Jeremy Scheuch: The Artist, Creative Director, and Internet Icon Living Life on His Own Terms

Introduction

Some people spend their entire lives trying to fit into a single box—choosing one career, one city, one identity, and sticking with it until retirement. Then there are people like Jeremy Scheuch, who seem to collect lives the way others collect stamps. He’s been a Kansas City kid with big dreams, a Chicago tastemaker shaping the city’s nightlife, a general manager of a major events website, the creative director behind one of the country’s most beloved punk festivals, a semi-retired artist in tropical Puerto Rico, and perhaps most famously, the man with the epic mustache whose viral reaction face became an internet legend. Oh, and he also happens to be married to Danielle Colby, the beloved star of the History Channel’s American Pickers.

Jeremy Scheuch is proof that a life well-lived doesn’t follow a straight line—it zigzags, loops back, surprises everyone (including yourself), and somehow makes perfect sense in the end. This is the story of a man who has worn many hats, drawn countless faces, organized legendary events, and built a reputation as one of the most colorful characters in the worlds of art, music, and Chicago culture.

Quick Facts

The Kansas City Roots: Where It All Began

Jeremy Scheuch’s story starts in Kansas City, Missouri, a place that would forever shape his identity and loyalties. Growing up in the heart of the Midwest, Scheuch developed two things that would define much of his adult life: a deep appreciation for history and an unshakeable devotion to the Kansas City Royals.

His parents played a significant role in nurturing his intellectual curiosity. Scheuch has credited them for instilling in him a passion for history—a passion that would later manifest in some of his most ambitious artistic projects. Whether it was family trips to historical sites, dinner table discussions about the past, or simply being surrounded by books and stories, young Jeremy absorbed a worldview that saw history not as a dry collection of dates, but as a living, breathing narrative that connects us all.

Kansas City in the 1980s and 1990s was a place of distinct character—a city with a rich jazz heritage, legendary barbecue, and a sports culture that ran deep in the veins of its residents. The Royals, in particular, were a source of both pride and heartache. For a young fan like Scheuch, the team represented something bigger than baseball: it was about community, loyalty, and the kind of unwavering hope that makes sports fandom such a uniquely human experience.

Little did anyone know that decades later, that fandom would make Scheuch an internet sensation.

The Chicago Years: Finding His Creative Voice

At some point, the pull of opportunity drew Scheuch away from his Kansas City roots and toward the bustling streets of Chicago. He made the move in 2005, arriving in the Windy City with ambition, creativity, and that unmistakable handlebar mustache that would become his signature.

Chicago in the mid-2000s was a city buzzing with creative energy. The indie music scene was thriving, the art world was vibrant, and there was a palpable sense that something exciting was always just around the corner. Scheuch dove headfirst into this world, quickly establishing himself as a tastemaker and connector.

He became the General Manager of Do312, an events and nightlife website that served as the go-to guide for Chicagoans looking to make the most of their city. Under his leadership, Do312 became more than just a listings site—it was a cultural hub, a place where people discovered hidden gems, planned memorable nights out, and connected with the vibrant community around them.

But Scheuch wasn’t content to simply promote other people’s events. He had ideas of his own—big, ambitious, sometimes slightly absurd ideas that somehow always seemed to work.

The Aldermen Project: Art Meets Civic Engagement

In 2010, Scheuch teamed up with fellow artist and Chicago Reader editor Lauri Apple to launch what would become one of the most talked-about art projects in the city: “50 Artists/50 Aldermen”.

The concept was brilliantly simple: pair 50 Chicago artists with the city’s 50 aldermen, and have each artist create a portrait of their assigned politician in whatever medium they chose. The results were as diverse as the city itself—photographs, collages, tile mosaics, and even Lego portraits. Some artists managed to interview their subjects; others weren’t so lucky. Seventeen of the aldermen actually showed up to see the exhibition, and a few even bought their own portraits.

The project was a resounding success, earning coverage from The New York Times and cementing Scheuch’s reputation as a civic-minded artist with a clever twist. But for Scheuch, it was just the beginning.

The Mayor Series: A Love Letter to Chicago History

Buoyed by the success of the aldermen project, Scheuch turned his attention to an even more ambitious undertaking: capturing all 46 of Chicago’s mayors in a series of drawings.

The project started almost by accident. Scheuch was “just fooling around, drawing portraits of Richard J. and Richard M. Daley,” when he became fascinated by the history of Chicago’s mayoralty. One thing led to another, and soon his home office was filled with books, mayoral autographs, and other historical memorabilia.

“I learned so much,” Scheuch told the Chicago Tribune in 2012. “That some mayors served more than one term not consecutively, that Mayor Joseph Medill started the city’s library system”.

The drawings themselves were a labor of love. Scheuch drew the faces freehand, then scanned them into a computer to add color. His intention was to exhibit the mayors and sell them, perhaps even making T-shirts and a coloring book. But the purpose went beyond commerce: he wanted to “raise awareness of our city’s past”.

True to his civic-minded nature, Scheuch planned to use much of the proceeds to help fund libraries. It was a gesture that reflected his deep belief in the importance of education, community, and preserving history for future generations.

The Blagojevich Tattoo: A Permanent Piece of Chicago Politics

No profile of Jeremy Scheuch would be complete without mentioning perhaps his most famous piece of body art: the larger-than-life tattoo of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich on his right thigh.

The tattoo, which Scheuch got on June 3, 2010—coincidentally the first day of Blagojevich’s first trial—features the governor’s portrait surrounded by a Chicago-style hot dog, a wad of cash, and a banner-style Chicago flag. When Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison, Scheuch announced he would add a tiny teardrop under the convicted politician’s eye.

“It’s kind of the epitome of current politics in Chicago,” Scheuch explained. “It was a fun, spur-of-the-moment way to commemorate my time in Chicago”.

The tattoo artist, Beth Cisco, who now owns Maximum Tattoo in Deerfield, recalled the experience: “I drew it up, and I know Jeremy would be down, because he is out of his mind”.

The story came full circle when Scheuch met Blagojevich himself at Wizard World’s Comic-Con in 2010. The governor was impressed with Scheuch’s friendly attitude and even suggested he should be on the next jury. Despite the mixed feelings about the sentence, Scheuch has no regrets about the permanent piece of political history on his leg. “It’s kind of a reminder not to be stupid,” he said.

The Viral Royals Fan: 15 Minutes of Internet Fame

In 2014, Jeremy Scheuch experienced something that happens to very few people: he became an internet meme.

It happened during a Kansas City Royals game. Scheuch, who had sold his Fleetwood Mac tickets to fly from Chicago to Kansas City for the game, was sitting in the front row. A camera caught his expression—a mixture of resignation, despairing hope, and raw emotion that perfectly captured what it means to be a loyal fan of a perennially hapless sports team.

Within hours, his face had gone viral. Barstool Sports wrote about him, calling him “PERFECT” and describing his outfit as “the hat, the jacket, the jersey, the fanny pack, it’s all fucking perfect”. Two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Amanda Palumbo covered the story. His phone wouldn’t stop blowing up, and he found himself doing radio and television interviews.

“Shameless self-promotion,” he joked during an interview. “Oh yes, I do have an art website, you should check it out”.

The viral moment was a testament to Scheuch’s authenticity. He wasn’t trying to go viral—he was just being himself, a passionate fan living in the moment. And in a world of curated social media personas, that kind of genuine humanity is exactly what resonates with people.

Riot Fest: Shaping Chicago’s Music Scene

Perhaps Scheuch’s most significant professional achievement is his role as Creative Director of Riot Fest, the multi-day music festival that has become a cornerstone of Chicago’s cultural landscape.

Founded in 2005, Riot Fest specializes in punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop, featuring carnival rides, amazing food vendors, sideshow performers, and an atmosphere that Scheuch has compared to “a state fair mixed with a punk show”.

As Creative Director, Scheuch has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s identity. He’s overseen everything from the lineup to the overall experience, ensuring that Riot Fest remains true to its independent roots while continuing to grow and evolve.

One of his more memorable contributions was hiring Jim Victor, the “Jay-Z of butter artists,” to sculpt a John Stamos butter statue. Stamos famously denounced the statue as “pretty frightening” in a since-deleted Twitter post, but Scheuch took it in stride. Years later, he and Stamos would share a laugh about it when they met in person.

Scheuch’s work with Riot Fest has also had a community impact. He’s visited schools to talk to students about the festival, and he’s been known to give free passes to deserving kids. It’s all part of his broader philosophy: that art, music, and community are deeply interconnected.

Love and Partnership: The Danielle Colby Story

In 2011, Jeremy Scheuch’s life took an unexpected turn when he created a logo for a boutique called “4 Miles 2 Memphis.” The boutique was owned by Danielle Colby, the star of American Pickers.

The two hit it off immediately. They started dating, and what began as a professional connection blossomed into a deep, lasting partnership. After nearly six years together, Colby proposed to Scheuch on her birthday in December 2020. She announced the engagement on Instagram with characteristic enthusiasm: “I did a thing! After almost 6 long years, I finally made an honest man out of my king @jscheuch”.

Scheuch, for his part, was equally effusive. “She is truly my best friend and a real life partner and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her,” he wrote. “Don’t know if either one of us really planned on getting married again, but after the insanity of 2020, we both realized how lucky we are and knew that it was best for us”.

The couple officially tied the knot in February 2024 in Puerto Rico. Colby wore a stunning blue wedding dress, and the ceremony was a reflection of their unique, unconventional love.

Today, they split their time between Puerto Rico and other locations, living what Scheuch describes as a “semi-retired” life. Their Instagram feeds are filled with tropical photos, relaxing beach days, and their two beloved dogs, Muriel and Azrael, whom they adopted from Barks of Hope animal shelter.

Life in Puerto Rico: Semi-Retirement and New Beginnings

Scheuch’s website describes him as a “semi-retired artist living in Puerto Rico via Chicago and Kansas City”. It’s a fitting description for a man who has packed multiple careers into a single lifetime and is now enjoying a slower pace of life.

Puerto Rico offers Scheuch and Colby a chance to recharge, create, and give back. Colby has been involved in helping rebuild the island after Hurricane Maria, dedicating her time to orphanages and animal shelters. Scheuch, meanwhile, continues to advocate for Barks of Hope, the shelter from which they adopted their dogs.

But “semi-retired” doesn’t mean completely retired. Scheuch still maintains his art practice, sharing his work and photography on Instagram. He’s also been known to DJ from time to time. And, of course, he remains deeply connected to the worlds of art, music, and culture that have defined his life.

The Mustache: A Signature Look

No discussion of Jeremy Scheuch would be complete without mentioning his epic handlebar mustache. It’s not just facial hair—it’s a statement, a conversation starter, and an integral part of his identity.

Scheuch grew the mustache eight years before his Chicago Tribune profile in 2012, originally for a theme party. He kept it “flamboyantly trimmed” ever since. It’s become so synonymous with his persona that it’s often mentioned in the same breath as his art, his tattoos, and his baseball fandom.

The mustache even played a role in his viral fame. When Barstool Sports wrote about him, they specifically called out his “epic ‘stache”. It’s become a symbol of his willingness to stand out, to be different, and to embrace his own unique style unapologetically.

Jeremy Scheuch’s Net Worth: A Balanced Perspective

While exact figures for Jeremy Scheuch’s personal net worth are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to estimate that his combined household net worth with Danielle Colby is in the range of several hundred thousand to a few million dollars.

Scheuch’s income sources have been diverse throughout his career: his work as General Manager of Do312, his role as Creative Director of Riot Fest, his art sales, his consulting and speaking engagements, and various other creative projects. Colby, meanwhile, has enjoyed a successful career on American Pickers, which has been a significant source of household income.

The couple owns property in Illinois—Colby purchased an Erie, Illinois home in August 2018 for $295,000—and they currently reside in Puerto Rico. Their lifestyle appears comfortable but not ostentatious, reflecting their grounded values and focus on experiences over material possessions.

It’s worth noting that Scheuch himself seems uninterested in the trappings of wealth. His Instagram feed is filled with photos of his dogs, tropical scenery, and moments with his wife—not luxury cars or designer labels. His net worth, whatever it may be, is clearly secondary to the richness of his life experiences.

Social Media Presence: Connecting with the World

Jeremy Scheuch maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @jscheuch. His feed is a window into his life: tropical photos, snapshots of his dogs Muriel and Azrael, pictures with Danielle, and occasional glimpses of his art.

He describes himself on Instagram with characteristic humor as “Danielle’s Hunky Husband”. It’s a self-deprecating joke that reveals his down-to-earth personality and his willingness to embrace his role as the supportive partner of a famous TV star.

Scheuch also uses his platform to advocate for causes he cares about, particularly animal welfare. He regularly shares posts supporting Barks of Hope and other animal shelters, using his visibility to make a positive impact.

His Twitter presence, while less active, has also been a platform for his humor, his Royals fandom, and his engagement with the broader cultural conversation.

Recent Updates and Future Plans

As of 2024 and 2025, Jeremy Scheuch continues to live life on his own terms. His marriage to Danielle Colby in February 2024 marked a new chapter in their relationship. The couple appears to be thriving in Puerto Rico, enjoying their tropical lifestyle and their growing family of rescue dogs.

Scheuch remains involved in the arts, though on a more selective basis than in his Chicago heyday. He continues to create, to photograph, and to engage with the creative community. His role with Riot Fest, while perhaps less hands-on than in previous years, still connects him to the music world he loves.

He’s also been spotted at various events with his wife, including a memorable appearance with John Stamos at Riot Fest. The encounter was a full-circle moment: years after commissioning a butter statue of Stamos that the actor famously hated, Scheuch and Stamos shared a laugh and a photo together.

As for the future, Scheuch seems content to take things as they come. He’s built a life that balances creative fulfillment, personal happiness, and meaningful relationships. Whether he’s drawing portraits of long-forgotten mayors, organizing a punk festival, or simply relaxing on a Puerto Rican beach with his wife and dogs, Jeremy Scheuch is living proof that a life well-lived is one that follows your own path.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Creativity, Authenticity, and Joy

Jeremy Scheuch’s story is one of those rare narratives that reminds us what’s possible when you refuse to be boxed in. He’s been an artist, an events impresario, a civic activist, a festival creative director, a viral internet sensation, and a devoted husband—often all at the same time.

What ties all of these roles together is a fundamental authenticity. Scheuch doesn’t try to be anyone other than himself. Whether he’s getting a tattoo of a disgraced governor, growing an epic handlebar mustache, or making a ridiculous face on national television, he does it with conviction and joy. He’s not performing for anyone—he’s just living his life, and somehow, that’s exactly what makes him so compelling.

His artistic legacy includes projects that have genuinely enriched Chicago’s cultural landscape. The “50 Artists/50 Aldermen” project brought art and civic engagement together in a way that was both playful and profound. His mayor series celebrated Chicago’s history in a way that was accessible and engaging. His work with Riot Fest has helped shape one of the country’s most beloved independent music festivals.

But perhaps Scheuch’s most important legacy is the example he sets: that it’s okay to be a little weird, to follow your passions wherever they lead, and to embrace the unexpected twists and turns of life. He’s shown that you can be a serious artist and a hilarious internet meme, a civic-minded activist and a punk rock festival organizer, a semi-retired beach dweller and a devoted stepfather.

As Jeremy Scheuch continues to pave the way for future generations of creatives, dreamers, and unconventional thinkers, his story stands as a reminder of how resilience, authenticity, and purpose can shape a meaningful legacy. He didn’t follow a straight line to success—he carved his own path, and in doing so, he created a life that’s uniquely, unmistakably his.

Read this too: Charlotte Tucker Silberling: The Private Life of Hollywood’s Most Elusive Legacy Child

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Jeremy Scheuch?

Jeremy Scheuch is an artist, creative director, and former General Manager of Do312, a Chicago events website. He is best known for co-organizing the “50 Artists/50 Aldermen” project, serving as Creative Director of Riot Fest, and for his viral moment as a Kansas City Royals fan. He is also the husband of American Pickers star Danielle Colby.

2. How old is Jeremy Scheuch?

Jeremy Scheuch was approximately 32 years old in 2011, which would place his birth year around 1979. This makes him in his mid-40s as of 2025.

3. Where is Jeremy Scheuch from?

Scheuch is originally from Kansas City, Missouri. He later moved to Chicago, where he spent many years building his career, and currently resides in Puerto Rico.

4. What is Jeremy Scheuch’s profession?

Scheuch has had a diverse career that includes being a visual artist, the General Manager of Do312, the Creative Director of Riot Fest, a DJ, and a semi-retired artist. He describes himself on his website as a “semi-retired artist living in Puerto Rico”.

5. Who is Jeremy Scheuch married to?

Jeremy Scheuch is married to Danielle Colby, the star of the History Channel’s American Pickers. They got engaged in December 2020 and married in February 2024.

6. Does Jeremy Scheuch have children?

Scheuch does not have biological children, but he is a stepfather to Danielle Colby’s two children, Miles and Memphis, from her previous marriage to Chad Cushman.

7. What is Jeremy Scheuch’s net worth?

While exact figures are not publicly available, Scheuch’s combined household net worth with Danielle Colby is estimated to be in the range of several hundred thousand to a few million dollars. His income has come from his work with Do312, Riot Fest, his art, and various other creative projects.

8. What is Jeremy Scheuch’s Instagram handle?

Jeremy Scheuch’s Instagram handle is @jscheuch. His feed features tropical photos, his dogs Muriel and Azrael, and moments with his wife Danielle Colby.

9. What is the “50 Artists/50 Aldermen” project?

The “50 Artists/50 Aldermen” project was a 2010 art exhibition co-organized by Jeremy Scheuch and Lauri Apple. It paired 50 Chicago artists with the city’s 50 aldermen, with each artist creating a portrait of their assigned politician. The project earned coverage from The New York Times and was widely praised for its creative approach to civic engagement.

10. Why did Jeremy Scheuch become famous online?

Scheuch became an internet sensation in 2014 when a camera caught his reaction during a Kansas City Royals game. His expression of resignation and hope went viral, and he was featured on Barstool Sports and various other outlets. He’s also known for his epic handlebar mustache, which has become a signature part of his look.

11. Does Jeremy Scheuch have tattoos?

Yes, Scheuch has numerous tattoos. His most famous is a portrait of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich on his right thigh, surrounded by a Chicago-style hot dog, cash, and a Chicago flag. He also has a tattoo of Patrick Swayze on his rib cage.

12. What is Riot Fest?

Riot Fest is a multi-day music festival founded in Chicago in 2005. It specializes in punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop, and features carnival rides, food vendors, and sideshow performers. Jeremy Scheuch serves as its Creative Director.

13. Where does Jeremy Scheuch live now?

Scheuch currently lives in Puerto Rico with his wife Danielle Colby. He has described his lifestyle as “semi-retired” and his Instagram feed is filled with tropical photos.

14. What is Jeremy Scheuch’s connection to animal welfare?

Scheuch is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. He adopted his two dogs, Muriel and Azrael, from Barks of Hope animal shelter and regularly advocates for the organization.

15. What are Jeremy Scheuch’s future plans?

Scheuch appears to be enjoying his semi-retired life in Puerto Rico, continuing his art practice, and spending time with his wife and dogs. He remains involved with Riot Fest and the creative community, though on a more selective basis than in his Chicago years.