A Chronological Journey

 

2007: Planting the Creative Seed

• In Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Christopher A. Leach, a software engineer with a passion for art, began creating custom murals, artwork, and tattoo designs for local clients. Working late nights in a small home studio, Christopher poured his love for skate culture and bold aesthetics into each piece. These early projects, often gifted to friends or sold at local markets, built a loyal following and ignited a dream to make art a full-time career. Every brushstroke was a step toward blending creativity with the rebellious spirit of skateboarding.

2008: Launching Cartoon Tank

• To fund his growing need for art supplies, Christopher launched Cartoon Tank, a side hustle operating out of a cramped 3x4-meter room. Named for its playful, gritty vibe, Cartoon Tank offered commissioned logos, hand-painted signs, and illustrations inspired by skate and street culture. With no formal business plan, Christopher relied on word-of-mouth and his knack for connecting with locals. The venture’s early success, driven by Sulzbach-Rosenberg’s tight-knit community, laid the foundation for a business rooted in authenticity and hustle.

2010: Expanding the Creative Palette

• By 2010, Christopher’s designs had gained traction beyond Sulzbach-Rosenberg, thanks to the rise of social media. Cartoon Tank expanded to offer art prints, phone cases, pillows, and shower curtains, turning Christopher’s sketches into everyday products. Using platforms like Facebook, he connected with customers across Germany, reinvesting every sale into better materials. Balancing quality with affordability was a challenge, but Christopher’s hands-on approach—personally packing orders and responding to feedback—built trust and hinted at the potential for a larger creative brand.

2011: Birth of Cartoon Tank Studio

• To give his growing business a stronger identity, Christopher rebranded Cartoon Tank as Cartoon Tank Studio in 2011. He launched an online store, offering custom T-shirts, hoodies, and framed artwork designed for the skate and street art community. Each piece, featuring bold graphics and cheeky slogans, reflected Christopher’s love for self-expression. Navigating e-commerce was daunting—coding the website and managing shipping logistics tested his patience—but the direct connection with fans fueled his drive. This year marked the birth of a brand meant to inspire and unite creatives.

2013: Embracing Independence

• Frustrated by the fees and creative limits of platforms like Etsy, Christopher made a bold move in 2013: building independent websites and online stores for Cartoon Tank Studio. Teaching himself web development, he invested in hosting and marketing to create a seamless customer experience. The shift allowed for unique features like limited-edition drops and personalized orders, reflecting his vision for a brand that stood apart. Though time-consuming and costly, this leap gave Christopher full control over his business, reinforcing his commitment to independence.

2014: Taking a Leap of Faith

• In 2014, Christopher A. Leach took a life-altering step, leaving his stable software engineering career to pursue art and design full-time. Trading financial security for passion was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but it freed him to immerse himself in the Bavarian art / skate scene. He spent days painting murals, attending skate events, and collaborating with local artists. This year was about rediscovering purpose, with every connection made and every deck designed reinforcing Christopher’s belief that art and skateboarding could define his life’s work.

2015: Opening Skate & Ink

• Partnering with a tattoo artist friend (Johnny from Johnny Tattoo in Vilseck) and fellow lover of the arts, Christopher opened Skate & Ink in 2015, his first brick-and-mortar store in Grafenwöhr, Germany. The shop was a love letter to skate culture, stocked with decks, wheels, and apparel, with a corner for Christopher’s art displays. Securing permits and managing inventory stretched his skills, but his vision—a space where skaters could connect—drove every decision. Locals embraced Skate & Ink as a hangout, swapping stories and planning sessions, making it a community hub from day one.

2015-2016: Rapid Expansion

• Fueled by early success, Skate & Ink grew rapidly. Offering custom ink inspired by his designs, and formed a skateboard team to sponsor local riders. To meet demand for branded gear, he launched in-house merchandise production, creating T-shirts, hoodies, and mugs with exclusive graphics. The pace was exhilarating but exhausting, with Christopher and his team working long hours to keep up. These years tested their resilience, as they juggled multiple ventures while striving to maintain the shop’s authentic vibe.

2017: Facing Growing Pains

• By 2017, Skate & Ink was flourishing, hosting packed events and attracting loyal customers. That year, Christopher expanded the shop’s offerings by introducing vape products in late 2017, capitalizing on emerging trends. However, the intense workload managing the store, tattoo parlor, team, and production—overwhelmed him, pushing him to his limits. Late nights and relentless multitasking prompted a reassessment. Throughout the year, he focused on what truly mattered: fostering community and ensuring quality. This challenging reflection strengthened the business, teaching Christopher the importance of balance and focus in sustaining his vision.

2018: Refocusing the Vision

• In 2018, Christopher made tough calls to streamline Skate & Ink. He closed the tattoo parlor to focus on retail and community events, and outsourced merchandise production to trusted partners, ensuring quality without the strain of managing equipment. These changes allowed him to enhance the shop’s core offerings: skate gear, apparel, and a welcoming space. By doubling down on authenticity, Christopher proved that Skate & Ink was about connection, not over-extension.

2019: Evolving with Skate Ink Vape

• To stay aligned with evolving trends, Christopher rebranded the shop as Skate Ink Vape in 2019 to highlight the vape products introduced in late 2017, alongside the existing skate gear and apparel. The decision was driven by increasing interest in vaping among younger customers. New display cases featured sleek devices and flavors, while the skate section remained the shop’s core. The rebrand was a gamble, but Christopher’s ability to understand his audience paid off, attracting a wider clientele while retaining loyal skaters. This adaptability showcased his skill in evolving the business without losing its roots.

2020: Resilience Shines

• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world in 2020, but for Skate Ink Vape, it sparked an unexpected boom. This was the year the business officially became Skitch Skate Shop, a name that captured its gritty, creative spirit. With outdoor activities like skateboarding surging, online orders for boards, apparel, and vape products skyrocketed. Christopher and his team worked tirelessly, implementing safety protocols to keep the store open while fulfilling a flood of orders. The success validated his years of dedication and fueled plans for growth, proving that Skitch could thrive in crisis by staying true to its community-driven ethos.

2021: Building a Bold New Home

• In October 2021, Christopher relocated Skitch Skate Shop to a larger space in Grafenwöhr, a milestone that reflected his growing ambition. The new store was transformed with polished concrete floors, vibrant graffiti walls, and an indoor half-pipe built by IOU Ramps—a magnet for skaters hosting demos and sessions. The renovation was a massive undertaking, requiring months of planning and investment, but Christopher’s hands-on approach ensured every detail reflected his vision. The new space became a true destination for skate culture.

2023: Creating a Cultural Hub

• By 2023, Skitch Skate Shop expanded to reflect its diverse community. Christopher introduced hot sauces and moonshine for a quirky twist, and imported band T-shirts for music fans. Premium art supplies, like POSCA markers and MONTANA spray paint, empowered local artists, while a dedicated art gallery hosted monthly exhibits. These additions, curated by Christopher, made Skitch a cultural hub where skateboarding, art, and self-expression converged, drawing crowds and fostering creative connections.

2024: Celebrating a Decade

• In 2024, Christopher A. Leach marked Skitch Skate Shop’s 10th anniversary as a brick-and-mortar business with a massive community event featuring live music, skate contests, and art. Over the decade, he invested over €30,000 into the local community through sponsorships, events, and donations. Skitch’s reputation reached far beyond Germany, welcoming visitors from All over the EU, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Palau and at least 1 person from every state in the U.S.A (Except probably Rhoade Island, well at least no one told us lol). Christopher’s story—of grit, growth, and giving back—resonated globally, making Skitch a beacon for creative souls.

2025: Vision for the Future

• As of 2025, Christopher A. Leach continues to drive Skitch forward. Plans are underway for a global expansion of the online store to reach a broader audience. Christopher is also exploring sustainable products, such as eco-friendly decks, to align with environmental values. Despite its growth, Skitch stays true to its original mission: creating a welcoming space for everyone, from pro skaters to budding artists. The next chapter, guided by Christopher’s bold vision, promises to be as impactful as the first.