Craig “KR” Costello, Creator of KRINK

Do you know what Krink is? No? Let me give you a quick description: Krink is a super-premium ink usually formulated to create a beautiful drip when writing graffiti tags on a mailbox or door. That’s a crude answer, but it’ll give you an idea of what I’m talking about. And if you still need help understanding, then use your Googles for actual imagery.

Listen to Craig “KR” Costello tell his Story

I’ve been a fan of Krink for over a decade. I’ve used their inks on countless personal projects, from custom backdrops for photography to playing around with them in art projects. Krink ink comes in various forms, from your traditional felt-tipped marker to mops and even a fire extinguisher. You don’t have to be a vandal to love Krink.

One day, out of the blue, I got an email from the Krink team. They told me they were releasing a new book called KRINK New York City: Graffiti, Art, and Invention with Rizzoli. They wanted me to record a conversation with Craig “KR” Costello, the inventor of Krink. My first thought was, “Say what now? So, you want me to nerd out about art and ink with Mr. Krink himself?” Bet.

I showed up at the Krink factory in Industry City, Brooklyn, and it was everything I’d imagined: a little loud, with a few tables where administrative stuff was done. Then there was Craig’s office, a huge room that probably stored vats of ink in its prime. Now, in the present day, Craig’s desk was right in the middle of the empty vast space.

I sat down, pushed record, and Craig wasted no time, getting down to Krink-covered brass tacks.

At the heart of Craig “KR” Costello’s artistic journey lies a guy committed to preserving his style or the voice in his work. By refraining from traditional graffiti styles in favor of his signature drip technique, you know it’s Craig’s work when you encounter it almost immediately.

What struck me most about KR’s story was his ability to seamlessly blend countercultural roots with entrepreneurial savvy. The initial secrecy surrounding his KRINK inks was not merely a product of circumstance but a strategic move that allowed him to cultivate a loyal following before expanding his reach.

As our conversation shifted to Krink’s business, I listened closer as he talked about navigating the inherent tensions between artistic expression and business demands. His transition from street art to a thriving commercial venture with KRINK proves creativity’s boundless potential when coupled with adaptability to an ever changing creative landscape and the ability to evolve.

This short reflection on my conversation with Craig “KR” Costello offers a glimpse of his story. However, for the full spectrum experience, try scrolling back up and listening to the entire conversation to unlock the complete story.