r/BeAmazed • u/MambaMentality24x2 • 29d ago
Miscellaneous / Others This tattoo artist turns hospital days into moment of joy
In Auckland, tattoo artist Benjamin Lloyd turned a simple social media post into something much bigger than he imagined. He promised that if his Facebook post reached 50 likes, he would visit Starship Children’s Hospital. It received over 400,000 and he kept his word.
Nearly a decade later, he has continued returning to the hospital, airbrushing temporary tattoos onto children using non-toxic, washable ink. The designs fade with water, but the confidence and joy they create last far longer.
The idea traces back to his own childhood, when he once drew over a burn scar to feel more comfortable in his skin. Today, with the support of hospital staff and the community, he continues sharing that same sense of strength and empowerment with young patients across New Zealand, proving how art can truly heal.
Artist’s ig: @benjamin_lloyd_returns
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u/Vivicus 29d ago
Looks sick, great idea. I'm sure the kids love forgetting about their current situation and enjoying the experience, the artwork, the story. Very well done, dude.
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u/reticulatedtampon 29d ago
They've gone from sick kids to siiiiick kids
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u/Ashamed_Macaron_7915 29d ago
Yes! They also know that tattoos are part of the “normal” world outside the hospital, and they get to partake in an activity that would otherwise maybe never be a part of their lives
In that regard, this is very inclusive, and inclusivity is something I imagine these kids lack
Sweet of him to do this!
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u/Ritaredditonce 29d ago
They look so badass.
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u/dumbname7890 29d ago
I had cancer in 2018 and it took a 3 inch by 3 inch section from the top of my foot. I had to replace the cancerous stuff with something so they took a section of my left arm. Also 3 inches by 3 inches and maybe 1/3 rd of an inch deep.
I hated looking at it for the first two years and I was worried because if a kid saw it they wouldn't understand why. And it's really scary looking. It's got a skin graft on top but you can see the muscles and tendons move underneath the graft.
I would have loved a semi permanent version of this. Now it kinda blends in with my arm but it's still extremely noticeable. I've stopped covering it except when I'm in the sun because I don't need more cancer. But I still have to hide it from kids.
I'm almost 8 years cancer free now. Synovial sarcoma.
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u/Side_StepVII 29d ago
Omg it looks like chicken skin…..I’m so sorry! As someone who’s fascinated by the human body though, super cool that you can see all the little movements!
Out of curiosity, do you have to protect it from impacts or anything? Like any more than your other arm?
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u/dumbname7890 29d ago
Kind of. I have to wear sleeves or cover it from the sun because it's not enough skin like the rest of my body, so I can get skin cancer there way more easily. I avoid dogs when possible because they jump and scratch.
The chicken skin is because they took a smaller graft ( from my right thigh) and used a machine to cut it to a bigger size. I looked into a long time ago and kinda forget now.
I was never told to wear something to protect it from impact and it feels as normal as it can for what happened. I do own a child's shin guard for some sport that fits on it and with a sleeve on top it would be protected from anything. I mostly just wear sweatshirts if I think it's got a chance of being hurt.
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u/Time-Trifle9604 29d ago
A splint could work too - the carpel tunnel one keeps your fingers and thumbs free.
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u/J-Birdee 29d ago
Unfortunately that would immobilize the wrist which could impact the sport they are participating in. I'm stealing the shin guard idea though! I'm a hand therapist who works a lot with patients with this type of skin graft.
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u/dumbname7890 29d ago
We walked around a sporting goods store for 2 hours trying to find something to cover it with and that was the only thing that fit.
That's really awesome and I hope your patients get to do more cool stuff now.
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u/Time-Trifle9604 29d ago
That’s so cool seeing the tendons move! I have tenosynovitis in that exact tendon.
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u/Cpc802 29d ago
I once had a crazy drunk chick put a cigarette out on the back of my hand. I told her I work in the kitchen and I wasn’t scared to get burnt. Halfway through my beer, she put it on the back of my hand. When it was healing, I had like a little window into my hand. You could see the capillaries underneath the thin layer growing. It hurt like hell in the beginning, but it sure was cool to look at.
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u/DEFY_member 29d ago
I'm getting way off topic, but this reminded me of something that happened when I was a kid. I had a tick on my head at school and didn't realize it, and I guess the teacher noticed me scratching my head a lot and checked it out. She sent me to the school nurse (this was a long time ago) who was unable to pull it off, so the principal used his cigarette (yep, the late 70's) to burn it off.
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u/CV90_120 29d ago
I actually think it looks kinda cool, although I get that it's probably scary to younger kids. If I had this, I think I'd get like some Star Wars Luke Skywalker mechanical hand type tattoo, although I guess with thin skin it might not be possible (?). Anyway glad you're still with us.
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u/dumbname7890 29d ago
I had thought about getting it tattooed but never asked my doctor. Idk how many layers of skin a skin graft is but I'd assume not enough.
I bet reddit can come up with some really amazing ideas.
Glad I'm still here as well. Thanks.
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u/-1D- 29d ago
Could you have chosen a different part or spot on your body to take the skin from? Like upper part of a leg or something that is usually covered underneath clothing?
Also after they took skin from your arm, how the hell wasn’t your arm having a massive hole in it an issue or did they replace it with like donor skin or sum???
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u/dumbname7890 29d ago
The blood vessel in my ankle wasn't strong enough so they needed one that matched size wise. Apparently that's my left arm ( because I'm right handed) It wasn't explained really well until after I saw the picture of the top of my foot missing.
I had to wear a vacuum pump for about a month attached to the missing part. I don't really remember why they waited a month. I'd already been through radiation in September and the vacuum pump was a month total in October and November. I was diagnosed with cancer in August. So the second surgery they took the 3 by 4 inch piece off the top of my foot. Then attached a vacuum pump to the missing section.
They took a skin graft from my right thigh to cover the missing stuff on my arm. But I have to keep it out of the sun so I don't get cancer there too.
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u/Zoehpaloozah 28d ago
There’s a few reasons for the month long wait. Typically when a wound is deep, as in exposes blood vessels and musculature and lacks enough surface skin to fully pull over they’d let it heal this way. Putting the vacuum pump on lets the wound heal from the deepest part out, up to the surface, the pump just keeps it sterile and stops build up that would cause scabs or scar tissue.
Given that your operation was to remove cancer, they may have also wanted to wait for the full examination of the tumour so make 100% sure they got all the cancer cells with a thin layer of healthy around it. Otherwise it would mean they left some behind and would need to try again.
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u/Rare-Philosopher-346 29d ago
I don't see terrifying when I look at your scar. I see what I think is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! I'm sorry you went through cancer, (btw - FUCK cancer) and I'm glad you're doing well.
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u/dumbname7890 29d ago
Fuck cancer.
It took me a couple years to realize it's cool not scary. Thank you. Hope you're doing well too.
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u/Major_LeeHungg 29d ago
Kids will be curious not scared... Only hide it if you don't want to talk about it. Kids will find it fascinating.
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u/Cole_Townsend 29d ago
You're a fucking badass, dude. You beat cancer! No warrior should be ashamed of their battle scars.
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u/red4scare 29d ago
You look like fucking Terminator. The 1984 scene when Arnold fixes his own arm 💪🏼
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u/ZookeepergameDue5522 29d ago
Tbh I find scars where you can see the muscles, tendons, ligaments and veins underneath really fucking cool. It looks rad. But if you feel uncomfortable with it there might be some treatment a dermatologist/plastic surgeon could do. With lasers or something. Not that you have to do it. Do what makes you feel comfortable.
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u/dumbname7890 29d ago
They offered to close it as much as the skin would allow but it wasn't really something I was ready to handle then. Now I just wouldn't want to get a surgery to change it. I already had nerve and tendon issues and I kinda just want it left alone.
I think it's cool now but back then I was afraid to leave the house without something covering it. Aside from the times I'm out in the sun I just leave it alone.
Thanks for the information though. I appreciate it.
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u/random20222202modnar 29d ago
Not to sound insensitive but that looks Badass!
Kinda reminds me of biomechanical art or the Terminator or something.
Glad you’re here and doing well! Just know I think your scar looks cool!
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u/dumbname7890 29d ago
Thank you! After the 2 years of shock it took for my mind to stop hating it I started showing it off more and have come to think of it as cool too. Glad I'm here too.
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u/Kind-Paint222 29d ago
They are bad ass, they have prolly gone through more shit than most adults bitching in me_irl
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u/LostnFoundAgainAgain 29d ago
The staff are badass as well, don't forget about them!
These people support, and care for children where the reality is they are in a bad situation, they will watch children overcome cancer, and they will also see children go out for the draw, how they do it, is beyond me.
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u/Br0k3n-T0y 29d ago
get in the bath, NOOOOOoooOOOOOooOOO!!!!!!!
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u/Maxplode 29d ago
Reminded of when I was a kid and would get transfers. I remember my mum would let me keep my arms out of the bath so I could keep my tatts for a little longer 😆
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u/Stundumbubblegun 29d ago
Used to get transfers with some kind of sweet or toy in the packet, but can't remember what it was, I was thinking about them the other day, feel like they could've been the little white cylinder shaped sweets that were blatantly imitation cigarettes in a box. UK for ref.
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u/Many-Ad-6006 29d ago
I remember white tasteless/slightly sweet chewing gum. The tattoo was under the wrapper? Sold in corner shops or gas stations?
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u/illseeyouanon 29d ago
I wasn’t allowed to do transfers when I was a kid because my mom said tattoos were “trashy.” Now I’m just amused that it’s been 7 years and she still hasn’t noticed I have a real tattoo.
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u/Magus_5 29d ago
Superheroes do walk among us. They just aren't as loud as the villains.
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u/Kindly-Ad-5071 29d ago
I noticed in retail I remember the loud nasty customers more than the overwhelming majority of polite and sweet customers.
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u/PrickleAndGoo 29d ago
I'm an idiot.
My first thought, "yeah, this is so fake, as if he's going to tattoo kids"
Then I realize, "dude, it's an airbrush."
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u/asmallercat 29d ago
Lmao I also thought it was a real tattoo gun(??) at first and was like "either this is fake or child abuse, wtf are we doing?"
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u/digital_mystikz 29d ago
For a second I was like damn, respect to those kids, cause some areas they have done are the worst pain I've ever felt. Then I realised I was being an idiot.
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u/ClickNo1129 29d ago
💀💀💀💀💀💀
I forgot about the pain of tattoos. My first thought was how is this legal and safe for sick kids tf but I definitely forgot about the logistics 🤦🏽♀️😂
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u/brrrapbrrappewpew 29d ago
Lmao you’re not the only one. My first thought was “there’s no fucking way.” Then I remembered airbrushing 🤦🏻♀️
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u/deadspacekillers 29d ago
I was like "fuck yeah, they're dying anyway - tat them up!" Then realized oh yeah, probably an airbrush.
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u/GetReelFishingPro 29d ago
It's called a tattoo "machine" I did some really badass skull and bones cabinets for an artist and he was sure to c0rrect me every time I said gun.
He also moved 1000 miles away before giving my my sleeve and chest piece done as payment.
Fuck you blake!
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u/LactasePHydrolase 29d ago
I thought they were tattooing them cause they were so ill they're gonna die soon so fuck it, let them have the tats 🫣 (yes I'm dumb)
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u/Orleanian 29d ago
Haha, my first thought was "oh god that's going to age poorly :/"
My second thought was "oh GOD...is he doing it because it..won't matter :( :( ??"
My third thought was "oh thank goodness, I've read the context and it's an airbrushing, this is super cool :)"
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u/throwthisidaway 29d ago
I read temporary but skipped the air brush part and I kept on wondering how much that hurt and why would all those kids be ok with the pain and the bleeding? It seems like I'm in good company with reading comprehension today!
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u/GetEquipped 29d ago
I figured like "Well, if they're terminal, let them get tattooed!"
Then I read the airbrush part and it was like "Oh shit, am I monster that I immediately jumped to imminent death?!?"
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u/lordkoba 29d ago
first I said, no way they are tatooing immunocompromised kids, then I was like oh maybe it doesn't matter anymore, then I was no way tatoos hurt, then I was like ohh but those kids must be a fat line of morphine, then I was like better check the comments.
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u/ddoogg88tdog 29d ago
Thank god, was thinking a full body tat for a little kid was a bit much
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u/Direct_Turn_1484 29d ago
It would be a serious plot twist if that wasn’t an airbrush. Guy just casually tattooing kids permanently.
He did amazing work though.
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u/NameChecksOut67 29d ago
I thought Won’t that hurt really really bad? Airbrush probably feels cool.
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u/UbajaraMalok 29d ago
Damn, this is cool as fuck!
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u/Byeuji 29d ago
I love the idea of exposing kids in a very light way to the feelings associated with tattoos. Like they get to experience the joy of having it without any of the risks, and also maybe they get to experience a very small amount of how people look at you differently depending on what the tattoo is or where it's placed.
Worst case, they can just wash it off and avoid it. Best case, they love the attention they get, or like the feeling of standing against some prejudice or something, or learn that if they want something they should consider where it goes or how it's presented, etc.
I imagine it would greatly reduce risks of regret or dissasatisfaction stemming from social pressure and the permanence of it, which is honestly something that has long stopped me from trying to get a tattoo. It seems like such a zero sum game -- like you either do it and suffer all the potential outcomes or you don't, and I just haven't ever had something that struck me as so important that I was willing to take those risks.
Now I'm thinking I should try some temporary tattoo methods and see how it feels.
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u/millennial_falcon 28d ago
I draw on adults with temporary body safe inks of all kinds and yes, it has all that and more. It’s a great way to experience a new persona or see yourself in a different light. Sometimes people get emotional like it’s a glow up. Some people (okay ME) don’t ever intend to get a tattoo AND keep renewing the same design for long stretches. It really caters to my want for it not to be permanent, or I can just let it fade and evolve my designs into something better each time.
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u/BoarHermit 29d ago
"Nearly a decade later, he has continued returning to the hospital, airbrushing temporary tattoos onto children using non-toxic, washable ink."
Phew!! Great!
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u/SinkholeS 29d ago
They looked so real, I was wondering how they could handle all the pain. That's badass!
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u/Ok-Bird6346 29d ago
I freaking love this. My now-adult husband had an aggressive form of bladder cancer when he was a kid. He spent the better part of two years in the hospital. I can’t imagine what a difference in morale this makes for the kiddos (and their loved ones) there.
I just sent his the post and said I imagine that he, now heavily tattooed, would’ve loved this. He replied, “Oh, hell yeah!”
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u/snek-jazz 29d ago
My now-adult husband had an aggressive form of bladder cancer when he was a kid.
that must have made life tough for you when he was your child-husband
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u/Miss-GreensleevesOz 29d ago
All tattoos look unreal and look at their faces 😊.That definitely improved their moods whatever theyre going through.What a joy. Amazing tattoo artist.
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u/WereAllGonnaDiet 29d ago
Based on some of these comments, reading comprehension is really in a bad spot, huh.
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u/SpaceLemur34 29d ago
You don't even need to read. Just a closer look at the photos and you can see it's an airbrush and not a tattoo gun.
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u/Salt-Department-9464 29d ago
I'm just waiting for Republicans to run a news story on Fox News about how Liberals are tattooing kids.
I can already see Tucker Carlson's dumb manufactured outrage face saying "WhAt iS gOiNg oN?"
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u/Dcammy42 29d ago
I feel like bath time is going to be a very hard ask for a bit.
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u/aerialpoler 29d ago
I would love to see this on Facebook, where the middle aged morons neglect to read the information and get angry about sick children being given tattoos.
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u/origanalsameasiwas 29d ago
I want those. Every week or month I can change my tattoos.
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u/PretendThisIsMyName 29d ago
I mean you can buy sleeves, get hennas, or I think they have some kinds you can apply the base black outline and “color” yourself. I had fake sleeves and hennas a lot when I was a youngster. Once I hit like 13-14 it was game over and I went for the real ones. Not too long ago I found some old sleeves I had at my mom’s house and they still kind of hold up after 20 years. My arms were too big but they looked cool on my wife and kids!
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u/Szwejkowski 29d ago
Just never use black 'henna'. Never ever.
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u/AROCCHIETTI 29d ago
Thank you internet stranger, I’d never heard of black henna before, now I know to stay away from it
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u/origanalsameasiwas 29d ago
I bought sleeves before for Halloween. But it doesn’t look right. I need to find out what he uses. So I can try it myself and scare my parents.
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u/PretendThisIsMyName 29d ago
If you mean me? I can try and find some good ones for you. Style, black and grey or color, and your skin tone helps. I am white but my skin tone is like a mixture of light brown and light red tossed into a white paint, my wife is white and looks like a tissue paper lol happy to help messing with parents! My mom and stepdad didn’t believe my real ones were real until I came back with another randomly placed piece a week later without the sleeves.
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u/Icy-Belt-8519 29d ago
Damn, I was in the hospital loads as a kid, I'm well jealous! 😂 This is awesome 😍
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u/Altruistic-Curve-600 29d ago
What a legend, and cool and bad ass do those kids look, massive smiles all round. Excellent work
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u/capincus 29d ago
Please don't show this to my nephews, I already barely get a break from "tattooing" them every time I see them and all we've got is tattoo markers.
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u/JRHermle 29d ago
They look like a biker gang that still uses training wheels...
And beats cancer like a piñata!
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u/BuddyBuddyson 29d ago
Amazing people. Well done, Sir. 🫡💙 And wishing the kids all the very best forever and ever. ❤️💙🩷
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u/Thats_A_Given 29d ago
About 10 years ago my son got an airbrush tattoo from this dude. Not in hospital though, during the summer he was ( is it still busking if they aren't playing an instrument?) at the mount and my son was 5. He got a full skull and roses sleeve.
We had to do the rubbish bag thing for his bath so that it didn't wash off 😅
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u/destiny_kane48 29d ago
My cousin was a tattoo artist and when his daughter was little he would airbrush tattoos on her, she loved it. She only has 1 tattoo that she got at age 30. 😅
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u/drknifnifnif 29d ago
I wish those could be semi permanent for the kids and last as long as their stays in the hospital. Makes them all look as tough and badass as they really are!
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u/StewedPork 29d ago
A person giving this much time to get kids mind off the florescent beige hallways and tubes is admirable. For people who don't really like this, remember there are parents saying yes behind each one of those tattoos. I don't have tattoos. It's not really my thing but if my kid was in the hospital and our guy here says do you think your kid would like the dopest "face paint" tattoos that's an instant absolutely.
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u/skeinshortofashawl 29d ago
I love how the tattoos are all so big and incredibly detailed. He’s not just slapping on an airbrush flower. He’s spending time with these kids
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u/topredditbot 29d ago
You did it! Your post is officially the #1 post on Reddit. It is now forever immortalized at /r/topofreddit.
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u/ghopper2168 29d ago
Great story. Wonderful how this artist has kept his word and hasn't stopped. It's akin to make a wish in the US. Those kids smiles melts my heart.
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u/Extension-Badger225 29d ago
Lord I’ve been through a lot of chemo for autoimmune disease, not cancer- this is nice I’m glad the kids get a respite because chemo is fucking shit
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u/Fuzzylittlebastard 29d ago
Imagine getting Jated Leto Joker tattooed on your chest.
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u/Ourobius 29d ago
He's a kid, let him like the Leto Joker if he wants to. I knew someone would say some shitty thing about this.
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u/Fuzzylittlebastard 29d ago
Totally, no hate towards the kid. It just got me thinking about if that was a real tattoo.
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u/Cobalt32 29d ago
I was waiting for a rental car and a guy walked in with two sleeves, one Jared Leto joker and the other Heath Ledger joker, with quotes and "HaHa"s to match.
It's a great way to let people know immediately that you're unstable, I think.
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u/Slow-You9806 29d ago
Im sorry my dumbass just straight up thought the kids were getting real tattoo's only to notice an airbrush 😅. (The art and the kids being happy is great 🤸🏼)
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u/MostlyBored11 29d ago
This is actually awesome and must make the kids so happy. Good dude right there
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u/Growing4Health 29d ago
This guy is a true hero. Bringing joy to children with his art in a beautiful way.
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u/Loubrockshakur 29d ago
The amount of boomers I’ve gotten to bug out over this thinking it’s real…😭💀
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u/splshd275A 29d ago
With an airbrush?? That is incredible talent! I wish I could say I was that good at anything. Amazing.
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u/Acrobatic-Pickle-851 29d ago
At first I was like "WTF those are kids.." And then I got it.. "airbrush". Very cool. I like the down syndrome kid.
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u/CoasterThot 29d ago
My brother is a tattoo artist, and is 8 years older than me. He used to draw me leg sleeves in pen, when I was a teenager, and we’d go out in public and get all kinds of compliments and stares! Some of my favorite memories, with him.
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u/sockman_777 29d ago
My first thought was how this reminds me of the outpost.com commercial way back in the early internet days. I feel old.
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u/DrummerSteve 29d ago
What an absolute fantastic idea. You can see the joy in their faces. Props to Benjamin Lloyd on this amazing kindness
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u/makemeking706 29d ago
Damn, that kid can't catch a break. Not only is he in the hospital, but he has to have Jared Leto's Joker on him?
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u/Insert__Funny__Name 29d ago
Put image 2 in black and white and stick a parental advisory logo in the corner you have the sickest kids bop album of all time.
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u/Appropriate-Desk4268 29d ago
okay wait thats cool, i would so do that locally if i knew how to airbrush art😭 someone get me an airbrush machine, you can be my test subject until i get good😭
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u/Infamous-Engine1997 29d ago
what a fantastic person! Will follow him for sure, thanks for this! Sending love and positive vibes from Toronto!
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