Los Angeles, CA
Producer · Writer · Photographer
SIMONBENKO
Innovative storyteller sharing a passion for producing collaboratively-driven projects with a community-oriented lens. Global traveler. Photographer. Music curator. Connector of people and ideas.
30+
Countries
200+
City Destinations
1000+
Brands & Creators
The Story
Vancouver · Spokane · Los Angeles · The World
I grew up in Vancouver, WA, a kid obsessed with Marvel, music, and making things. That obsession never left. It just grew bigger, bolder, and harder to categorize. I've spent my career moving between photography studios, film sets, museum boardrooms, and mountain trails in Tanzania, always chasing the story worth telling.
My professional network includes 1000+ brands and creators, and my background spans influencer marketing, talent development, visual narrative storytelling, and nonprofit growth. I believe creativity and strategy are the same thing, done right.
A Life in Motion
NEVERSTANDING STILL
Whether on stage, behind a lens, across a boardroom table, or somewhere between two continents, the constant is curiosity and movement. I thrive in the spaces between disciplines.
Since August 2015
STUDIOBENKO
Owner, photographer, and consultant, servicing over 100 clients across photoshoots, digital assets, viral media, and brand strategy. Studio Benko content has reached millions of users on platforms followed by everyone from National Geographic and Maserati to Marvel Studios and the Associated Press.
100+
Clients Served
1M+
Network Followers
Chief Content & Marketing Officer
TAP
NETWORK
TAP Network is a unilateral, all-in-one media marketplace connecting creators with the world's leading brands. Launched on Apple & Android stores for Beta Testing in March 2023. As CCMO and Head of Production & Development, I built a creator network of 200+ influencers reaching up to 88.5M followers, produced the "Jackpot Dingo" road campaign across 11 US states, and directed all brand strategy and content operations.
200+
Influencers
88.5M
Max Reach
60+
Interviews Filmed
The Future of Social Media Marketing
tapnet.tv
Creative Director · Curator · Researcher
MARVEL STUDIOS"INFINITY MUSEUMS"
An ongoing independent project developing a "Proof of Concept" exhibit around a 60' articulated bus prop purchased from Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi." Previously curated an extensive collection of 500+ Marvel Studios art prints, posters, props, and memorabilia, pitching the project directly to Marvel Studios executives. Also co-produced a Smithsonian documentary on Marvel's 80-year history in aviation and space history.
Burbank, CA · In Development · Since 2013
"Across the Universe" World Tour · 2025
30 COUNTRIES& COUNTING
Exploring 30+ countries and 200+ city destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. From the dragon blood trees of Socotra Island and the markets of Morocco to the slopes of Tanzania, each destination has taught me something a classroom never could.
Along the way: partnering with businesses, projects, and nonprofits. Negotiating $10k+ in-kind collaborations with hotel and luxury hospitality groups. And volunteering at the Socotra Creative Center to help document an island culture on the edge of a historic transformation.
North America · Europe · Africa · Asia
Socotra Island, Yemen
Community & Roots
WHITWORTHPINECONES
Whitworth University in Spokane, WA shaped more than my degree. It shaped my character. BA in English, Writing Concentration, with Whitworth Honors and a Smithsonian Semester. I anonymously authored 600+ original "Whitworth Pinecones" short stories, participated in the Tanzania Research Program, and performed as "Mister Pinecone" at an internationally traveling art show.
600+
Stories Written
2022
Graduated
English & Writing · Spokane, WA · May 2022
Washington, D.C. · 2019
SMITHSONIANNATIONAL AIR & SPACE
Visitor Services Coordinator at one of the world's most visited museums, coordinating 3M+ annual visitors, hosting the President of Italy (Sergio Mattarella) alongside the Italian Intelligence Agency, and pitching a collaborative Marvel documentary that was greenlit by both the Smithsonian and Marvel Studios before being postponed by the global pandemic.
Service & Impact
GIVINGBACK
Service isn't something I do on the side. It's embedded in how I work. From youth suicide prevention keynotes before Washington state officials to mission trips in Slovakia and Mexico, community has always been the through-line.
Washington State Youth Suicide Prevention
Keynote speaker before state politicians and officials. One of three selected to represent the City of Vancouver at a new statewide initiative.
Socotra Creative Center
Producer, photographer, and videographer documenting the island of Socotra's culture and traditions for future generations.
Shanga Foundation, Tanzania
Digital design and marketing to destigmatize employment for East Africa's disabled community.
Special Olympics
Organization 'Partner' athlete, promoting social inclusion and removing stigmas for talented disabled athletes.
Music & Performance
MUSIC ISMY LANGUAGE
From playing Alto Saxophone in concert, jazz, and symphony bands to performing at the Martin Woldson Theatre with the Whitworth Men's Chorus, music has threaded through every chapter. The "B Hot B Simon" Spotify playlist series (100 volumes) is my long-running love letter to the art of curation, collaborating with global artists on an original 25-song album for Vol 100.
100
Playlist Volumes
25
Songs Per Volume
Stay Connected
LET'S BUILD
SOMETHING GREAT
This site continues to evolve. Do not hesitate to reach out. I would love to connect.
REACH OUT