More Than Collecting

Chap Smith

Founder, DSTRUK
@thunder.dstruk

Favorite Piece - Urban Aztec - Jesse Hernandez - @urbanaztec

Why? - My son’s joy and fascination with Godzilla inspired me to join him in collecting kaiju - I met Jesse at CollectedCon 2026 and bought this piece for my son who proudly displays it in his room.

What do you collect?

I collect a mix of contemporary art, designer collectibles, kaiju, pop culture pieces, and works from artists whose creativity and stories resonate with me. My collection is constantly evolving as I discover new artists and explore different corners of the hobby.

Favorite piece in your collection?

Although I selected The Urban Aztec piece above, that's a difficult question because every piece represents a different moment in my collecting journey. My favorite pieces are the ones that combine incredible artistry with a personal connection to my personal life, the artist or the story behind the work.

How did you get started collecting?

I didn't set out to become a collector. What started as an appreciation for creativity gradually turned into a passion for discovering artists, learning their stories, and surrounding myself with work that inspires me. The deeper I got into the hobby, the more I realized there was an entire world of talented creators and passionate collectors that I never knew existed.

Why do you collect?

For me, collecting is about discovery. I enjoy finding artists whose work speaks to me, learning what inspires them, and following their creative journeys. The pieces themselves are important, but they're often a reminder of a story, an experience, a convention, or a connection made along the way.

What does collecting mean to you?

Collecting is a way to bring creativity into everyday life. Every piece has the ability to spark a memory, an emotion, or a conversation. Some make me laugh. Some make me think. Some simply remind me of the people I've met and the experiences I've had because of this hobby.

What would you want someone outside the hobby to understand about collecting?

Most collectors aren't simply accumulating things. They're supporting artists, celebrating creativity, preserving memories, and building connections with others who share similar interests. The most valuable part of collecting isn't what's on the shelf—it's the people, stories, and experiences behind it.

More Than Collecting.

That's ultimately what DSTRUK is about. Using art and collecting as a way to discover creators, connect with people, and celebrate the culture and community that make this hobby so special.