Mark Cropp, a young man from New Zealand, was serving a two-year, three-month sentence for a failed drug sale. One night, while drunk on homemade alcohol made from fermented apples, bread, and sugar, he and his brother made a decision that would change Mark’s life forever.
They decided to tattoo his face. Using ink made from melted toy knives, forks, and toothpaste, they etched the word “Devast8” across Mark’s entire face, including his jaw and lower face.
When Mark was released from prison, he quickly realized the negative impact of his foolish decision. Eager to start fresh and support his wife and daughter, he was committed to finding a job and becoming a respected member of society. Despite his work experience, no one wanted to hire him because of the large tattoo covering his face.
In an interview with Daily Mail Australia, Mark revealed the story behind his tattoo. “You know, for a long time, I would ruin anything I came into contact with,” he admitted. “I would destroy everyone I came close to.”
He recalled how people would always say, “That’s awful,” whenever he did or said something disappointing. “After I started it, I realized I couldn’t stop now. To be really honest, I wish I had stopped when the outline was still there. Before I knew it, I looked like this. Like a crimson pumpkin, it was swollen,” he added.
Desperate to remove the tattoo, Mark sought help from professionals, but no one was willing to assist him. Laser removal was too expensive for him to even consider. In a final attempt, Mark turned to social media, posting a picture of his tattoo on Facebook and pleading for a job and a chance to start anew.
The power of the Internet worked in his favor. His post quickly gained attention and was reposted numerous times. It eventually caught the eye of the workers at Sacred Tattoo, a tattoo studio in Auckland known for their community-focused efforts. They generously offered to remove Mark’s tattoo for free.
After having his tattoos removed, Mark secured a job with PR Contracting, a scaffolding company, where he earned $22 per hour.
Reflecting on his journey, Mark expressed gratitude for the fresh start. “I’m so thankful for the second chance. I just want to support my family and live a good life,” he said.
Thanks to the generosity of the tattoo studio and the support of his new employer, Mark was able to start over, leaving his past mistakes behind and embracing a brighter future for himself and his family.
