Jan 06, 2014 8 Questions with: KR
Craig “KR” Costello started writing graffiti in the early ’90s, and he is as well known for his eye-catching trademark drippy style as he is for his signature KRINK ink and markers. He has built one of the most respected names in graffiti-related art supplies, having taken the tried-and-true DIY art form of making your own superior ink & markers to the highest levels imaginable – creating graffiti’s first luxury brand. The home made markers preferred by many hardcore graffiti artists look just that – home made, rough hewn, utilitarian. In contrast, KR’s KRINK markers are gleaming examples of topnotch industrial production at the highest standards. He’s even taken the classic large scale paint applicator (otherwise known as a fire extinguisher) and rebranded it in the same gleaming style as his markers and ink bottles, complete with the collegiate KRINK logo in reflective silver down the side. Around the time his ink went on sale at seminal Lower East Side street culture boutique aLife, his product had already been adopted by many of the city’s top writers – having earned a reputation for being the last word in permanence – the best tool for the job if your goal is to have your name up on walls longer, bigger, and bolder than the competition. In the years since, KR has continued to work as an artist, all the while expanding his product selection, and executing strategic collaborations with some of the biggest brands in the world, including BMW Mini, Marc Jacobs, Coach, Levis, Modernica, Nike, Absolut, Casio G-Shock, Carhartt, Incase and more.
What are you currently working on?
The daily Krink operation, quality control, product development, preening feathers, making sure the ship is in shape. It’s the end of the year so we have to review a lot of stuff.
How would you describe your job?
Putting out fires, brand direction, product development, creative direction, painting, planning, staying afloat.
What does your average work day look like?
Sometimes it’s monotonous, emails, meetings, other times I’m traveling working on interesting projects and meeting great people. I have a great team here in the office and we keep it super casual and flexible, so that takes the edge off. No matter what you’re going to get monotony but we’ve been blessed with interesting projects
What’s the best thing about living and working in NYC?
The people.
Where do you find inspiration?
NYC, ambitious people who keep pushing limits and raising the bar ever higher, nature.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t think I was very clear.
What are you reading at the moment?
I like Harper’s and I read cook books.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Home or Takahachi.
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