1971-2010

"It's not only my name, it's my disposition."

I started tattooing in the year of our lord and savior nine-teen hundred and ninety-six. I was forced into slave labor and made to get sandwiches by a task master named Dave Jacobs (owner of Exotic Ink when it was in Cudahy, Wi). He asked me to learn the craft after doing my drawings on my friends, he said I would probably like it.

After much debate I worked with Dave for 3 years along side 2 other cool mofos named Matt and Mike. The 3 of them helped to mold my early style and it was good solid tattoos nothing too extrodinary. Matt and Dave helped with my color and Mike my Black & Grey. There was another artist but I won’t bore you. I did work for her after she bought Dave out.

I left to expand my skills and learn new techniques. It worked by golly I was able to gain employment at another shop that had a great artist named Robin who taught me a lot. He also introduced me to Greg Larson who I would ask tips from. Between the 2 of them I expanded my style.

The past few years I have been meeting other artist and learning more and more. It has helped me come into a style of my own and brought out a new creativity I was missing. This past year 2006 I was unable to work after being diagnosed with cancer and having 2 transplants and 5 back surgeries.

Since opening Monsters Ink I have been getting back to a routine of working. I still don’t carry a full work load but my appreciation for the art form has intensified. After being away for so long I now have rekindled my love for tattooing. I don’t do it for the money I do it for the love and challenge it brings. I now prefer to do custom color pieces but will do all styles. I have been playing with portraits and love the challenge they bring. So far the fear of not succedding has been pushed out and the crew we have rocks.

I finally am at a complacent point in my career where I have control and am surrounded by guys I want to work with and like having around.

If you'd like to give a donation to Rich's family, please click on this paypal button....

Donation of $10 or more will receive a Free CD from Rich's band The Dead Morticians and a Memorial Sticker.