Rick, a Southerner, was born and raised in Natchitoches, Louisiana. A carpenter by trade, Rick met his mentor, Munchkin (Pop), a renowned tattoo, artist in St. Petersburg Florida, and they hit it off. Enthralled by the profession, Rick was offered an apprenticeship and decided to study under Munchkin. Rick was then hired on by Munchkin where he stayed for four more years as an independent contractor. Desiring to “spread his wings” Rick opened his own studio in Largo, Florida under the name of Hard Times Tattoo. Two years later, upon relocation to a site with more exposure to the public and wanting to advertise a more client friendly and family facade, the new studio became HOUSE OF INK which became renowned by itself for 14 years. Today, that philosophy lives on right here in Sweetwater