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A BELOVED tattoo artist who changed the industry with his “prison-style” ink and single-line illustrations has suddenly died.
Jack Rudy made waves in the American tattoo scene with his expressive lettering and warm-hearted personality.
The ink master was 70 years old when he died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, according to his heartbroken apprentice, Shelayne Adcock.
His devastating death was announced on Tuesday by Adcock, who said she needed time to process “because my heart is absolutely broken.”
“The tattoo industry is mourning the loss of a major leader, pioneer, legend, innovator, story teller, and a beacon of light for so many, including myself,” she wrote in a Facebook group.
Rudy started tattooing back in the 1970s after serving in the Marines and sharpened his skills at a shop in Los Angeles, California.
Inspired by DIY jailhouse methods, the rising star first used a homemade machine and guitar string to tattoo his clients, he told Swindle Magazine in 2008.
Once he picked up traditional machines and methods, he started to develop his signature single-line style and gained a massive following.
“He’s been inspiring black and grey artists ever since,” said Adcock, who called him the “OG” of the movement.
Devastated friends and fans of the celebrated artist shared their heartbreak and condolences after hearing the gut-wrenching news.
“True legend. So sad and so sudden. He will be missed by many,” said one user on Facebook.
Another person wrote, “So very sorry for your tremendous loss.”
Another tattoo artist, Gill Montie, shared a now-tragic picture of him hanging out with Rudy and said he was going to “miss his buddy.”
“Thanks for all the great memories and laughs as we traveled the world for 50 years,” said the heartbroken friend.
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Rudy was active on Instagram and shared pictures of a drag racing car just days before his sudden death.
He stayed creative till the very end, as he posted script drawings wishing his followers a Happy New Year or Happy Veteran’s Day.
When asked if he considered himself a tattooing icon, Rudy always stayed humble despite outcries from his dedicated fans.
“If I run into any icons this week, I’ll let you know,” he joked in his interview with Swindle.
Rudy attributed some of his success to his first teacher, Charlie Cartwright, who helped sharpen his single-needle skills.
He said Cartwright was the first person who helped him learn a machine instead of relying on sharpened guitar strings.
When asked about the current state of the tattoo industry, Rudy described it as “great,” but he had a few critiques.
“I think it’s really great except for three things,” he said.
“There’s too many tattooers, too many shops, and way too many conventions.
“Other than that, all good.”