Inspiring Conversations with Chancelor Dayne Benson of dayne.ink

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chancelor Dayne Benson.

Hi Chancelor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
Originally hailing from North Carolina and now a resident of Los Angeles, California, for almost a decade, I embarked on my professional journey in the entertainment industry as a dancer and choreographer. At the age of 18, I was scouted by Cirque du Soleil, where I served as a performer, sparking my initial interest in makeup. During my years on tour, I honed my skills, transforming my face into various characters night after night. Over the past decade, I have cultivated a wealth of experience, collaborating with renowned personalities such as Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, and 5th Harmony. I spent two years in Germany working with artists under Universal Music Group and further expanded my horizons as the creative director and choreographer for the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” world tour. 

Transitioning into the realm of permanent makeup, I pursued formal education at Elite Permanent Makeup. Over four years, I attained the status of Master Artist and instructor in Santa Monica, CA. I am eager to continue sharing my extensive knowledge and experiences in the cosmetic tattoo industry. Now operating as a solo artist, I aspire to broaden my reach, establishing a presence on both coasts in LA and NYC. I am excited about connecting with new clients and students, near and far, as I contribute to the future of the cosmetic tattoo industry. 

Age 18 – 24 

My experiences as a performance artist have afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, residing in locations such as Tokyo, Berlin, Montreal, and New York City. Throughout this period, I acquired extensive expertise in various facets of the industry, including choreography, production design for both stage and screen, costume design, and, notably, makeup artistry. 

Age 25 – 28 

I ventured to Los Angeles with a steadfast commitment to pursue my dreams while exploring and embracing my queerness as a fundamental element in all aspects of my artistic expression. Through mediums such as photography, conceptual videography, and stage performances, I have actively sought to carve out my own creative perspective and articulate a visual narrative that reflects both my personal journey and artistic identity. 

Age 29-present 

After dedicating three years to the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise, I identified the necessity for a career transition. Harnessing my expertise in makeup artistry, I seamlessly pivoted into the realm of cosmetic tattooing. I achieved licensure as a body art practitioner and pursued comprehensive certification across the industry through esteemed institutions, notably Elite Permanent Makeup and Leaders SMP Academy. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing up in rural North Carolina as a queer kid was challenging. Growing up as a sometimes flamboyant dancer, I found it more challenging. I grew up in a small town and went to a high school where the biggest department was the “Future Farmers of America” and football, so you could only imagine my experience. Immensely bullied, ostracized by my family due to religious beliefs, and labeled the classic “abomination”. 

Given the circumstances, I was a tough kid, and I had something that nobody could take away, and that was my talent. I was a national champion dancer, and i poured myself into that till I was 18, I was scouted by Cirque du Soleil and moved to Tokyo, and that was start of it all. 

When I graduated high school, I had every intention to be a dancer/choreographer for the rest of my life, and I had a very amazing 15-year career that I am so proud of. But the truth is regardless of what project I was on, whether it was a world tour, a TV show, or a movie. It was incredibly hard to find stability financially. As soon as you finish a project, the hustle was so real to find the next gig. Sometimes, they didn’t come often, so I would have to do some strange things to change and rely on working in the clubs, waiting tables, doing drag, and choreographing for queens on Drag Race; I would always lean into my creativity to take care of me, and surprisingly it did. lol 

When the pandemic hit, the entertainment industry suffered and I knew I was in trouble, I had just been let go from a project and needled to pivot. Thankfully, the government covid assistance helped me enroll in a school for microblading, and I feel my experience with my makeup skills from being in the entertainment industry was just the perfect storm to help ignite a newfound passion. I ended up getting a job at the school I enrolled in and worked there for 3 and a half years. Learning every cosmetic tattoo procedure possible, becoming a master artist and educator. Finally, that lead to me starting my business, dayne.ink, this year past year. I am so thankful to be busy and supported by the clientele I’ve built since I started this new journey. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the founder of dayne.ink where I provide cosmetic tattoo services and training courses. 

As a cosmetic tattoo artist, I specialize in multiple services, including Brows, lip, blushing, Scalp Micro Pigmentation, permanent eyeliner, scar camouflage, and areola restoration. 

I feel I’m known for the ability to be versatile in regards of giving my clients the look that suits their specific needs and interests, bone structure, etc. Lately I have tried to focus my attention on gender affirming services for my trans clients, this is extremely important to me personally as a queer man. It’s great to be able to use my experiences and expertise to give back to my community. 

I feel what sets me apart is my overall experience as an artist, I’ve always been told “everything you do in life will lead you to where you are” and I am living proof of that. Without my experience as a performer and the knowledge I gained in all aspects of the industry, I don’t think I would have excelled so quickly in this newfound career as a cosmetic tattoo artist. 

I’m proud of the work that I’ve accomplished in 4 and a half years, and I’m proud to see how far some of my students have come, now owning their own businesses as well. 

I want people to know the power cosmetic tattoos have in regards of self-expression and self-esteem. I help fix people’s insecurities. I have seen the transformation in my client’s energy when they look in the mirror and see their new look for the first time. I myself have my brows, scalp, and liner done. These little “tweaks” help people feel confident in their own skin. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I basically live on pro create, and I use my experience from editing my conceptual choreography videos in my advertising now using InShot. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Dayneink.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chancelordayne?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Vince Trupsin
Lee Gumbs