After 15 years of inking memories and building bonds within the Green Bay community, Darkside Tattoos has officially closed its doors — a deeply emotional decision made in the wake of the passing of its founder, Jesse Zeise.
The announcement was shared in a heartfelt message on the studio’s official Facebook page by Jesse’s wife, Jenna Zeise, who described the closure as both “inevitable and emotional.” The post resonated with hundreds of community members, many of whom had come to view the studio not just as a business, but as a gathering place — a creative sanctuary guided by Jesse’s unmistakable energy and vision.
“There is no right way to start this post—the day has come when we had to officially close Darkside Tattoos,” Jenna wrote. “Jesse was truly one of a kind.”
A Studio Built on More Than Ink
Founded by Jesse Zeise in the late 2000s, Darkside Tattoos quickly became a cornerstone of Green Bay’s local tattoo scene. But for Jesse, it was never just about the ink. Known for his talent, charisma, and compassion, Jesse built Darkside on relationships — connecting with clients on a deeply personal level and often transforming them into lifelong friends.
“He cherished his family and friends, but Darkside was his baby,” Jenna shared. “He cherished all of the most bodacious clients that became friends and family.”
Clients often spoke of Jesse’s ability to translate emotion into artwork — whether it was a commemorative piece, a spontaneous first tattoo, or a full-sleeve masterpiece. To those who wear his work, Jesse’s legacy is more than skin deep. His art lives on in every line and every story.
“Every time someone asks about your tattoo from Jesse, his memory lives on,” the Facebook post read. “He would want to thank all of you for the most amazing memories, laughs, and your devotion.”
A Community Mourns — and Celebrates
The closure of Darkside Tattoos marks the end of an era for Green Bay’s creative scene. Yet, for many, it’s also a moment to celebrate a life that touched so many. Since Jesse’s passing, messages of love and gratitude have poured in from clients, friends, fellow artists, and members of the community, each reflecting on the impact he had.
Social media has become a digital memorial space, filled with photos of Jesse’s work, personal anecdotes, and tributes to his spirit. Jenna encouraged the community to continue sharing those memories.
“Keep telling his stories, smile at his memory, and may his force surround us all,” she wrote, a nod to Jesse’s love for pop culture and the camaraderie that defined his life.
A Lasting Legacy
Though Darkside Tattoos may have closed its physical doors, Jesse Zeise’s influence will continue to be felt — etched into the skin and hearts of the many people he touched.
In a time of loss, the Green Bay community remembers a man who built more than a business. Jesse created a family, left behind a legacy of creativity and kindness, and gave his city a place where people could express who they were — and who they wanted to be.
As one commenter poignantly wrote: “You didn’t just give us tattoos. You gave us confidence, memories, and pieces of your soul.”
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