Tattoo artist offers free tattoos to people with self-harm scars
A woman in Australia is offering a way for people with self-harm scars to rewrite their past.
Whitney Develle, a 22-year-old tattoo artist from Brisbane, Australia, wrote on her Facebook and Instagram that she was offering free tattoos to people who have self-harmed, to cover up the scars left behind.
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Her post from March 1 was met with such an overwhelming response that she had to amend her offer. Now, the first 50 sittings will be free, and any other inquiries will be given a deep discount.
"I want you to be able to look down at the scars that bring you pain, embarrassment, shame, and be able to put those feelings behind you and instead feel proud of the body part that now contains art and offers a new beginning," Develle wrote on Instagram and Facebook.
The idea to begin offering free tattoos came to Develle after a friend shared her self-harm scars. "She told me how much pain it brought her when people would question her about them or make comments," Develle told 9News in Brisbane.
Develle offered to tattoo over the scars and the friend was incredibly pleased with the results.
"I want to change that stigma...I want them to know that they no longer have to feel ashamed and that they no longer have to conceal their scars," Develle told 9News.
While some my find closure through transforming their scars to a work of art, it should be noted, however, the act of tattooing over a scar can also be construed as concealment.
Other tattoo artists also have devoted their time and talent to helping people cover their scars, either from self-harm or from surgeries.
Develle mentioned that she has been overwhelmed by the amount of positivity and support she has received on social media, saying it was "humbling but also heartbreaking."
She will begin her services on March 17 and continue through the end of the year.
Mashable has reached out to Develle for comment and is awaiting a response.
Topics Social Good
Andrea Romano -- comedy writer, craft enthusiast, lady -- was a Watercooler Reporter. She worked as an intern at Mashable beginning in January 2014. Andrea recently completed her Masters degree in Media Studies and Film from The New School and writes sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade and The People's Improv Theatre. She once watched three Paul Rudd movies in a row on a bicoastal flight and didn't realize it until she landed. She does things like that a lot. Twitter: @theandrearomano
