Join 1,328 Colossal Members...

Support independent publishing and help us keep art accessible for everyone.

Colossal is an international platform for contemporary art and visual expression that explores a vast range of creative disciplines. Since launching in 2010, we have written about more than 6,000 artists and designers. We pride ourselves in celebrating the work of both emerging and established artists through an ongoing commitment to making art accessible to everyone. Colossal sparks real-world change from grade-school art classrooms to some of the world’s leading museums and commercial galleries.

As advertising collapsed at the beginning of the pandemic, membership has become our primary source of revenue. Without you, there is no us. Even if you can’t support us directly during this extraordinary time, it means the world to us to know you’re out there. If membership isn’t for you, consider a one-time donation via PayPal or check to Colossal, 6177 N. Lincoln Ave. #314, Chicago, IL 60659.

colossal membership Christopher Jobson, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Membership Perks

All membership levels include the following benefits & perks.

Ad-free Reading Experience
Active members will not see banner advertising on Colossal when logged into their account.
Event Discounts
Get 25% off reservations to Par Excellence Redux at the Elmhurst Art Museum through the end of 2021.
Shopping Discounts From Our Friends & Partners
Enjoy discounts plus a rotating slate of savings and special offers from select friends. Currently: 15% off eligible prints and photos (and all custom framing) at 20×200, 20% off Create! Magazine, and 10% off at the Booooooom Shop.
In-Depth Interviews
Membership helps us hire incredible contributing writers as part of our interview series. These special contributors talk to some of the most exciting, engaging, and brilliant contemporary artists, designers, makers, and creators from around the world. Recent interviews include Ai Weiwei, Icy & Sot, Bisa Butler, and many more.
Members-only Newsletter
A subscription to our Membership News that includes details on upcoming features and events, news, and special perks.
1% for Art in the Classroom
Colossal believes strongly in supporting art education. One percent of membership fees are allocated to DonorsChoose.org where we have purchased supplies and materials impacting thousands of students across the United States.

Questions? Please read the FAQ below or email [email protected].

Artwork © Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe

Support Levels

$10 USD/Month

Patron of the Arts

Read ad-free and receive all member discounts and perks for just 33¢ a day.

Join Gift

$100 USD/Year

Patron of the Arts (Annual)

Receive all member benefits plus a set of (3) United States of Letterpress Field Notes notebooks while supplies last.

Join Gift

$1000 USD/Life

Benefactor

Become a modern-day Medici and our new best friend. This membership level comes with a lifetime of thank yous (we’ll even send one personally). You’ll receive all member benefits for life plus a set of Field Notes!

Join Gift

$5 USD/Month

Student/Educator

Students and educators are our most valuable audience. We’re happy to make you a fully-fledged Colossal member for just $5 monthly. Shoot us a quick email with your role or institution: [email protected].

Colossal 🖤

“Just wanted to let you know that Colossal has really inspired my 8th grade artists. [...] I love the way your blog combines art and science, and elevates the beautiful picayune to call attention to the details that we can so easily dismiss or ignore. ” — Ros S.

“Colossal is the Tate Modern of the Internet.” — Fast Company“Love the blog thisiscolossal.com. Artistic, smart, and inspiring.” —Neil Patrick Harris“Colossal has become a must-read.” —National Endowment for the Arts

“Thank you for your awesome site! I work for a non-for-profit retirement community in Seattle, WA and each week I give a presentation about art to the residents with dementia and I use your site to learn about new artists. When I show them some of the work you feature their eyes light up and they become engaged and intrigued. It's amazing to witness.” — Bryon C.

“I want to say thank you. I love your work, you bring new ideas, new thinking. You make the world better.” — Petr D.“Colossal is a top-notch visual art/design blog.” —Jason Kottke“Just the highest praise. Wow, I love getting your emails!” —John S.

“I'm a high school art teacher and use your website with all of my students. I want to THANK YOU for this fantastic resource. [...] I wish you had been up and running through my entire career!” —Suzette M.“One of my favorite blogs for art/design!” —DJ Spooky

“Colossal is the most creative, exciting, astonishing, stimulating, informative, beautiful, inspiring, thought-provoking site I watch. Each issue seems to get better and better. I can't imagine a world without you to introduce me to these works! Cheers to another successful 10 years.” —Janelle“I spend way too much time drooling over the AMAZING STUFF you post. Thank you for making my life so much more beautiful. You are AWESOME!!!!!” —Marina

“Colossal brings recognition to under-represented (or even unrepresented) artists, especially younger and emerging artists.” —PBS/Art21“Your site gave me a boost like 20 cups of espresso! What a joy to appreciate the great examples of genius we can appreciate in this world. I am inspired once again like never before.” —Bruce L.

“I just wanted to thank you for everything good that has happened to me because of Colossal. My work has been featured in a lot of places over the last few years, but somehow Colossal was the one that made a difference, as far as my life as an artist goes.” —Dina Brodsky“When I agreed to let you run the piece I had NO idea the kind of following you had and how supportive your followers are. I've received some of the nicest messages from folks who saw my photo through Colossal. I really can't thank you enough.” —Lorenzo Montezemolo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Colossal have a Membership program?: In order to establish and nurture a sustainable business that would allow us to keep moving forward in our work uplifting artists around the world, we diversified Colossal on Day One with a range of revenue streams. Digital advertising, e-commerce, and curatorial commissions all help us meet our bottom line, pay our staff, and keep our twinkling string of cafe lights on. As we look toward our tenth year and approach our seven thousandth (!) article published, we are proud to offer a new way for readers to help support the publication you know and love.
What do Memberships go toward?: Membership fees will be specifically earmarked toward staff salaries, site upkeep and hosting costs, rent, and other expenses relating directly to our day-to-day publication. Membership fees may also be allocated toward the Membership Grant program.
What if I'm not interested in the membership benefits? Can I still support Colossal with a one-time donation?: Yes, of course. You can always donate via PayPal. We also accept checks at:

Colossal
6177 N. Lincoln Ave #314
Chicago, IL 60659
Are you putting Colossal behind a paywall?: With our member's support, Colossal will remain free and open to everyone, including all of our 15-20 weekly blog posts, email newsletters, and social media posts.
Do you have student/educator pricing?: Yes. Please contact us at [email protected] so we can validate your student or educator status and get you access to student pricing.
Do you offer discounts to teams?: Yes. Please contact us at [email protected] so we can review your request and find the appropriate pricing for your university, agency, or other group.
Can I give a Membership as a gift?: Yes! You can give our annual membership plan as a gift by clicking here.
Are subscriptions or contributions to Colossal tax deductible?: No. Colossal is not structured as a not for profit at this time.
Who manages the Membership and payments?: All membership charges are handled by Memberful with Stripe as a payment processor. All aspects of your membership benefits are handled by Colossal via email. Memberful may contact you with invoices, renewal notices, or expired credit cards alerts.
How do I change or cancel my Membership?: You can manage your membership by signing in here.