Chrystofer Benson - Editor-In-Chief
At the helm ofCollective INKD stands Chrystofer Benson, a creative force whose impact reaches far beyond the page. As Editor in Chief, he curates a space where artistry, innovation, and individuality collide—transforming the publication into a visual conversation about what’s next. With decades of experience shaping global trends, Benson leads with purpose, pushing creative boundaries while celebrating the artists who redefine them.
At the helm ofCollective INKD stands Chrystofer Benson, a creative force whose impact reaches far beyond the page. As Editor in Chief, he curates a space where artistry, innovation, and individuality collide—transforming the publication into a visual conversation about what’s next. With decades of experience shaping global trends, Benson leads with purpose, pushing creative boundaries while celebrating the artists who redefine them.
What sparked your motivation to launch COLLECTIVE INKD MAGAZINE?
It is a multifaceted answer. First, as an artist, I was always humbled to get my work published. But as my career grew, I started paying closer attention to the specifics of how, where, and when my work was published, as well as the manner in which it was printed. I noticed they would place headers across the faces or hair of models, or scatter credits all over the pictures. I observed them squeezing four pictures onto a page to fit them into the magazine, which, in my opinion, did not frame the work in the best way to showcase the art that was created. This inspired me to create a platform. A place where artists from all over the world could confidently share their work, assured it would be presented in the best possible way.
How does COLLECTIVE INKD differentiate itself from other art magazines in terms of design and content?
From an Editor-in-Chief perspective, I wanted to do it differently: one picture per page, with headers and credits placed in a way that doesn’t disrupt the art. I aimed for color and tone to be true to what was created, and for ad space to be distinct and unobtrusive, insisting ads be placed without models, ensuring it complements rather than competes with the artists' creations, all curated meticulously by the magazine. I wanted to celebrate ART IN ITS PUREST FORM. COLLECTIVE INKD is not merely a magazine; it is designed and curated to be a timeless coffee table art book that celebrates the full spectrum of art, beauty, fashion, and beyond.
What was the greatest challenge in launching COLLECTIVE INKD:
A big initial challenge was finding a print house and team aligned with our vision was crucial for showcasing ART in its intended form. We prioritized quality, from the vibrant colors and tones to the textures of the cover, ensuring each piece was celebrated in its truest form. Maintaining consistency in quality, both in the magazine and how the work is presented on the page, was vital for the industry. In an era where few magazines are printed, we aimed to inspire our readers through the tactile experience of holding our magazine. Equally important was crediting artists accurately, acknowledging their time, effort, and passion. Surprisingly, securing high-resolution work with proper credits remains a significant challenge. We devote considerable time to ensuring each collection is appropriately presented, helping artists understand how to submit their work effectively for publication and beyond. Our goal is to foster growth in presentation skills, ensuring artists achieve the best possible outcome when their work is published.
How do you curate content for the magazine, and what criteria do you use to select works and artists for features?
We curate imagery in various ways: through artist submissions, by reaching out to artists whose work we admire, and sourcing from diverse segments of the art and beauty worlds. Our criteria focus on fresh, professional, high-end, and beautiful work that challenges the ordinary, allowing art to be subjective and fostering an emotional and energetic connection with our readers. We are particularly drawn to collections that tell a story, inspiring and piquing the curiosity of our audience. While my background is deeply rooted in the beauty industry, our selection transcends the hair world to include the realms of editorial, art, fashion, and everyday life. We welcome all genres, eager to showcase more in our forthcoming issues. We want to be a CURATOR of ART for ARTISTS. Our focus isn't on following, notoriety, or popularity; we strive to share incredible art of all kinds, particularly works that might not otherwise gain exposure.
What has been the most rewarding part of creating and running COLLECTIVE INKD so far?
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing our work come to life in both digital and print forms, then sharing it with the world and the artists from around the globe who entrusted us to present their work in the best possible light. Handing them their work and seeing their eyes light up is indescribably fulfilling. Many artists have created stunning imagery but have only experienced it through screens, never in person. COLLECTIVE INKD brings that art to life before people's eyes, and watching their reaction is priceless.
Can you share a memorable moment or story from your journey with COLLECTIVE INKD that captures the essence of what you're trying to achieve?
There have been numerous memorable experiences when artists see their work in print in the magazine. However, a particularly personal moment for me occurred with the first issue. Antoinette Beenders, an artist I greatly respect and who inspires me both for her talent and her qualities as an amazing human being, was handed the magazine. Observing her as she looked at it, studied it, touched it, and felt the tactile textures and colors, and seeing the quality of her work within its pages, was incredibly rewarding. Her reaction was priceless and validated all the hard work and time invested in the magazine. She expressed her gratitude, and hearing that from someone of her stature and experience in print work was more than I ever expected. It has fueled my desire to continue creating space for ART.
What is next for you and COLLECTIVE INKD in the future?
We will continue to curate amazing art from around the world, celebrate artists, and create spaces for people to succeed and see their dreams become reality. This upcoming year, we are particularly excited about curating and shooting more collections specifically for COLLECTIVE INKD. Our goal is to capture more incredible work and mentor artists to elevate their skill sets. These collections are some of my favorite images that we have brought to life for others, and I'm excited to continue this journey. Many artists produce incredible work but need help with the next step in capturing it. We are dedicated to nurturing that talent and bringing their creativity to life on the pages of COLLECTIVE INKD. We have incredible plans for the community around the magazine and will continue to create underground events where art is done live, as well as recognize outstanding artists and brands with the Collective INKD awards. There's a lot to look forward to for the COLLECTIVE INKD community.
If someone wants to be featured in COLLECTIVE INKD, what should they do?
To be featured in COLLECTIVE INKD, we encourage everyone to submit their most compelling work, especially pieces that narrate a unique story. We welcome submissions from all genres, emphasizing our openness to diverse artistic expressions. Submissions can range from collections of 3-10 images, and there is no requirement for the work to be new or previously unpublished. However, it is crucial that submissions include proper credits for all work submitted, as well as high-resolution imagery for the best end result in print. Please submit all collections to submission@collectiveinkd.com.