefer digital fashion design or physical fashion design? Why? MEL: I have no preference. I think both have their own uniqueness and function. IRINA: At the moment, I prefer digital fashion design because it gives me more freedom in experimenting. Also, I don’t have to spend money on any fabrics or trims because I create them by myself. RAINE: What are three things that your fans don’t know about you? BOTH: 1. We’re both multilingual. Between both of us, we speak four languages -English, Russian, Indonesian

Photo Credit: Irina Blagochevskaya

and Chinese. 2. We’re both digital nomads. We met through Instagram but funnily enough we lived in almost similar countries like the United Kingdom and Indonesia. 3. We’re originally from Indonesia (Mel) & Russia (Irina). RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey? MEL: Just do it. Often you’ll find th at it’s not as scary as you imagine. IRINA: Practising and studying is a key to success in this field. RAINE: If you could style one celebrity, who would it be? BOTH: We’re not sure but we think Lil Nas X would be fun

since his style can be both masculine and feminine. RAINE: How has your work as a graphic designer and motion designer affected your fashion designs? MEL: As a creator and director, my background helps me to translate from storytelling into visual mediums and to communicate with people in different disciplines. RAINE: Do you have any exciting plans coming up? MEL: I’m excited to explore different stories and collaborate with more artists from different backgrounds.

Photo Credit: Irina Blagochevskaya

rina Blagochevskaya is a fashion designer from Moscow, Russia with more than eight years of experience. For most of it, she lived and worked for different brands in Bali, Indonesia. When COVID-19 started, she had to find a remote job. That was when she discovered CLO3D. She fell in love with the possibilities of this program and now can proudly call herself a digital fashion designer. Currently, she is working as a freelance 3D apparel designer - digitalising real clothes or creating 3D samples for production. But, when she has time, she likes to participate in creative projects and collaborations. She really enjoys what she does and keeps learning everyday. She believes that 3D is going to change the whole process of designing and production, making it more sustainable.

Photo Credit: Mel Thadea

el Thadea is a visual designer who enjoys exploring nature and cultures, using digital tools to translate them into wonderful and curious visuals. She worked as a graphic designer and motion designer whilst finishing university, but her academic training and her passions lie in film, fashion and the combination of both. Now, she is a freelance visual designer, exploring storytelling through the combination of film and fashion. She believes that digital fashion is a new way to express oneself in a fun and imaginative way.

This group of nine designers collaborated together, some creating avatars while others made clothes and animations. Their hard work was not in vain, as their work won the NFT Star Award at the 2021 Monte-Carlo Digital Fashion Challenge. After each designer, who had previously designed physical clothing, found their way to the 3D industry and digital fashion design, they took a class at the 3D Couture School taught by Maria Shevchenko. Here, they met through the school’s online chat and developed a strong relationship that transcended their lack of the physical. In fact, they have never seen each other in real life. One student, Kreamonz, invited her colleagues to work together to create a collection and show it at fashion weeks. She put together a mood board, thought through the concept, drew sketches, and made a presentation. Many of her colleagues decided to participate in the project. They worked together for three months to create this collection, and all of their hard work paid off.

KREAMONZ is a fashion designer of digital and physical clothes as well as a designer of avatars. She studied design at the Bogolyubov Art College and fashion design at the University of Technology and Design. She first worked as a designer of children’s and women’s clothing in large mass-market brands. After, she started studying 3D clothes and creating avatars, as well as learning a lot of 3D programs. Additionally, she worked with various small global brands by helping them with digital and physical clothes and creating avatars and animated videos. She has given lectures at the Fashion Factory School. She has shown her collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Kiev Fashion Week. Her work has been published in L Officiel and Harper’s Bazaar magazines. Follow her on instagram: @kreamonz TATSIANA APANOVICH is from Belarus and her speciality is modeling and designing clothes. She has studied the Clo3D program and taken 3D Couture courses, studying under Maria Shevchenko at the Higher British School of Design. There she met a great team and became a member of Agency 3DCouture.

Kaino courses (University of 3D) allowed her to familiarize herself with Blender programs, and one of her new interests is Substance Painter. She plans to continue to study 3D modeling. Follow her on instagram: @ camarada3a ELIZABETH RADIONOVA is a fashion designer and 3D visualizer. She was happy to take part in the Monte-Carlo Digital Fashion Challenge as part of a great team led by Kreamonz. She creates clothing patterns and gradation of their sizes in Optitex and Clo3D programs. Also, she makes realistic renderings and animations of clothes using and customizing Daz Studio avatars. She has been working for many years and now continues with physical children’s and women’s clothing, tailoring corsets, and wedding and evening dresses. But, she also really enjoys making 3D clothes. Her skills in 3D construction help her not only in creating digital images, but also in creating physical clothes. She believes this is the future. Follow her on instagram: @studio__elizabeth TATYANA RZHAKSINSKAYA has worked in a bank as a loan officer. After her dismissal, she decided that she would do her favorite thing: knitting to

order. She was looking for an opportunity to improve communication with the client and to make communication more productive. This was how she first thought about 3D clothing. After graduating from 3D Couture school, the new opportunities took her breath away. Now, she is doing visualization and animation of clothes for clients. Follow her on instagram: @tanya_rzhaksinskaya TATYANA BUZAN is a 3D fashion designer from Kyiv. She is a banker by education, but creativity has been with her since childhood. After she left a boring and uninteresting job in a bank, she completed 3D fashion design courses and switched to freelancing completely. Now she has an interesting job, a lot of creative colleagues, and the opportunity to develop in the 3D sphere. Despite this, she still dreams of having more than twenty-four hours a day to do everything she has planned. Follow her on instagram: @ tatiana.buzan_3d.design The other artists in this team are: Varvara Korzunina (@ korzunina_varvara), Natalia Guselmann (@3de_shka), Liudmila Trubach (@mila_3dfashion), and Maria Shevchenko (@3dcouture)

PHOTOGRAPHED by VITAL AGIBALOW for HENSEL Model: ISABELLE FARRELL Styling by @ibizaNYC Makeup by Kate Romanoff for MAC cosmetics Hair by Kate Romanoff for ORIBE Nails by Kate Romanoff for KISS nails

Shot & Styled by Eboni Jazmine Hair and Makeup by Hiroshi Djin Outfit by Shane Justin

RAINE: What was the creative inspiration that put you on the path to pursuing a career in music?

RAINE: What can music offer as a platform when compared to other forms of creativity?

JEAN: I started writing music at 9 because I fell in love with fantasy. Capturing melody through storytelling gave me the outlet I needed. I spent a lot of time by myself as a child.

JEAN: Sound is powerful, it creeps messages into your subconscious. It's such a spiritual force. Cleansing through sound is powerful. I'm very picky with what I meditate on.

I love Vivaldi for cleansing. Regarding inspiration, it's really every creative doing what they love and me witnessing it in the right moment. It ranges from Tik Tokers getting me together powered by the algo to my mom telling me stories of her life, making me realize the strength I have within me. I draw from so much. RAINE: What do you hope listeners can take away from your new release material? JEAN: Power. You are the power, all of it is in you. RAINE: What are the best ways

to avoid burnout as a creator? JEAN: Turn it all off and be so busy enjoying love that you don't have time to have FOMO. RAINE: Have you got any exciting collaborations coming up? JEAN: I'm excited about the producers I'm getting to work with. They are so empowering and talented. Efya is a powerhouse of talent, our creation will be magnificently immortal. RAINE: How has your musical sound evolved over the course of your career?

RAINE: Who would you say are your main creative influences? JEAN: Beyonce made me want to work super hard, Wizkid inspired me to celebrate African culture however and wherever, Pink pushed me to write from a real place, and Rihanna - well international baddie? That alone is a W.

JEAN: Every year I become a stronger more complete person. That reflects in everything I do and create. I'm grateful to God for allowing me to see each season with fresh eyes and renewed strength. You can hear it in my music. I used to exclusively release demos on SoundCloud because of my obsessive need to feel like it's time. My experiments over the years opened doors for me and brought people and experiences that have made me ready for the world. Made my sound ready to inspire. I'm just grateful time has been good to me.

Photo by Alex Bergstrom

rtist Barry Johnson is making his impact through a variety of projects and opportunities. He has many permanent public arts around the country. He was responsible for the Black Lives Matter mural in Seattle. Johnson has held residencies with Amazon and Facebook, and has installed one of his portraits in the Four Seasons residence hall in Tribeca. Additionally he has received the smART Ventures award, Edwin T. Pratt Award, and GAP award.

He has been featured in TEDxSeattle, South Seattle Emerald, and Crosscut, among others. One of his recent works was with the Midtown Building, which is on 23rd and Union in Midtown Square in Seattle. Johnson was part of a group of eight artists who brought art and life into the newly erected apartment building. Johnson’s work is seen inside the building as well as on the paneling outside the building. After two

years of work on the project, it is finally able to bring joy to the community. With another two-year project, resting right outside the Midtown Building, Johnson left an additional mark in the area. This one was in the form of a statue. This statue, designed by Johnson, is of Dr. James Washington Jr. Dr. Washington, along with being an author and artist, was an activist who sought to get redlining abolished. The Midtown Building is a new building in an area that was previously redlined. This statue’s location brings about

a full-circle moment, putting Dr. Washington forever at the center of what he dreamed to accomplish in the area. About the experience, Johnson said, “It’s been an honor to work on this and celebrate Mr. Washington. He paved the road for me and other Black artists to do what we love. This sculpture reminds us of how far we’ve come, and where we come from.” Johnson has had his own solo exhibition at A-Gallery with Integrus Architecture titled Pretty Boy Barry. This exhibition was a culmi-

nation of his past and present work as well as tools and books that have directed him through his life and career. Further, Johnson’s journey of finding his identity was shown in the installation. Another one of Johnson’s projects was titled Between the Sheets. Starting in December 2020, it started with a simple goal: to paint a different portrait of a Black man every day. What Johnson ended up with was hundreds of portraits across twelve sketchbooks, and an opportunity to learn more about drawing and painting as he challenged himself.

In addition, Johnson worked with Moses Sun and recently unveiled a new art piece honoring Quincy Jones at the Museum of Pop Culture, where Jones was the winner of the museum’s 2022 Founders Award. Johnson and Sun were hand-

picked by the museum to design this piece, one that will become part of the museum’s permanent collection. Jones’ legacy is captured in the various elements of the piece: from the bright colors and tv screens to the images of Jones himself, both as a young trumpet player and a colorfully cut-out

painting of him later in life. Johnson said of the piece that “The way we created this was really to give an ode to Seattle, Jazz, and all of the things that made Quincy the enigma that he is. From the colors to the ribbons, everything was fabricated and designed to evolve with time.” This is only the beginning for Johnson, who will continue to create powerful pieces and craft his legacy.

Photo Credits: Barry Johnson

Photographer: Adam Hendershott @adamhendershott Production Design: Lindsey Ferguson @lindseyaferguson Stylist: Flora Ronzone @sunny_goth Grooming & Makeup: Monique Paredes

omedic actor and director Ben Giroux was destined to be an entertainer. For the Phoenix native, growing up in his parents' comic book store sparked his colorful and creative spirit. From there, he found himself performing on the stages of local Arizona theaters and quickly realized that nothing made him feel more alive than eliciting laughter from an audience. After high school he enrolled at Chapman University before transferring to USC, where he majored in theater and continued to nurture his passion for performing. During this time, he also began to venture into the world of voiceover and was soon lending his voice to TV and radio campaigns for top brands including Honda, McDonalds, ESPN, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Jack in the Box, Sonic, the NFL, Toyota, and more.

RAINE: When did you start acting and voice acting? BEN: I’ve been acting my entire life—even before I knew it was a viable career path! My dad introduced me to The Three Stooges at a young age and I was hooked on comedy ever since. As for voices, I remember running around the house terrorizing my little sister with high-pitched cartoon voices as a kid. So life feels very full circle now that it’s my fulltime job.

create comedy. The world has been in rough shape these last couple of years. Our collective human experience is being chal lenged. And my thumbprint on the universe is to provide some levity to it all. RAINE: What inspired you to start your production company, Small Red Cape?

BEN: As a short guy, the early days of my entertainment career had me auditioning to play A LOT of Christmas elves. While that was RAINE: Why did you pursue a career in the fun (and ridiculous), playing height-specific entertainment industry? roles exclusively had me yearning for more creativity out of my career. So, I launched a BEN: Because I’m a glutton for punishment production company. Initially, we sought to and continual, soul-crushing rejection. make my passion projects: parody music videos, comedy sketches, YouTube shorts, etc. RAINE: What drew you to comedy? But as the company evolved and our content became more and more complex, we BEN: Laughter is the greatest natural high in became a full-service production company. the world. Eliciting laughter from an audiNow, a decade later, we create viral music ence is my single greatest passion in life. No videos, commercials, and TV pilots. I’m so matter what I do, whether it’s on-camera, proud of the work my team and I have been behind the microphone, or directing, I love to able to create. The one project that really

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stands out is our 2017 music video “Back to the 90s” which amassed 100 million views, charted on Billboard, and landed me and my team in Las Vegas with The Backstreet Boys. RAINE: What have been some of your favorite roles to play and why? BEN: I’m thrilled to be voicing Nate Wright, the title character in Big Nate, Nickelodeon’s new animated series streaming on Paramount+. I grew up watching the original NickToons like Doug, Rugrats, and Ren & Stimpy, so voicing my own Nickelodeon

BEN: I’m a big fan of Christopher Guest’s movies like Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. In 2012, I had the opportunity to act in Chris Guest’s HBO show Family Tree. All of his projects are improvised, so as an improviser, it was a treat to make up a comedy scene on the fly. I was told prior to filming my scene that Chris can be a bit stone-faced and hard to read: “Don’t be offended if he doesn’t laugh.” But when I did my scene, he fell out of his chair laughing. I shouted a rather vulgar phrase in character—one that I can’t repeat here—but he liked it so much that the production team had my improvised dialogue printed on the series wrap party mugs. It was an honor!

animated series has been a really joyful, full-circle moment. There’s also an added exciting responsibility to bringing my voice to a beloved character that already has a global fanbase. On-camera, I’ve also really enjoyed playing The Toddler on Henry Danger and Danger Force for the past decade. Playing the villain on a superhero show has allowed me to explore a broad, theatrical, cartoonish character on screen. And the “DangerVerse” has given me some of the greatest friendships in my life. RAINE: What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career?

RAINE: Who or what has been your greatest inspiration in life? BEN: I really admired Robin Williams. His authenticity, intensity, creativity, talents, and warmth are traits that any actor can aspire to. I also really admire comedy actors that have effectively dipped their toes into drama like Bob Odenkirk. RAINE: If someone asked how to stimulate their creativity, what advice woulud you give them?

BEN: Do stuff outside of entertainment! Travel to a place you’ve never been, have a conversation with someone who has different opinions from you, and try a new hobby. The best actors and the most creative people are constantly refilling their creative well with life experiences. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. RAINE: What was the biggest surprise you have experienced in building your business or career? BEN: Initially, the biggest surprise in entertainment was the ratio of auditions to successfully booking a job. People outside of the industry are always shocked when I tell them booking one job out of 100 auditions is really good odds! I probably auditioned for 5,000 animated projects before landing my first series lead. RAINE: What are 5 things your fans don't know about you? BEN: 1. Olives are my kryptonite. 2. I compete in Spartan Race obstacle course races. 3. I’m obsessed with trashy reality television. 4. I’m addicted to my Nespresso machine. 5. I’m an introvert. RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey? BEN: Make stuff. Be proactive. I can trace every positive career milestone back to something I proactively created to propel myself forward. Also, as a young actor, I was on set for the show Psych and I asked James Roday Rodriquez what his secret was to entertainment success. He gave me the best advice I’ve ever received: do good work and be a good dude.

RAINE: What drew you to join your newest project, Big Nate? Ben: In many ways, this is a sixth-grade doover for me! I was an introverted kid who struggled to make friends in sixth grade. Nate is the opposite —he’s fearlessly confident on his quest to achieve total awesomeness. He also has a tight-knit group of misfit friends. We can all aspire to have Nate’s level of confidence. RAINE: Have you noticed any similarities between yourself and Nate? BEN: Absolutely! I was really into drawing and painting as a kid. I almost pursued the fine arts. On our show, Nate is also an artist. His doodles come to life routinely in our series. So, I love the art parallel with Nate to my own passion for drawing. RAINE: Since you recorded the show on a Zoom call every week with other actors, did improv play a role? Do you prefer recording your lines with other actors or by yourself? BEN: The pandemic certainly made us adapt our workflow in new, innovative ways. Most animated shows now record their actors separately, from their home studios, and the performances are patched together after the fact with the rest of the group. Our show I believe is the first of its kind – despite recording remotely, Nickelodeon still found a way for us to record as an ensemble via Zoom. That allowed our cast to bond and riff off of one another’s performances. We have so many gifted improv actors on our show, so getting to record as an ensemble allows us to create fun, magical, unscripted moments of comedy gold. We’re all desperate to return to in-person recordings, but until then, we’re so grateful for our ensemble Zoom sessions.

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Phptpgraphed By Tevin Johnson @tevin.us

RAINE: What were the initial sparks of creative inspiration that led to you pursuing so many different creative avenues? ARIA: I have always been into performing arts because my parents are performing arts educators. I feel like singing, songwriting, acting and other creative fields go hand-in-hand. My passion for one art form spilled over into another. RAINE: What are your strategies for avoiding burnout with so many different elements to your career? ARIA: I make sure to do constant mental health checks with myself. I think strong mental health throughout my career will create longevity and passion. RAINE: Why did you choose to share your mental health struggles with your debut EP castles? ARIA: It is very important that people have someone they can look up to and relate to. I use my art, specifically my music, to create that outlet for others. RAINE: From starting a music career to starring in a new Disney musical, what draws you to music? ARIA: Music always makes me feel something. Sometimes it's happy, other times it's sad or mad, etc. Regardless, it makes me feel good to release my emotions through singing and songwriting. RAINE: How does it feel working on a project for Disney and knowing it has the potential to be seen by such a wide audience? ARIA: I am so grateful that I got this opportunity. I can only imagine the number of people it will touch. I am glad the world will get to see this movie with so many fun and inspiring themes.

RAINE: What about your character Libby in Better Nate Than Ever resonates with you? ARIA: Libby's spunk definitely resonates with me. Her confidence and attitude towards life are very similar to mine. She is a boss who is always making moves and I feel like that is me too. RAINE: What would you say is the secret to social media success? ARIA: The secret is being yourself. I know everyone says it, but it is so true. My social media started to rise once I started posting things that I liked and that accurately represented me. RAINE: What attracts you to a new project or platform? ARIA: The message and the plot are always the first thing I notice. A fun and fresh plot hooks me in, but the moral/theme keeps me interested. RAINE: How do your creative passions influence your choices both personally and professionally? ARIA: My creative passions have worked their way into my professional and even personal life. I have made my art into my career. I also use songwriting to privately express myself. I am constantly writing songs when things happen in my life. RAINE: Do you have any plans for the future of your career? ARIA: I plan to star in more movies and TV shows. I want to get more music out and collaborate with other artists. I would also like to get my scripts on their feet and produce them myself.

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RAINE: Lana, thanks for taking a moment to sit down and talk with us. It’s an honor to be the first to interview a real alien! So, please tell our readers about your home world of Trion? LANA: Trion is a planet that sits under three moons in an area in the universe that is not visible by your current viewing tools. It is mainly populated in two regions: Alchemia and Segoria. There is a third sizeable region on the planet that is known as Mila. Mila is a dry barron black sand region where the underground sliders live. It is highly discouraged for any Trion to venture there as most do not leave the region alive. The other two regions are beauthiful feasts of the eyes. Segoria, is filled with colorful clay areas, with the red clay being the most prevalent. It is a mountainous area with colorful blooming plants. The mountains serve as homes for many of the Segorians. My home is Alchemia. It is filled mostly with turquoise waters of various sizes and shapes, mimicking some of your rivers, lakes and oceans. It is filled with tall tree like plants that stretch over 100 feet in the sky. Our homes sit on the flat areas of these trees and we use sky canoes to often travel from our homes down to the waters below. The animal like beings on our planet are not used for food, as food as you know it does not exist on Trion. We primarily survive from the waters from our trees and a gem-like edible berry for additional nourishment. Our animals and people are uniquely connected and some our people can communicate telepathically with the animals’ leaders. RAINE: Apart from skin color, how are Trions different from humans?

LANA: Our colors are more than just a physical trait for us. It is a driving force for our unique abilities and our connection to our world. Each Trion is born based on the needs of the planet. My color, green is the rarest and comes with the greatest of abilities. Our abilities such as teleportation, dematerialization, illusion, and many more are all tied to our archetypes and our archetypes are one with our color. RAINE: How easy is it for you to blend in on Earth? LANA: As a chameleon race, we can take on the appearance of any being we are around. However, heightened emotions weaken the ability to hold our chameleon form. RAINE: What is it that brought you to Earth? LANA: I am here seeking an heirloom to forti-

fy my right to rule Alchemia as the incoming Queen. I however found a second reason which was not planned prior to me arriving, which is by duty to keep Reiker and his new friend, Samantha alive. RAINE: Do you know of other Trions on Earth presently? LANA: As Trions, some of us have the privilege to know how to use the worm holes to travel to various planets. Often times, the Seekers and Protectors take on these journeys. We began our most recent travels to Earth when it reopened around the 5th Quadron of our moon phases. That is the most information I am allowed to give at this time. RAINE: I have a two-part question for you. First – what are your favorite things about Earth

that can’t be found on Trion? As a follow-up – what are your favorite things on Trion that can’t be found on Earth? LANA: I love indulging in the purest of foods Earth has to offer, although I can only do this sparingly as my body is not used to consuming such solid substances. I also thoroughly enjoy the variety of coverings your planet offers and how humans uniquely express themselves in these fashions, as you call them, around the world. Regarding your second question, there are too many things to name that we have, that are not found on Earth, for example our sky vehicles, animal like creators, our plant life, our home structures, the gem-like berries, to name a few, and most of all, humans have not actualized their 6th level of existence as we have. RAINE: People will want to know – is Trion and

its people a threat to Earth? Are you aware of other alien races besides us out there? LANA: Trions have no intention to harm humans, however, I can only speak of us as a collective. Of course, each Trion has their own free will and can choose how they want to use their abilities on the planets they travel to. As Trions, can easily blend in with humans and live more than a full human life, only another Trion can sense if they are in the presence of their own, and therefore, it is unknown how many of my people are currently here when not actively seeking them. RAINE: I know you need to run, but do you have any last words to share with our readers? LANA: We find your race fascinating in its current place in its existence cycle and hope to one day see humans live as connected with each other and their world as we are.

our experiences and expertise can make a profound difference in someone else's life. But to create a profitable business from your stories, you need to say goodbye to rapid strategy switching and hello to a simple plan for growing your audience.

In this entertaining how-to guide, marketing mentor Nikki Nash reveals a straightforward, three-step process for generating audience growth and consistent revenue. Through it, you will: -- Pinpoint who wants to pay for your expertise -- Discover how to capture your audience's attention -- Create a plan for generating a consistent flow of leads -- Build your sales system for a sustainable business -- Develop a road map for keeping customers year after year This in-depth coaching session provides you with the clear action steps for creating and validating a marketing plan that aligns with your unique business vision, creating the pathway to discoverability and success.

NIKKI NASH

is the creator of the Market Your Genius podcast and founder of the Genius Profit Society, which equips entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to share and profit from their talents. As creator of the Market Your Genius podcast and the Genius Profit Lab, she equips entrepreneurs and authors with the tools and resources needed to build and profit from their expertise. She is an international speaker and marketing expert with experience working with such brands as Intel, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and Louis Vuitton MOËT Hennessy. Raine Magazine | Page 61

PHOTO CREDITS: MARC ANGELES, JOE BRYANT AND DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

ne of the world’s most expensive homes, appropriately named “The One,” has just hit the market at $295 million. Once projected to list for as much as $500 million, construction ran several years late causing severe financial issues for the developer. If The One sells anywhere near the $295 million ask, it would be the most expensive home ever sold in California, well over the $177 million that venture capitalist Marc Andreessen paid for his Malibu mansion in 2021 and the $165 million that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos paid in 2020 for his Beverly Hills estate. Perched on a promontory with 360-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains, the Bel Air uber mansion is surrounded on three sides by a moat and measures in at a mind-boggling 105,000 square feet - almost twice as big as the White House. Located on 3.8 acres, the house, which was actually raised during construction to further optimize the

views, includes 21 bedrooms and 49 baths. Highlights of The One include five outdoor and indoor swimming pools with the moat encircling three quarters of the exterior, a massive nightclub, full-service beauty salon, wellness spa, 10,000-square-foot sky deck, 400-foot private outdoor running track with a glass-walled view of the city, and a private theater with seating for over 40. In addition to ownership of one of the world’s most spectacular homes, the property also includes butterfly artwork by Stephen Wilson, an Oto Murano chandelier by Vistosi, a rotating statue by Mike Fields, and a glass sculpture by Italian artist Simone Cenedese. There is also a two-story library/office with a balcony and water features touching three windowed walls, and parquet flooring. Add in a custom bar with a smoked-mirror backsplash and marble countertops, a cigar lounge, a four-lane bowling alley, putting green, wellness center, gym, a 64-foot indoor pool with juice bar, tennis court, 10,000-bottle wine cellar, and a 30-plus car garage with two car-display turntables.

ntertaining in such unique luxury might draw some interesting Bel Air neighbors such as Jennifer Lawrence, who moved there last year, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Liam Hemsworth, Miley Cyrus and Kylie Jenner to name just a few.

Bel Air is one point of the Platinum Triangle, which includes Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills, where so many stars call home. In addition to having illustrious neighbors, Bel Air is close to Rodeo Drive for shopping and UCLA. Downtown Los Angeles and LAX are just a short drive. The property is listed by Aaron Kirman of Compass, Beverly Hills and Branden and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates, Beverly Hills, and will go to Concierge Auctions, which if not sold prior, will be held online on February 28th.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Photo Credits: Unsplash

s cryptocurrencies are on the rise, some countries have pulled ahead of others as being more crypto-friendly. Near the top of that list is Portugal. Located in Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a country filled with history and brimming with beauty. Also, the country ranked fourth on the 2021 Global Peace Index. Cryptocurrency is not recognized as fiat currency and does not have legal tender status. So, you cannot use crypto to pay a legal fine or debt. Nevertheless, it is legal to trade cryptocurrency and cash it out into euros.

Cryptocurrencies are tax-free in Portugal as long as crypto trading is not your full-time job. They are viewed as a form of payment rather than an asset. When buying or selling crypto, you do not have to pay VAT. There are many crypto platforms which function without limitations in Portugal. However, businesses that deal in crypto and people who trade crypto as their primary source of income are still required to pay taxes on it. There have been numerous crypto and NFT conferences in Portugal. Europe’s first crypto art festival, Rare Effect, was in May 2021 in Lisbon. Also in Lisbon was an Ethereum conference and Lisbon Blockchain Week in October 2021, and a Cosmoverse Conference

and Breakpoint 2021 in November 2021. As crypto opportunities expand, more companies in Portugal are becoming accepting of cryptocurrencies. In 2019, S.L. Benfica, a football club in Portugal, started to accept crypto and became the first major European football club to do so. Additionally, even though they are rare, there are some bitcoin ATMs in Lisbon and Porto. Here, people can buy cryptocurrency and sell their crypto for cash. You can also use a cryptocurrency credit card at places that would not normally accept crypto. There are options to move to Portugal to trade crypto. If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, you are eligible for the non-habitual residence program (NHR). You have

to desire to live in Portugal and either have your primary home there or remain in the country for 183 days a year. Additionally, within the past five years you must not have been a resident in Portugal. Non-EU citizens are also eligible for this program, but it is more difficult for them to become a part of it. However, non-EU citizens can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa where through making investments in the country, you can get a residency permit and then a passport. Another option for non-EU citizens is the Portugal D-7 Visa. To qualify, you need a regular passive income, which could include income from a rental or pension. Seek financial and legal guidance prior to starting an application for any of these opportunities.

o now that you’re going to Portugal, what are you actually going to do there? Luckily, Portugal has a wide range of activities and locations to visit that will excite anyone, no matter their interests. MOSTEIRO DOS JERÓNIMOS - Located in Lisbon, this beautiful monastery opened in 1601. The double-layered cloisters were rare for the time period. Inside are vaulted ceilings and detailed columns. Visitors can also see the tomb of famed explorer Vasco de Gama, who was the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope and reach India. TORRE DE BELEM - Construction started on this fort in 1514. It is located on the shore of the Tagus River and is found at the port of Lisbon’s entrance. The fort aimed to defend the port of Lisbon. It was also constructed in honor of the expedition of Vasco da Gama. On the outside, there are intricate stonework and towers with roots in Islamic architecture. This fort is a testimony to the culture at the time it was created as well as authentic to work done at the time. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. MOSTEIRO PALACIO NACIONAL DE MAFRA This is a palace, convent, and basilica of Mafra. Originally, it was not meant to be grand. Yet its opulence increased with the country’s wealth. When taking a tour, one of the rooms you will find is the Rocaille Library. Lined with marble, it is the longest room in the complex and houses over 40,000 books. CABO DA ROCA - Out of all of mainland Europe, this cape is the most western part. Found within the Sintra National Park, visitors are greeted with stunning ocean views, hid-

den beaches, and hiking trails. There is also a lighthouse completed in 1772. Along the Portuguese coast, it is one of the oldest lighthouses there. BENAGIL CAVE - This cave is located on the coast of the Algarve. You can swim or kayak from the shore to reach the cave. There are natural openings through which you can enter and a natural skylight that illuminates the inside of the space. PRAIA DO CAMILO - Stunning views greet you before and after you descend down 200 stairs to Camilo Beach. Located in Lagos, it is nestled among cliffs that provide shelter from the ocean winds, creating a beautiful place to relax. PORT AND TABLE WINE TASTING IN THE DOURO VALLEY- Framed by picturesque views and intercut by the Douro River, the Douro Valley is home to numerous Port houses and vineyards where you could go for a tasting. Some options for you to visit are Graham’s, Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta de la Rosa, Sandeman, and Taylor’s. These options offer a variety of activities, from tastings to picnics to tours and more. RIBEIRA DISTRICT- Spend the day strolling through this historic district at the center of Porto. Discover local bars, restaurants, and cafes as you marvel at the tall, narrow houses and Ponte Dom Luis I, a double-leveled arched bridge stretching across the Douro River. You could also visit Palacio da Bolsa (a major Portuguese stock exchange building until the 1990’s) and Igeja São Lourenço (a church and convent that also houses the Sacred Art and Archeology Museum). This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photos Provided By Owner

n unpretentious luxury – the fullness of living in simply designed spaces surrounded by nature and pastoral views – this is the Kotch Collection. Each home is thoughtfully designed with eye-catching interior furnishings and outfitted with the creature comforts you need to feel transported. Flower petal blossoms, swaying palms and circulating ocean-swept and mountain-side breezes – a magical concoction made complete by an inviting family spirit. Our Caribbean lifestyle is full of authentic island vibes and rich with the bounty of freshly cooked meals, the warm smiles of welcoming people and the spirit of community.

You’ll wake up everyday to a new sunrise and the sound of waves rolling onto the sand. Birdsong greetings and smiling faces make every day feel fresh. The South Coast spirit lingers even after you leave with unforgettable moments of exhiliration that call you back time and again.

Authenticity

Our island life is overflowing with good vibes, good food and good people. You’ll feel immersed in this goodness from the moment you arrive. The South Coast spirit brings it to another level. Taste true Caribbean flavors in locally grown produce and fresh-fromsea catch, get to know our staff like family and experience Jamaican culture at its best.

Service

No trip or destination is complete without the people who make it special. That includes our staff and that includes you. Together, you’ll make Kotch your home for the time you’re there. Our staff are an extension of our family – ready to care for you as little or as much as you want. Ask them what to do, where to go and who to see. They’ll let you in on the secrets. Vacationing villa-style is liberating. As easy as staying in a hotel, you have a team of friendly staff ready to assist with anything you need. The difference is in its authenticity because you’re actually living in a new place, a far-away place, even if just for a little while. Put your feet up, let your hair down and make the place your own. It’s not just somewhere to stay, it’s somewhere to experience.

Meals

Known for its bounty of fresh produce and seafood, St. Elizabeth is Jamaica’s farming and fishing capital. That means lots of easy-to-get locally grown produce and straight-fromthe sea goodness. Think lobster, fish, conch, sea puss – fried, steamed, curried or rundown. Ripe fruits bursting with sweetness like pineapple, papaya and bananas. Ever sucked coconut water right out of the husk? Or chewed on a sugar cane stalk? There’s a special option for each season. Like the locals, you’ll want to know if its mango time or avocado time. Our chef is there to create your own bespoke menu and dining experience using the best in-season fruits and veggies available. OUR HOUSE CHEF WILL PREPARE YOUR CHOICE OF: - AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN MEALS - FARM-TO-TABLE PRODUCE - FRESH SEAFOOD - HEALTHY & VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY OPTIONS - OVEN-BAKED DESSERTS - SMOOTHIES & FRESH JUICES You don’t have to cook, but you also don’t have to stay out of the kitchen. We’ll stock the fridge and cupboard with your favorite treats and snacks available to grab anytime you need. Feel free to peer over the chef’s shoulder or pop a squat at the kitchen table. Like any home, the kitchen is where magic happens and people gather.

Adventures

Rugged coast-lines and secluded beaches, floating bars, and friendly neighborhood hangouts. The South Coast is a vibrant mixture of low-key and get-up-and-go adventures. You can rent a bike, hail a taxi, jump on a boat or head out on foot. There’s history, there’s culture and there’s nature all around, but best of all, you’ve got a gracious community ready to guide you. SO, WHAT’S THERE TO DO? HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE PICKS. - BOAT TOURS - PELICAN BAR - SECLUDED BEACH COOKOUTS - ALFRESCO FARM-TO-TABLE DINNERS - TRIP TO YS FALLS - BLACK RIVER SAFARI - LOVERS LEAP - ARTS & CRAFTS CLASSES - SPA & WELLNESS HIDEOUTS - BIRD WATCHING

hrough technology and art, we have the ability to positively impact our human condition, especially for those that have had a history of being left behind. Our communities are burden with issues related to depression, anxiety, lack of financial and environmental sustainability, as well as racism and disparity. Art, a universal language, changes lives for the better; wherever it flourishes. We are at an exciting time in our history, where a union of blockchain and creativity are coming together to form a new paradigm of digital and real-world convergence. This is a time for equalizing opportunity, while spurring creativity to better ourselves and our planet. Raine Drops is an NFT Art House with a mission to empower young adults to follow their dreams and do what they love, all without compromising their well-being. The various collections will foster personal growth through art and bespoke experiences. Each NFT drop aims to leave you moved, touched, and inspired. Take the first of many NFT journeys through the eyes of Lana, the future queen of Trion, as she comes to Earth and meets and loses the love of her life, chooses family and destiny over what her heart is telling her, and discovers a strength hidden deep within her, that surprises the world when it is unleashed. In 2014, Author, Actor, and Award-Winning Fashion Desiner, Nova Lorraine awoke from a dream. Over the years this dream has be-

come a three-volume story about love lost, and self-actualization, while breaking down the barriers between races, humans, and our planet. . Growing up in Connecticut, and being identified as a “resident alien” until her twenties, Nova experienced what it was like to be an outsider with a dream to do more while helping others. Having started her career pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology, Nova armed with a desire to help young adults live happier lives, realized along that journey, that her impact would come through her love of fashion and creativity. Completing her Masters, Nova moved to New York City to pursue fashion design. The years following, gave birth to not only her award-winning couture fashion designs, but also Raine Magazine, three more children, and most recently Pink Kangaru Podcast Network, The Raine School of Fashion Sustainability, her book, Unleash Your Supernova, and its two-time, award nominated companion podcast. Nova, currently an advisor within the blockchain and Web 3.0 space, is excited to bring together her love of storytelling, fashion, and technology to continue to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. Through multiple NFT projects with roots in fashion, storytelling, and art, Nova aspires to encourage underrepresented communities to bring their projects to life, may it be for the sake of art, the metaverse, or even space.

magine for a second it is 1920. You have some money in your pocket and are on a ship to New York to acquire some real estate. Properties in Manhattan gain between 4.315% annually in value. Properties on sale for 50 thousand dollars at the time are now worth millions. When contrasting this phenomenon to the emerging metaverse landscape, we foresee that given the rapid pace of digitization a similar opportunity is presenting itself. In the past two decades Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 technologies have integrated into our daily lives, resulting in a dimension of opportunities that are likely to change the status quo of social and economic interactions. There couldn’t be a better example than the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Even after the pandemic, working from home will become a crucial aspect of workplace relationships. Companies are realising how much money they can save on rental costs for office space while employees are becoming accustomed to online meetings and spending more

of their time in virtual worlds for both work and leisure. People and organizations are increasingly integrating aspects of the digital economy into their everyday lives by interacting in shared virtual spaces (the metaverse) and representing their personas with digital avatars. Furthermore, the connection between gaming, social networking and virtual reality, together with the increased adoption of Web 3.0 technology, may set the foundation for a more virtual future. A future built for remote work in which artists, workers, developers, gamers, and investors alike collaboratively create disruptive digital markets that pave the way for new investment mediums such as digital real estate. The innovative governance model of MGH DAO has been designed to foster collaboration and innovation in this emerging NFT ecosystem while also collaborating in the development of the metaverse. MGH’s vision is to make NFTs accessible and transparent for everyone while providing an infrastructure that allows NFT holders to use their NFTs versatilely. Other than just holding. This is achieved through collaborative governance, thereby generating additional value by and for the community. MGH DAO explicitly wants to facilitate everyone’s access to the rapidly growing NFT market and aims to position itself as the leading DAO for decentralized NFT pools. Credit. MGH DAO whitepaper v3.0 p4, p5, metagamehub.io

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Style DNA

is a personal styling app designed to empower you to feel good and look your best by making informed shopping choices. Our innovative and comprehensive service combines the expertise of world-renowned image consultants with cutting-edge AI technology. It’s all designed to help you unlock your unique style, offering you personalized fashion recommendations in an instant. How many times have you bought items you’ve only worn once? Gone to a party feeling under or overdressed? Or spent hours trawling the web to find nothing you like? No more! Style DNA is like having a trusted style adviser and personal shopper at your fingertips, helping you save time, feel fabulous and nail your looks every time. Style DNA is a new app available in the app store that alleviates all these problems. With just a few clicks, you’re on your way to amazing styling by professionals that will have you looking your best in just minutes. The app sets you up with an AI-powered personal stylist that offers recommendations based on the information you put in. The experience is entirely centered around you, allowing you to explore curated looks to suit your color type and body shape. A digital style expert is on hand to offer you a unique shopping experience and inspiring content. Style DNA saves you time and headspace, so you can focus on achieving your goals. One of my personal favorite features of the app is the selfie feature, which helps the app determine which color palette suits you best.

It takes just one selfie for the app’s smart science to analyze your unique features and reveal the colors that enhance your natural beauty. I’ve never seen this done before, and it helps narrow things down to a few key palettes. I was also very impressed with the figure and fit selection as it represents every body type. Once you’ve measured your body, the app allows you to find styles, fits, and fabrics that suit your body best - making online and instore shopping more pleasurable and fun. Based in Barcelona and London, the Style DNA team is made up of image consultants accredited by the International Association for Image and Style, fashion experts from YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP and Farfetch, and top data scientists from Google and Intel. This incredible confluence of skills and expertise has allowed the team to create an innovative shopping experience that blends human know-how and cutting-edge science. Style DNA is the next frontier of virtual styling, having spent over three years developing and refining the app to enable you to embrace your unique personal style. Energized by innovation and discovery, the Style DNA developers are always looking for ways to delight and excite customers - so look out for cool new features and tools coming soon. There’s truly nothing like Style DNA on the market, and this app is sure to gain momentum in the coming months. Don’t stress any longer about your next outfit- let Style DNA do the work for you!

arja Stephens is the Co-Founder of Metaverse Inclusive, a media brand, and The MI Women, a global women collective, on a mission to advance the impact of more women by using Web3 and Immersive Technologies. She is the Miami Chapter President of the Global VR/AR Association that brings together over 60K brilliant minds and 4K businesses across the globe fostering collaboration on immersive technologies. Tarja serves as an impact strategy advisor on several women-led Web3 communities and initiatives and is a board member of the non-profit Impact Mission Miami, which focuses on raising awareness and cultivating the conscious, purpose-driven business movement in the Miami region.