19-Year-Old Wanted To Cover Up Her Self-Harm Scars But All Tattoo Artists Refused To Help. Except One
Ink has allowed an Irish teen to recover from self-harm and here’s her story. Aoife Lovett (19) had been struggling with mental health throughout the years, and even though she got better, the self-harm scars brought back memories she wanted to forget. Aoife wanted to cover up them with tattoos, but all artists she reached out to refused to work with scarred skin. Except for one.
Aoife’s mom came across Ryan Kelly’s project Scars Behind Beauty, an initiative that helps people leave self-harm behind with cover up tattoos. “It’s tough when you’re a couple of years clean from doing it, and every day you’re constantly reminded of what you did,” Aoife told the Independent. “It brings back memories of how you felt then. There’s a lot of shame that comes with it and guilt, especially when you’re around your family.”
Ryan launched his tattoo cover up project in February when another woman contacted him for the same reason Aoife did. “A girl just randomly came in looking for a tattoo to cover up some scars and I got talking to her, and she started telling me her story,” Ryan said. “At the end of that, it didn’t really feel right to charge her. It kind of felt like the self-harm tattoo cover up meant more to her than that.”
“The best tattoo cover-up is putting something beautiful over something ugly,” Aoife praised Ryan’s work. “It gives you a new sense of freedom and you get your confidence back because it’s tough to go into jobs and wear t-shirts with scars because you get looks and you get questions a lot about it.”
Ryan wasn’t quick to judge other tattoo artists. “Understandably to a certain degree because obviously if you want your best piece, it’s going to be better on flat skin. It can take a little bit more time sometimes, but for me, it means a lot more than that because you’re helping someone move on from a difficult time.”
(h/t)
19-year-old Aoife had been struggling with mental health throughout the years, and even though she got better, the scars brought back memories she wanted to forget
“It’s very hard when you’re a couple of years clean from doing it and every day you’re constantly reminded of what you did. It brings back memories of how you felt then”
Aoife wanted to cover up them with tattoos, but all artists she reached out to refused to work with scarred skin. Except one
After taking a look at Aoife’s scars, Ryan Kelly began covering them up for free
In the end, Ryan was able to put something beautiful over something ugly
“It gives you a new sense of freedom and you get your confidence back”
Ryan launched his project Scars Behind Beauty in February when another woman contacted him for the same reason Aoife did
“A girl just randomly came in looking for a tattoo to cover up some scars and I got talking to her and she started telling me her story”
“At the end of that it didn’t really feel right to charge her. It kind of felt like it meant more to her than that”
Ryan is not the only one dedicated to this great task, Poppy Seger is a tattoo artist from the UK who has helped many people already
Image credits: Poppy
“Tattooing over self harm scarring can be triggering. It can bring tears, memories, flashbacks” says Poppy
Image credits: Poppy
And Whitney Develle has done similar work in Australia
Image credits: Whitney Develle
People were reacting strongly to these artists’ great work
This is an amazing thing for some one to do, especially for free, I congratulate all the people, who made it through this
Shut up, DaisyArnold. Take your spam comments elsewhere. Thank you
Load More Replies...I'm recovering from self-harm, so stories like this makes me hopeful. Once my scars have healed (unfortunately I have raised scarring), I hope to be able to have a tattoo
I wish I could upvote this more than once. It's such a nice thing of them to do, especially free of charge. Self harm is no joke, and having to look at them each and every day once you're at a better place mentally will always bring memories flooding back. And if you DO end up wearing short sleeves in the summer, there's always people staring or asking unwanted questions. So, THANK YOU to all those tattoo artists out there who don't shy away from tattooing over self harm scars.
I'm also struggling with depression and my scars. The biggest struggle is finding a nearby artist in zurich, Switzerland who will cover up my scars... I always feel embarrased when i see someone looking at mu scars. It feels like a silent judgement.
That's because in most cases it is. People are rude and self-absorbed...don't you ever feel guilt or shame for something you did to help you make it through. You are loved... and you will find someone to do a nice tattoo on you and you will remember but not feel shame. Love to you.
Load More Replies...I just wish scars weren't described as 'something ugly'. I think that's for every sufferer to decide for themselves. Some people consider them signs that they survived, and they have every right. The last thing self-harmers (myself included) need is more stigma about their scars. So glad Aoife's happier with her body now and the artist is so good to do this for free. Good people <3
Bravo for the man! I know however why most tattooists won't work with the scarred ink - such skin is quite resistant to ink, so the images can fade or disrupt soonr than expected. But I agree strongly that people who want to cover their scars, should have an opportunity to do that - changing something awful, both mentally and physically into something beautiful you like to look at is a wonderful and needed skill.
I have Edward scissor hands hand covering my scars on my wrist, from elbow to hand.
What to say? Even without Sigmund Freud's endorsement, I believe that people who commit suicide, or maim their own bodies, they are going through moments of extreme loneliness, lack of self-esteem, and therefore, deeply depressed, and worse, they have not even found a word of encouragement, love, or any other type of help, within the ambit of their parents or friends. Nowadays, parents should always be attentive to everything that happens in the life of their children, without, however, resort to the practice of an ostensive patrol. There are a number of reasons why suicide, or self-mutilation, are particularly common among young people. For example, dating or marriage broken, poor school performance, feeling herself ugly in front the mirror, lack of new friends, or even lack of a reasonable job. Over these past 30 years, the world has changed, mainly for young people, as the shop windows of the malls are filled with luxury items, a luxury which most of them will never have access to.
Im sure the artists that said NO to the coverup was because covering scars doesnt always come out well, as scar tissue is tougher than normal skin and they didnt want to give her a permament crappy tattoo. But well done to they guy who took the chance and did a really really good job of it, 2 thumbs up!!!
this is so beautiful. i love stories like this. faith in humanity restored
I worked in a tattoo shop for a while. Some artists don't do it because it's hard to tattoo over scar tissue. But some will, you just might need some re-touches over the years. I'm glad she got them covered up. I'm almost 40, and I have a ton. I try to tell people it's from a car accident. It's obvious that they aren't. So I've worn long sleeves and lots of bracelets for the past 15 years.
I want to believe that while people have been negative about the people that did not want to tattoo, that possibly they had their own issues that they may not have been able to share with a customer. I can imagine as was said that working on skin that is harmed already may cause issues that just giving a tattoo may not. No one wants to give someone more pain, and to do such a thing is so symbolic that the tattooist may not want to do something that has the potential to turn out as some have said not as they would hope, that could upset someone further. They may not have been able to express their concerns in any way other than just saying no, also it may be something as simple as insurance, you are dealing with body parts here, if something goes wrong, someone is to blame and insurance companies love to find the reason to not pay, and already damaged skin would be a huge anchor for them to grab on to. So many reasons that could be the case here, not that the tattoo people done care.
I liked this post but i wish the author hadn't described the scars as "something ugly." These people already feel so much shame and self loathing.
I applaud all the Artists for doing this project and for the brave victims that have recovered and wish to move on in their own individual ways! The only thing I shook my head at was the ceterpiece of this article and the tattoo having a DAGGER through the flowers when she had been cutting herself. I wonder if that was her idea to confront it, then Bravo or just I'm overthinking it, but excellent work everyone!!!
It is great that she liberated herself from the past in such way. I am just wondering, why the tattoo was not made to fit into the scars more. In some of them the damage is still visible a lot.
That guy does some amazing work. Thumbs up for him helping people cover up old scars.
I have had scars covered with tattoo, I don't understand why they would refuse, they must not be true artists
I think that whether or not a person who has self harm scars decide to cover them is making the choice that is right for them. Some people see the scars and it triggers a bad reaction. Some people look at the scars and it triggers good thoughts. We can't decide how someone will react to them.
Good for these artists! They are doing more healing than a lot of doctors.
I have a 21-year old daughter, covered in scars from automutilation. I hope that she will encounter a tattoo artist like these guys, who can turn the scars into something less reminding. Not only for herself, but also for all who surround her. The scars hurt everyone close to her as well. Because they, though loving and caring, were not able to help her overcome her problems in a less harming and everlasting way. Maybe a tattoo can diminish that.
If the scars remind her of bad things and make her feel bad then what are the tattoos supposed to remind her of?
Also, scars are the tattoos of the brave. Tattoos are the scars of the diddled.
Load More Replies...Mulysa Mayhem of Good Mojo Tattoos in Beverly, Massachusetts has covered a number of my self injury scars. The change in the way I view those parts of my flesh is intense, and I can not express how incredibly grateful I am.
I also recommend Daedra Tattoo - Flavia Carvalho who tattoos over many different kinds of scar- self harm, mastectomies, domestic violence.....Follow on Facebook for some inspiring tattoos
WHY on earth would they refuse?? That makes NO SENSE! Also, you are LOVELY!
I still can't understand why the hell other tattoo artists wouldn't help her! Shame on them!
It's much more difficult to tattoo on scar tissue. They also can't guarantee how the final tattoo will heal, so they might not want to risk getting a bad review and potentially ruining their reputation as good artists if the tattoo healed poorly. I have a friend who is a tattoo artists and had her scars covered and she said it was more painful and took a lot longer than tattoos on non-scared skin.
Load More Replies...Personally I would love to have one on my stomach I live in FL. Can you lead me to an artist please? I had 5 surgeries. I need it for some self-confidence..
so Im thinking that the artists who refused simply didn't have enough experience with scar tissue to feel comfortable covering it without messing up. maybe now that they know it's possible, they'll start practicing and this will become more widely available.
IMHO this is all a byproduct of narcissism. YOU RARELY find this issue in people who devote their lives to helping others. Selfishness, narcissism, dilettante self serving hedonistic lifestyles are a pathway to an empty emotional void.
I think this is a great idea. I had a EX that had his surgery scars covered up.
I truly wish I could find someone who would be willing to help me with that problem, as my arms are covered in self-harm scars stemming from my early teen years through to just about a year and a half ago now. Feeling ashamed of what I have done has led to over 25 years of NEVER wearing short sleeves - no matter how hot it gets. It says something that one would rather suffer countless occasions of heat stroke than to be judged based on scars.
I don't get this. I know someone who has self harm scars everywhere and he's never had a problem getting tattoos?
This is such a unique thing to me. I didn't know it existed. The tattoos are beautiful though.
I know several people who did this and everyone said I would never cut into the tattoo. They are all proud and deserve it. I never heard from artists they don't tattoo scared skin cause I myself am tattooed around the waist and over scars from an accident (from drain tubes into my belly) and my tattoo artist immediately said this would not be a problem. This happened over 15 years ago and it never was one.
Just as a technical point: before getting tattoos, see how much you can reduce scars by the traditional method of rubbing olive oil into them until they look glassy, and then abrading them. This makes the tattooist's work easier, and in some cases can reduce the scars so much that they become invisible without needing any cover.
Just as a technical point: I'd recommend reducing the scars (with the tried-and-true method of rubbing olive oil into them and then abrading them) before applying tattoos. It makes the job easier, and in some cases can make the scars completely disappear without needing a tattoo to cover them.
The image is excessive, strong in design and color, emphasis figure over background which includes the striation in the skin.
A knife over her cutting scars?.............................nope
I know a TON of tattoo artists that would do this. I am glad he did but there are plenty of others who would.
what is this BS? if she went to some noob self taught tattoo "artists" and this guy was the first pro of course noobs refused. Maybe some pros charged too much and this guy saw some PR opportunity. But this is BS none story
No one hires "self taught tattoo artists". They must have a qualification first, before they apply for work at any tattoo studios.
Load More Replies...You don't want to be reminded of cutting your skin so you cover it up with a tattoo of a razorsharp dagger? Kind of a weird choice. But otherwise heartwarming story, although I am myself in the team "Don't cover". Our scars prove what we managed to overcome. The only ones to maybe be ashamed of are the ones on your fat thighs that prove only that you are a lazy who sits on the butt all day and does nothing to stay fit. And I am actually talking about myself :D But to cover all these would take a LOT of tattoos. And it would look really weird.
It's not about remembering, it is about the shame and judgment from others that makes them cover their arms. Scars are interesting things. If you have one that has a good story behind it people are proud. When it is a result of self-harm, people react differently. I say do what makes you feel beautiful. You are beautiful! And a tattoo over a painful reminder of the past is a great way to move forward.
Load More Replies...Actually just googled and found this from the Mayo Clinic: “Through self-injury, the person may be trying to: Manage or reduce severe distress or anxiety and provide a sense of relief. Provide a distraction from painful emotions through physical pain. Feel a sense of control over his or her body, feelings or life situations.”
Load More Replies...I go to a school with many lower class black, mixed, and Hispanic people. They self harm just as much believe me.
Load More Replies...Cutting has nothing to do with suicide. See people like you are the reason that we those who self-harm deal with shame. Honestly, shame on you...of course you are "John Smith"...wouldn't want anyone to track you down to face you on your rude a*s comments. Shame on you for being a condescending a*s ...You should really look into educating yourself.
Load More Replies...This is an amazing thing for some one to do, especially for free, I congratulate all the people, who made it through this
Shut up, DaisyArnold. Take your spam comments elsewhere. Thank you
Load More Replies...I'm recovering from self-harm, so stories like this makes me hopeful. Once my scars have healed (unfortunately I have raised scarring), I hope to be able to have a tattoo
I wish I could upvote this more than once. It's such a nice thing of them to do, especially free of charge. Self harm is no joke, and having to look at them each and every day once you're at a better place mentally will always bring memories flooding back. And if you DO end up wearing short sleeves in the summer, there's always people staring or asking unwanted questions. So, THANK YOU to all those tattoo artists out there who don't shy away from tattooing over self harm scars.
I'm also struggling with depression and my scars. The biggest struggle is finding a nearby artist in zurich, Switzerland who will cover up my scars... I always feel embarrased when i see someone looking at mu scars. It feels like a silent judgement.
That's because in most cases it is. People are rude and self-absorbed...don't you ever feel guilt or shame for something you did to help you make it through. You are loved... and you will find someone to do a nice tattoo on you and you will remember but not feel shame. Love to you.
Load More Replies...I just wish scars weren't described as 'something ugly'. I think that's for every sufferer to decide for themselves. Some people consider them signs that they survived, and they have every right. The last thing self-harmers (myself included) need is more stigma about their scars. So glad Aoife's happier with her body now and the artist is so good to do this for free. Good people <3
Bravo for the man! I know however why most tattooists won't work with the scarred ink - such skin is quite resistant to ink, so the images can fade or disrupt soonr than expected. But I agree strongly that people who want to cover their scars, should have an opportunity to do that - changing something awful, both mentally and physically into something beautiful you like to look at is a wonderful and needed skill.
I have Edward scissor hands hand covering my scars on my wrist, from elbow to hand.
What to say? Even without Sigmund Freud's endorsement, I believe that people who commit suicide, or maim their own bodies, they are going through moments of extreme loneliness, lack of self-esteem, and therefore, deeply depressed, and worse, they have not even found a word of encouragement, love, or any other type of help, within the ambit of their parents or friends. Nowadays, parents should always be attentive to everything that happens in the life of their children, without, however, resort to the practice of an ostensive patrol. There are a number of reasons why suicide, or self-mutilation, are particularly common among young people. For example, dating or marriage broken, poor school performance, feeling herself ugly in front the mirror, lack of new friends, or even lack of a reasonable job. Over these past 30 years, the world has changed, mainly for young people, as the shop windows of the malls are filled with luxury items, a luxury which most of them will never have access to.
Im sure the artists that said NO to the coverup was because covering scars doesnt always come out well, as scar tissue is tougher than normal skin and they didnt want to give her a permament crappy tattoo. But well done to they guy who took the chance and did a really really good job of it, 2 thumbs up!!!
this is so beautiful. i love stories like this. faith in humanity restored
I worked in a tattoo shop for a while. Some artists don't do it because it's hard to tattoo over scar tissue. But some will, you just might need some re-touches over the years. I'm glad she got them covered up. I'm almost 40, and I have a ton. I try to tell people it's from a car accident. It's obvious that they aren't. So I've worn long sleeves and lots of bracelets for the past 15 years.
I want to believe that while people have been negative about the people that did not want to tattoo, that possibly they had their own issues that they may not have been able to share with a customer. I can imagine as was said that working on skin that is harmed already may cause issues that just giving a tattoo may not. No one wants to give someone more pain, and to do such a thing is so symbolic that the tattooist may not want to do something that has the potential to turn out as some have said not as they would hope, that could upset someone further. They may not have been able to express their concerns in any way other than just saying no, also it may be something as simple as insurance, you are dealing with body parts here, if something goes wrong, someone is to blame and insurance companies love to find the reason to not pay, and already damaged skin would be a huge anchor for them to grab on to. So many reasons that could be the case here, not that the tattoo people done care.
I liked this post but i wish the author hadn't described the scars as "something ugly." These people already feel so much shame and self loathing.
I applaud all the Artists for doing this project and for the brave victims that have recovered and wish to move on in their own individual ways! The only thing I shook my head at was the ceterpiece of this article and the tattoo having a DAGGER through the flowers when she had been cutting herself. I wonder if that was her idea to confront it, then Bravo or just I'm overthinking it, but excellent work everyone!!!
It is great that she liberated herself from the past in such way. I am just wondering, why the tattoo was not made to fit into the scars more. In some of them the damage is still visible a lot.
That guy does some amazing work. Thumbs up for him helping people cover up old scars.
I have had scars covered with tattoo, I don't understand why they would refuse, they must not be true artists
I think that whether or not a person who has self harm scars decide to cover them is making the choice that is right for them. Some people see the scars and it triggers a bad reaction. Some people look at the scars and it triggers good thoughts. We can't decide how someone will react to them.
Good for these artists! They are doing more healing than a lot of doctors.
I have a 21-year old daughter, covered in scars from automutilation. I hope that she will encounter a tattoo artist like these guys, who can turn the scars into something less reminding. Not only for herself, but also for all who surround her. The scars hurt everyone close to her as well. Because they, though loving and caring, were not able to help her overcome her problems in a less harming and everlasting way. Maybe a tattoo can diminish that.
If the scars remind her of bad things and make her feel bad then what are the tattoos supposed to remind her of?
Also, scars are the tattoos of the brave. Tattoos are the scars of the diddled.
Load More Replies...Mulysa Mayhem of Good Mojo Tattoos in Beverly, Massachusetts has covered a number of my self injury scars. The change in the way I view those parts of my flesh is intense, and I can not express how incredibly grateful I am.
I also recommend Daedra Tattoo - Flavia Carvalho who tattoos over many different kinds of scar- self harm, mastectomies, domestic violence.....Follow on Facebook for some inspiring tattoos
WHY on earth would they refuse?? That makes NO SENSE! Also, you are LOVELY!
I still can't understand why the hell other tattoo artists wouldn't help her! Shame on them!
It's much more difficult to tattoo on scar tissue. They also can't guarantee how the final tattoo will heal, so they might not want to risk getting a bad review and potentially ruining their reputation as good artists if the tattoo healed poorly. I have a friend who is a tattoo artists and had her scars covered and she said it was more painful and took a lot longer than tattoos on non-scared skin.
Load More Replies...Personally I would love to have one on my stomach I live in FL. Can you lead me to an artist please? I had 5 surgeries. I need it for some self-confidence..
so Im thinking that the artists who refused simply didn't have enough experience with scar tissue to feel comfortable covering it without messing up. maybe now that they know it's possible, they'll start practicing and this will become more widely available.
IMHO this is all a byproduct of narcissism. YOU RARELY find this issue in people who devote their lives to helping others. Selfishness, narcissism, dilettante self serving hedonistic lifestyles are a pathway to an empty emotional void.
I think this is a great idea. I had a EX that had his surgery scars covered up.
I truly wish I could find someone who would be willing to help me with that problem, as my arms are covered in self-harm scars stemming from my early teen years through to just about a year and a half ago now. Feeling ashamed of what I have done has led to over 25 years of NEVER wearing short sleeves - no matter how hot it gets. It says something that one would rather suffer countless occasions of heat stroke than to be judged based on scars.
I don't get this. I know someone who has self harm scars everywhere and he's never had a problem getting tattoos?
This is such a unique thing to me. I didn't know it existed. The tattoos are beautiful though.
I know several people who did this and everyone said I would never cut into the tattoo. They are all proud and deserve it. I never heard from artists they don't tattoo scared skin cause I myself am tattooed around the waist and over scars from an accident (from drain tubes into my belly) and my tattoo artist immediately said this would not be a problem. This happened over 15 years ago and it never was one.
Just as a technical point: before getting tattoos, see how much you can reduce scars by the traditional method of rubbing olive oil into them until they look glassy, and then abrading them. This makes the tattooist's work easier, and in some cases can reduce the scars so much that they become invisible without needing any cover.
Just as a technical point: I'd recommend reducing the scars (with the tried-and-true method of rubbing olive oil into them and then abrading them) before applying tattoos. It makes the job easier, and in some cases can make the scars completely disappear without needing a tattoo to cover them.
The image is excessive, strong in design and color, emphasis figure over background which includes the striation in the skin.
A knife over her cutting scars?.............................nope
I know a TON of tattoo artists that would do this. I am glad he did but there are plenty of others who would.
what is this BS? if she went to some noob self taught tattoo "artists" and this guy was the first pro of course noobs refused. Maybe some pros charged too much and this guy saw some PR opportunity. But this is BS none story
No one hires "self taught tattoo artists". They must have a qualification first, before they apply for work at any tattoo studios.
Load More Replies...You don't want to be reminded of cutting your skin so you cover it up with a tattoo of a razorsharp dagger? Kind of a weird choice. But otherwise heartwarming story, although I am myself in the team "Don't cover". Our scars prove what we managed to overcome. The only ones to maybe be ashamed of are the ones on your fat thighs that prove only that you are a lazy who sits on the butt all day and does nothing to stay fit. And I am actually talking about myself :D But to cover all these would take a LOT of tattoos. And it would look really weird.
It's not about remembering, it is about the shame and judgment from others that makes them cover their arms. Scars are interesting things. If you have one that has a good story behind it people are proud. When it is a result of self-harm, people react differently. I say do what makes you feel beautiful. You are beautiful! And a tattoo over a painful reminder of the past is a great way to move forward.
Load More Replies...Actually just googled and found this from the Mayo Clinic: “Through self-injury, the person may be trying to: Manage or reduce severe distress or anxiety and provide a sense of relief. Provide a distraction from painful emotions through physical pain. Feel a sense of control over his or her body, feelings or life situations.”
Load More Replies...I go to a school with many lower class black, mixed, and Hispanic people. They self harm just as much believe me.
Load More Replies...Cutting has nothing to do with suicide. See people like you are the reason that we those who self-harm deal with shame. Honestly, shame on you...of course you are "John Smith"...wouldn't want anyone to track you down to face you on your rude a*s comments. Shame on you for being a condescending a*s ...You should really look into educating yourself.
Load More Replies...
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