Keith Kuniyuki, a Japanese-Hawaiian designer, found his passion for graphic design later in life, creating iconic, feel-good logos for Action Sports brands like NEFF, including the famous Rubber Ducky. His work ethic, eye for detail, and positive energy connected with consumers of all ages.
Despite his talent, Keith faced age-based discrimination, leading to his unjust dismissal. The design department supported him, but couldn't prevent his professional demise.
Keith's story highlights the importance of supporting independent artists and recognizing the value of experience and diverse perspectives in creative industries.
Proceeds from his collection directly support him and his family emphasizing the need to combat ageism and promote inclusivity in the arts.
CHAPTER 1: Aloha
Hailing from the pristine islands of Hawaii, Keith Kuniyuki grew up immersed in adventure both externally and internally.
While the Japanese-Hawaiian native had the likes of Hawaii and California as his playgrounds, he also had an imagination that would take him to places too vibrant to describe with words.
CHAPTER 2: Cowabunga
With all this, Keith was perpetually inspired, whether he was cheerfully serving travelers at his previous job as a TSA officer, or conjuring up whimsical graphics for Action Sports brands like neff.
The latter, however, wasn’t discovered until much later in Keith’s life.
Unearthing his natural talent for graphic design didn’t come until Keith Kuniyuki was already well past middle age; a late bloomer to some.
Despite that, Keith’s artistic sensibility and dynamic imagination offered the Action Sports world some of its most recognizable feel-good logos and motifs that rival the work of many of Keith’s younger contemporaries.
CHAPTER 3: Acceptance
Take NEFF’s iconic Rubber Ducky for example.
Fun, playful and full of life, Keith embodies what being an artist in the Action Sports industry should be about—unbounded creativity.
Zed was fortunate enough to witness this first-hand, having worked together intimately for many years.
With that said, Zed also witnessed the injustice that rid the world of any more of Keith’s incredible artistic gifts…
CHAPTER 4: Rest In Paradise
Always one to look on the brighter side of life, Keith provided not only positive energy everywhere he went, but also into his work.
While being a man of few words, he was able to connect to consumers of all ages, had a keen eye for detail and carried a robust work ethic about him.
But, like many great people, jealousy, envy and evil follow closely behind.
Standing by Keith’s side in support, the whole design department tried to save Keith's job, but was ultimately helpless in trying to prevent Keith’s ultimate professional demise at the hand of judgment.
Keith, with all his incredible talent and skill as an artist and worker, was bluntly discriminated against due to his age (allegedly).
By: Keith Kuniyuki
Free Your Mind Long Sleeve.
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$12
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
Bart Roth Long Sleeve.
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$11
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
Bartsunami Long Sleeve.
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$12
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
Surf's Up Long Sleeve.
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$11
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
Parrot Paradise Long Sleeve.
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- from $37
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$31
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
effu Long Sleeve.
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- from $36
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$36
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Sale
By: Keith Kuniyuki
Live Your Life Long Sleeve.
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$36
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
PTO or PTSD Long Sleeve.
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$36
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
Free Your Mind Raglan.
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$32
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
Bart Roth Raglan.
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- from $36
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$14
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
Bartsunami Raglan.
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- from $36
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$14
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By: Keith Kuniyuki
Surf's Up Raglan.
- Regular Price
- from $33
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$14
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Let customers speak for us
NASTO
My new golf fit
I have the perfect golf fit for this shirt! The colors pops and its super comfortable. It got here super fast and I'm thinking I need to order this in black now.The packaging was super dope too.
Do Nothing Long Sleeve.
MICHELLE M.
Comfortable!
Love this graphic! Bold, bright and comfortable. Its a real head turner and I get compliments on it all the time. Shipping was SUPER fast and great service. I will definitely be ordering again.
Do Nothing Tank Top.
NASTO
Amazing design
I absolutely love this design. The color on the shirt pops so well,and looks so clean. I’m already thinking,I’m going to have to order another in the white option. I also really dig the hidden lil picture of the logo designer on the inside.
Don't Trip Long Sleeve.
Jeff Dechesare
Hilarious and relatable!
Dope Graphic, great quality, comfortable and stoked to be supporting the skate community.
Zepé Tee.
WestWelding13
Quality Garment
This shirt fits very well. The fabric is soft and comfortable. The printing looks amazing! Very bright!!! I love the artwork! I would definitely highly recommend this shirt!
Free Your Mind Long Sleeve.
Luna
Love it!!
Great quality. Shipping was fast plus really creative packing. Free stickers and a cool mini drawstring bag which the items came in with. Definitely recommend!!
Z_ROSE High Waist.
zuri mart
My favourite bf tee
I bought this in XL thinking it would be the perfect bf tee. I was right !! I wear it at night and he wears it in the day. It’s fits both of us in the most perfect way. And it’s so soft. LOVE that it’s 100% cotton 🤍
Don't Trip Long Sleeve.
zuri mart
The shirt says it all
Obviously this shirt gets me compliments all day. As soon as people read the bottom half, they can’t stop themselves. Low-key, I’ve worn this 3 days in a row and I LOVE IT !!!
Tuna Bones Crop Top.
zuri mart
Literally my life
This shirt is always giving me attention as it’s an easy ice breaker considering these days, all we wanna do is nothing 😂 It’s super soft and fits perfectly as a crop top !!! Can’t wait to order more designs 🖤
Do Nothing Crop Top.
Jason K.
This one hits!
I've been getting compliments on it already. Loved the entire experience from ordering with Z_DROPPED. Can't wait to see what else drops!
Tuna Bones Long Sleeve.
Jason K.
Loving my new gear!
I got this along with a few other shirts and they are all great quality. The unboxing experience was awesome and I look forward to ordering more from Z_DROPPED!
Z_INC Long Sleeve.
Rolf Guntert
THE SIMPSONS
Love the graphic design done by Keith. I opted for the small skateboard on the front with the large graphic on the back of a white shirt variation and the graphic really pops. Love supporting these artists and Z_DROPPED!
Bart Roth Long Sleeve.
timothy humphreys
Social media in a nutshell
Love the vibe of all the shirts here. These guys get it. The packaging like a stack of folders is way cool
Don't Follow Me Long Sleeve.
timothy humphreys
Flip ‘em the bird!
Sometimes your spirit animal manifests itself as a rubber ducky who literally can’t even right now. I went with the big square print on the front and love it!
effu Tee.
Charles Hom
Clean design
Love the simple and clean art. Shirt fits great!
Z_ROSE Tee.
