About Us

It’s Messy, ink. is a creative collaboration between Sarah and Maarten van Ryckevorsel.

Sarah is a native of Vermont while Maarten divided his formative years between his native Netherlands and Portland, Oregon.

Sarah got her start as one of Vermont Teddy Bear’s first designers and as a buyer at New York’s beloved SOHO toy store, The Enchanted Forest. Maarten worked in Barcelona as creative director for Spanish puzzle and game printer Diset, and in sales for toymaker Crocodile Creek.

Together they founded Rich Frog Industries and successfully ran the company for almost two decades before selling the business in 2012. Says Sarah: “Selling our business allowed us to branch out into other creative venues.” Sarah did a branding and interior design project for a Vermont microbrewery, and numerous choral groups have performed Maarten’s vocal arrangements.

Sadly, Rich Frog’s new owner was forced to close the business in 2019.

Happily, the Rulers of the World are now produced and distributed by Channel Craft.