Rhonda Mulder, Acclaimed Ottawa Tattoo Artist and Advocate for Creative Expression, Dies at 39
Ottawa, Ontario – Rhonda Mulder, a widely admired tattoo artist and community arts advocate in Ottawa, has died unexpectedly at the age of 39. Her passing on June 11, 2025, was confirmed by Tiger Tiger Tattoo, where she served as a resident artist and mentor for the past five years.
Mulder was celebrated not only for her technical skill in tattoo artistry but for her transformative approach to the craft—viewing each tattoo as a collaborative act of storytelling, healing, and self-expression. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, clients, and community members across Canada’s capital.
Born August 7, 1985, in Ottawa, Rhonda Mulder demonstrated a profound creative instinct from an early age. By her teens, she was painting murals and developing a signature style marked by emotional depth and fine detail. After formal training and apprenticeship, she transitioned into tattooing, where her unique fusion of technical excellence and empathetic presence quickly earned her a devoted clientele.
At Tiger Tiger Tattoo, where she worked until her death, Mulder was known for her versatility—from soft, fine-line botanical work and hand-lettered scripts to bold, color-rich neo-traditional pieces. But it was her personal ethos that truly set her apart. She treated every appointment as an intimate, collaborative ritual, listening deeply to clients’ stories before designing meaningful artwork that honored their experiences.
“Rhonda believed that tattooing was more than decoration—it was ceremony,” the Tiger Tiger team shared in a public tribute. “She made people feel seen, and she used her art to restore confidence, mark milestones, and carry memory.”
Her work resonated especially with marginalized communities. Mulder routinely offered discounted or free services to people on fixed incomes, including gender-affirming tattoos and scar cover-ups. Her studio chair became a safe space for countless individuals navigating personal transformation.
Beyond tattooing, Rhonda’s community contributions were extensive. She volunteered with Ottawa Animal Aid, where she fostered cats and contributed artwork to fundraising events. She mentored aspiring artists through workshops at local schools and participated in youth-led art programs across the city. Her weekends often involved sketching local scenes at farmers’ markets or supporting grassroots artists and small businesses.
Rhonda’s personality was as colorful and thoughtful as her work. Friends describe her as introverted but deeply compassionate, with a dry wit, an affinity for mismatched socks, and a well-worn sketchbook always within reach. Her distinctive tiger illustrations—found both in her personal portfolio and decorating the walls of Tiger Tiger—embodied her signature blend of strength, grace, and quiet power.
She is survived by her mother, Marianne Mulder; her brother, Jason; her Tiger Tiger Tattoo family; and a wide network of clients, collaborators, and loved ones whose lives she touched. Her passing marks a significant loss for Ottawa’s creative and tattoo communities.
A public celebration of Rhonda Mulder’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at SAW Gallery (67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa). Attendees are invited to bring artwork, tattoo photos, or personal tributes to honor her life and creative legacy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rhonda’s memory to Ottawa Animal Aid, Youth Art Mentorship Ottawa, or any local nonprofit supporting accessible art programs.
Rhonda Mulder’s impact transcended skin and ink. She leaves behind hundreds of artworks, thousands of conversations, and an artistic legacy rooted in empathy, equity, and creative courage. As the Ottawa arts community mourns her loss, her story continues through the lives she helped shape—one line, one story, one tattoo at a time.
