Tattoo Artist Who Turns Self-Harm Scars Into Art

Tattooist Whitney Develle spent last year giving free tattoos to people who were self-conscious of their scars. She's helped give body confidence back to more than 50 people.
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[@Cresil21]

I have self harm scars all over my arm, but instead of hiding them I got a tattoo of my son's name across them, to remind myself that I have an amazing reason to always keep trying. I get a lot of bad responses to it from people who don't view depression as a real illness, saying I should've covered it up entirely. It's a shame some people don't get it.

[@summermorris7668]

Lifelovessuicide ❤

[@edwardt2396]

This is beautiful, you sound like a wonderful person and I hope you keep kicking depression's butt. 😊

[@Cresil21]

Mr. Benzedrine Thank you! 💙

[@allieoop.]

Lifelovessuicide proud of you ❤️❤️❤️ stay strong for you, and your son xx

[@savana8360]

exactly, i'm just a teenager though and i am currently going through what you did(depression) and i have SO many scars on my arm and when i get older i definitely want to get a tattoo over my scars to remind myself that i'm not alone and i can overcome this

[@ashleighm4129]

I recently got my self harm scars tattooed over and I am so relieved that they're gone. Getting a tattoo over them is like closure, that you can finally start fresh. It's the best feeling.

[@melapplehowlter7741]

lie n there are small bumps/the gaps usually still there

[@ashleighm4129]

My scars aren't nearly as noticeable as they were before I got the tattoo. My tattoo artist did a fantastic job.

[@iamhughmun]

Ashleigh M now you have something else people judge you for

[@ashleighm4129]

iamhughmun You see though, I'd rather be judged for my beautiful tattoo than what I had done to myself. Really, if you have something negative to say, please keep it to your self.

[@kaliah209]

Ashleigh M I always thought about doing the same thing a few years ago but I thought it would hurt more 😔 but after seeing this video & reading the comments I'm considering it a lot more now, sighhh just have to figure out what tattoo design to take now😞

[@peachdreams5060]

that breast tattoo is very beautiful, I'm glad she got her confidence back

[@ImN0Tyours06]

i agree with you 😍😍

[@Evaisthebest]

@@ImN0Tyours06 tf

[@ImN0Tyours06]

@@Evaisthebest what? i just agree that the tattoo is beautiful?

[@Xaniinie]

@@Evaisthebest u got a problem?

[@switcbh]

@@EvaisthebestWhat?

[@blahblahblahlogan7061]

I don’t want my scars but I also don’t want a tattoo to cover them up. I know the tattoo can be a new start, but for some reason seeing my scars are very important to me. Idk

[@caroleencandito6314]

blahblahblah Logan maybe it signifies the challenge that you overcame :) you’re a strong person.

[@burnoverme]

Your pfp brings back so many memories omg

[@mia-iw6fl]

Same. I just look at my scars instead of cutting more. It’s a coping technique for me.

[@fergusconnor7476]

@@mia-iw6fl every time I think of doing it again I look at them and it reminds me no, you don't really want to do it. But I think a tattoo might do the same thing if it had a strong message

[@shawtybae4459]

if i can’t see mine, i have to make new ones...

[@korvincarry3268]

im gonna show this video to my girlfriend. i dont know if she wants tattoos, but hey, worth a shot.

[@luna-qy5fg]

Kevin Crepas This is so sweet.

[@-Songbird]

Hey let us know what she thinks :)

[@reynahcq]

Kevin Crepas best of luck to you! you're such a gentleman and she's very lucky to have you

[@dangerincorporated1505]

Kevin Crepas That is so sweet 💕💕

[@emhannah2544]

Kevin Crepas good luck i hope youse two are okay xx

[@ceryshaines6388]

I cried so much at Karen's story. People forget that aside from feeling ill from cancer treatments, often the most difficult thing is feeling like you're losing a part of yourself. After all my mum went through her mastectomy and chemo her body changed so much that it affected her mentally and I'm so grateful for charities like Look Good, Feel Better where she was able to get spa treatments and stuff to make her feel better about herself. Most of the time with cancer, the hardest battle is the mental one not the physical one. p.s. tell the people closest to you that you love them today, because they might not be here tomorrow

[@lucam.4183]

this comment is so sweet and inspiring

[@cakeface2714]

this is so touching

[@zeinashakhshir1913]

yeah it's more of a mental war I had cancer 4 years ago when I was 12 i felt lonely and it really affect the body now my body isn't like most girls my age I got my body kind of weaker but it's ok I hot some scars from the surgeries I made but I'm ok and I had only a lymphoma stage 3B or C

[@dragonfly9821]

Your body is still growing, and it will become stronger :)

[@annalassak4770]

Cerys M. Haines I

[@stephaniegrassoline6825]

Oh my God. These women are so beautiful

[@AmberDawnLee]

me

[@ginopark16]

@@AmberDawnLee lmao you wish jk

[@itsnotoveryet8140]

This is really cool, I have a lot of self-harm scars, and last year I got a semicolon tattoo on my wrist for free, because my dad and I went to a suicide and depression prevention rally, and they were giving free tattoos so my my dad and I both got on on the same wrist in the same place

[@Al-mn6bu]

It's Not Over Yet that’s amazing! I went through depression and I would like to get a tattoo over my self harm scares and this really motivated me to stop because it shows I’m not the only one♥️

[@itsnotoveryet8140]

Al1227 You're really not, I've had depression since 7th grade, so about 5 years now, and my freshman year I tried killing myself, after that instated going to therapy, I started homeschooling, and I'm doing so much better, it gets better, stay strong love❤❤

[@GenocidexDreams]

That’s amazing. My mom and I got the semi color tattoo together. Ours weren’t free but they are so worth it.

[@itsnotoveryet8140]

Katrina Darwin that's awesome! I got it as a reminder that no matter how bad my life sucks, that it's not the end, and that I can do this.

[@itsnotoveryet8140]

Kylo Ren yes, I'm sure, it was at an actual tattoo shop

[@beatabalazs7050]

Bless her. Humanity exists after all. 💗 Some people have such beautiful souls.

[@lexistevens1070]

👍

[@CNder77]

Agreed :)

[@avariellahhhh]

Beáta Balázs beautiful soul and beautiful tattos

[@paigescala4198]

Beáta Balázs I

[@runningwhannah]

Hi

[@yeahyeah7023]

i want to get hold of her so I can get tattoos I am so ashamed of my scars and this would help loads she is doing a good thing

[@nickmason635]

Kane Bryan than you shouldn't have cut yourself in the first place

[@shannonpaigepilkington429]

No no no No so what I do it I'm doing it right now

[@nickmason635]

Shannon paige Pilkington sideways for attention, longways for results 😊

[@MichiB]

No no no No that's just bullshit!

[@malazxo]

No no no No not even close to my race hunny, wow good luck with your life must be hard being such a shitty person 😘

[@tycat4447]

Shes fucking amazing if i won the lottery id give a shit ton of the money to her no lies

[@ianlewis5575]

Ty Cat notch

[@avaredfern2275]

Ty Cat Same

[@WhiteFoxStopmotion]

Oh my gosh that chest tattoo is just beautiful!! This video honestly made my day.

[@jiminsthighs6951]

I NEED TO CALL HER AND TATTOO MY SCARS

[@coolmeepgirlygirlmsp4888]

army detected

[@mackiereyes7574]

Same here!

[@darz4732]

Taes Gørl ARMYYYY I hope you're ok

[@katumi5943]

Taes Gørl hey fellow friend from the same fandom^^ I don't know if it would help you or if it would make you mad but you can always talk to me :) i wishes that someone was there for me to talk to me so if you want to talk send me a pm ^^ (instagram @k10969.k )

[@jiminsthighs6951]

Kimberly the kpop trashcan yes absolutely

[@anaaguilar264]

Honestly people will laugh at me for saying I want to become a tattoo artist one day but this video truly inspired me

[@monochromedream-eatingbaku]

Nah man, do your own thing. We all want to be something different and for different reasons. If you want to be a tattoo artist, that's totally cool.

[@samhallowell3312]

Anitaisderpworthy ! Me too. I'm early teens and I've wanted to be a tattoo artist for the past 5 years and I still do. I plan on keeping that dream and change people life with the art of tattoos

[@NOVA11745]

I've recently covered up my self harm scars into a big tree with birds and a record player at the roots that goes on my hand. It's a really beautiful tattoo, the only thing is that it cost me 400$.. so yeah

[@vi4715]

Noémie Bilodeau-Fortin.. can u please show me the picture of your tattoo? bcoz I also want to cover up my self harm..

[@NOVA11745]

avi pote You can cover it up with the picture you want. It can be mandalas, flowers, animals.. whatever you want. You can also draw something!

[@sunny-xc8hx]

Noémie Bilodeau-Fortin 400$ is better than a cheap tattoo that would give you an infection

[@vi4715]

+Person Noneofyourbusiness thanks for your suggestion.. 😍😘

[@somebodypiano6191]

I bet those 400 bucks were well worth it...much better to spend several hundred dollars to feel beautiful rather than to save the money and feel ugly and self-conscious every day.

[@widowfaker8519]

this actually made me cry. I'm not old enough for a tattoo yet.

[@thatskindagaytho3525]

widow faker same

[@bananahmh]

I love this

[@Cherry-xn5oz]

Hannah Huff same

[@booksandsongs9800]

Cherry 193 n

[@skele_ghostgamer5673]

Same

[@_sydneyhuff_9037]

Hannah Huff My last name is Huff too #creepy 😛

[@earthfl0wer100]

Chris Davis That's not the point of this. This is about turning some ugly or a difficult time into something beautiful.

[@ezrasmith6037]

i want to give her a big hug, i suffer from anxiety, depression, and fibromyalsia

[@misacani976]

ezra smith whoa dude, same!

[@ezrasmith6037]

and it sucks

[@sofiacaju6692]

ezra smith a big hug for you and i wish all the happiness.

[@ezrasmith6037]

same to yo sofia

[@edwardt2396]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is fibromyalsia?

[@wildberrypoptart159]

Whitney is such a beautiful human being❤️ Bless her soul 💗💗

[@jensmusic98]

I'm not someone that is really big on the idea of tattoos, but I think for this purpose it is very beneficial. To give confidence back to a woman that had her breasts removed is an amazing gift. Just being able to cover scars and make the person more confident is very nice. This has changed the way I view tattoos and how they impact people's lives. I hope that people that need them for covering up something that makes them unhappy can get them. I think it is so sweet that she does these tattoos for free for these people. Keep bringing joy to people. This video has definitely brightened up my day and shown me how caring some people can be.

[@sweetdeeguitz]

the chest tattoo is absolutely stunning and beautiful she gave a woman her femininity back and then some! wow

[@ellewelle8525]

Love the sentiment of the artist & love the end result.

[@hopeelizabeth6916]

Wow that is amazing Faith in humanity restored

[@Suhzi]

I need this... So bad.

[@Decoda.]

· Phanic!AtTheFallØutPiløts · same tho

[@st4rg1rlz0e]

me too but it’s on my left hand, like slightly next to my thumb and yeah... i need it and i’m gonna get one

[@pratibhabhati4437]

me too but im 17, i cant look at my scars anymore, they trigger me everytime

[@kirstencarlson7603]

Where is she? I'll pay her but I want her to do my tattoos

[@kirstencarlson7603]

Brooklyn Gorham thank you!

[@ellieb9053]

which one brisbane or Melbourne? i would love her to do my scars. i would pay too and make the drive or fly even. how can i find her on social media? what platform?

[@jules1991]

She left brisbane and is now living and working in melbourne.

[@tillytuaoi7299]

Juleia13 oh thank God, I turn 18 at the end of the month and I'm going to Melbourne for a wedding and I was looking to cover my scars

[@anjafurdi2060]

Kirsten Carlson i

[@Thebingbingbustdown]

I wish I could have her tattoo over my thighs where I've cut for a year and a half, there's so much damage and I'm ashamed of it, but she could make it so beautiful.

[@Thebingbingbustdown]

MegaRainchild ❤❤ I've recovered for the most part by now love I just mean my legs are really messed up, but thank you

[@lillycossette956]

Frank_Iero's_ Eyebrows Same

[@oceanbreezeyy764]

I’m never going to cover up my self harm scars. They remind me of all the hardships I went through, and how I persevered despite what I was going through. They show me that it’s okay to be upset, but also that I’m strong enough to make it through the darkness that plagues me.

[@ns.kha29]

Right

[@ronibalderas7420]

why is it the most beautiful people suffer the most..? 😔

[@nikkieholder4517]

roni balderas I don't know... I'm not Beautiful because I'm just not... So I cut myself... My arms...wrists... legs..ankles...thighs.. anywhere

All people suffer. Be them beautiful, ugly, poor or rich. Their suffering is indeed different, and some people say others "are not allowed" to suffer because of their status or good qualities, but this is isn't how our mind works. There's a saying that goes like "he who wears the shoe knows best where it pinches" meaning everybody has their problems and we should aknowledge that. Don't think beautiful people suffer the most. Don't think ugly people suffer the most. Don't try to compare the suffering of people, they are the only one who know how their suffering affects their mind and life.

[@memeranda5941]

roni balderas when you pick a flower which do you choose? The most beautiful

[@karvast5726]

Son:"why the best people die ?" Mom:"Int the garden which flowers do you pick ?" Son:"The most beautiful one"

[@SybilHolidayHolidayOHara]

It isn't. This This is a beautiful video but it isn't everyone in the world. Suffering can be portrayed as something beautiful and brave when often it's just ugly and brutal. Don't glamorize suffering.

I wish them the best ...they are really brave

[@obbydawl]

Ohh Stammy :( I love you girl.

[@lesliehess48]

I got a tattoo above my scars and it changed my life I just felt so much better and I love it

[@Grinchfairy]

Leslie Hess me too! It's so amazing

[@AbaoQwj]

that was a beautiful tattoo on the client's breast.

[@mayabarrage3570]

if my mom wouldn't kill me if I got a tattoo, I'd definitely get one to cover up my self harm scars. every time I meet a new person they eventually comment on them, and even though I don't mind comments from certain people, my (at the time of posting this) boyfriend occasionally says something and it just reminds me that everyone else can see them. oh well, nobody's here to hear my sob story, tattoos are cool and this is a cool thing

[@LOVEanneLOVE]

Maya Barrage maybe you can show her this video and tell her how you feel about your scars? Whether you cover them up or not, you're beautiful, you're stronger than you think and you are worthy! Please remember that!

[@Yeahsoanyways0]

wow that's such a sweet comment

[@LOVEanneLOVE]

roisin hughes 💛

[@barrytheclock4252]

Maya Barrage phandom

[@jasmynnshaw6399]

Pham how do we find eachother everywhere

[@beepot2764]

Teared up a bit. My first tattoo was a scar cover up.

[@livingtrashcan2951]

bee pot Mine probably will be to

[@ASMR-JMelliee]

I started self-harming when I was 14 and stopped when I was 20 after 12 years or bullying, now I'm almost 24. Some of my scars are on my left wrist and 2014 I got a tattoo (not really covering the scars, they're more like a wall) saying Warrior. People asked me why I made it so simple and why just one "boring" single word; for me, that word means everything. I have a lot of scars on my legs which I would love to cover one day, as soon as I can afford it. *Anyone who self-harmed in ANY kind of way and stopped should see themselves as a warrior*

[@daughterofthewolf2252]

How do people not like this. This is the kindest tattoo artist. I cried at how happy the lady was. This is the best thing ever.

[@JoeyBoBo]

This is beautiful and inspirational. I have quite a few tattoo's but my tattooist won't tattoo the area's I have self-harm scars for a few reasons. This wonderful artist is really showing how you can take negative things and make them positive.

[@alyssasolosky6660]

Joseph Portman may I know why they won't tattoo over your scars? Is it because of harm it may do to the skin, or is it just because they have a personal preference of not tattooing over scars?

[@Ariyl]

i think it is harder to do bc scartissue has a different texture than normal skin, and if the scar is not healed properly yet you cannot tattoo over them bc it would induce health risks :)

[@trashm.1426]

Bun ʕ´•㉨•`ʔ it's risky to tattoo over scar tissue until it's properly healed as the skin is much more sensitive and "weaker" than normal skin.

[@peachify_x4485]

There needs to be more people like this in the world, people as kind as Whitney, my aunt suffered from self harm (as did I but I am not yet old enough to get tattoos), and every single tattoo parlor my aunt went to would not tattoo over her scars, until she went to London (we live in the north east of the UK) and she actually got a lovely tattoo to cover her scars and the lady did it for half the price because we understood what my aunt went through :)

[@IvyAyala]

im not too sure about this where you live but theres no such "age' that you necessarily have to be to get a tattoo , you just need your parents' consent and you're all set to get one

[@IvyAyala]

Alaskasghost in america you have to be 18+ to get a tattoo without someone's permission, if you're younger than that you have to get your parents of guardians permission

[@angid9894]

And people say there is no such thing as a truly altruistic act... I beg to differ

[@dudebrohoneybun5846]

Angi D why? Why do you beg to differ? I'm just curious.

[@dimitris.nestoras6189]

1st girl had a Greek tattoo on her upper chest!"Μία μέρα θα"that means "one day will " I couldn't read the whole tattoo since her t-shirt was covering it.

[@SMJPMAKEUP]

My tattoo says Μια μερα θα είμαι και πάλι μαζί σου - "one day again I will be with you" in memory of my mum.

[@dimitris.nestoras6189]

SMJP MAKEUP is that u on the video?

[@dimitris.nestoras6189]

SMJP MAKEUP λυπάμαι πολύ,όντως,μια μέρα θα είμαστε όλοι μαζί με αυτούς που έχουμε όλοι χάσει.

[@SMJPMAKEUP]

yeah it is :)

[@treebles]

SMJP MAKEUP ~ your mum would be so proud of your strength! the tattoo you chose is a beautiful memorial, as well as it celebrates your inner + outer beauty. namaste 🙏🏻 (i say this to you because i have a daughter about your age + i know the incredible bond, like no other that a mother + daughter can share. best wishes!)

[@marioflores2079]

She's so beautiful but I wish I knew her to cover up my scars

[@kirstencarlson7603]

Suizidale Geist I want to go to her but she's in Australia

[@marioflores2079]

Kirsten Carlson Yeah I use to half so much self hate and literally cut my skin I still wish I was someone else but I don't hate myself as much

[@iamhughmun]

Suizidale Geist hey dingus anyone will do this

[@oliviah5651]

So beautiful. Well done BBC Three, highlighting beautiful, true human stories. 👏

[@nefriteenicoll4658]

My name is Nefritee (Neffy) Nicoll. I lost my mum at 5 to murder she was 28 years old. 17 months later my aunty Kylee died of an overdose. My Grandmother took us on me & my younger brother SHE IS AN ANGEAL she is 80 but only looks & act's 50. I have lost 2 first cousins committed suicide & my dearest & closest 1st cousin Ally at 23 to a car crash. I self harmed for along time I'm 30 now and I still grieve but I turn my hurt into positivity. I have cut my arms in my teenage years and did drugs for many of years, Now I'm starting my life a Journey I do not know where it will take me but I will succeed. Thanks to my beautiful Grandmother (Nan) Hazel I wouldn't be hear & the same as my brother. Thank you for helping others it is a gift and it takes a beautiful soul to do what u r doing.. Congrats Neffy x

[@amberpirrami7291]

I wish you were here in Pennsylvania. I really need your help. I am a mother of 2 growing children, and my scars hold me back from life and events. I cut when i was a teen and no longer do, but everyday i look down at my arm and reminded of what i did! I wish i never did that. So i am here at 34 turning a big mistake(tragedy) into strength and beauty. Please i beg if any artists that are out there reading this. Please help me. I feel like i stuck. And i have a story to tell about weakness and strength.

[@lesbianmort3734]

Amber Pirrami I'm sure you can ask a local tattoo artist to cover them up

[@jeffstrain2189]

Amber Pirrami where at in PA

[@Jo-nb6ou]

Do tell your story. It is important, just as you are.

[@hopeshook9576]

What a beautiful soul

[@black76561]

The blonde ladies breast tattoo looks 👍🏾 great

[@babywipejellybean865]

I have so many self harm scars, and as much as I’d love to have them covered up , or gone forever , I wouldn’t. they are my own tattoos. they’re on my frame forever and I made the decision to have them there. when I see them it’s a reminder I can get through the worst of days. Even with my head held low , I can see my scars and remember why I am still alive.

[@merklingassoc]

You're a true gift. Thank you..... 💕💕💕💕💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💕💕💕💕

[@Lolo13045]

This woman is an angel

[@haret0n]

what a beautiful caring woman. and the two women who were interviewed are so brave to tell their stories.

[@BurningCrayonz]

Im 15. My left arm has deep scars. Im so self conscious about them. I hate them. I wish they weren't on my arm. I still self harm but I try my best. My mom always makes me wear long sleeves when we go out in public. I hope one day I'll get a tattoo there. You're amazing. We need more people like you.

[@mikearge23]

I don’t see weak and broken people but extremely strong, wholehearted amazing people that will get through anything!

[@wigglejiggle5330]

people like you give me hope in humanity. as someone who has self-harmed, this really made my day, so thank you. :)

[@mikearge23]

@@wigglejiggle5330 absolutely! I also sometimes lose faith in humanity with all the stuff going on in the world... We have to unite and have each other’s back to get through whatever it is we need to overcome... Life seems impossible sometimes but it’s so worth it! So keep fighting! No, you made my day! 😉😊

[@artisticalex1206]

Can totally agree with you!

[@keiandraclark-mielke7934]

I finally got my selfharm tattoos covered up at the beginning of this month. Now both my thighs are covered in beautiful art. I'm so happy :) I bought a pair of shorts to celebrate. I put them on for the first time when I went to the grocery store. Multiple people looked at my legs and I was sooooo happy knowing that the reason was the tattoos and not because of the scars anymore

[@thenameaintjim]

what an incredible person she is. that is the very definition of kindness right there

[@connor8294]

i really hope these beautiful people never get into those dark places again. i’m currently sitting at the bottom of my own dark place, and i would never wish this onto anyone else. i hope i can get a butterfly tattoo on both of my hands where i have two scars, but for now i like to doodle them on my hands instead. to those of you who are still struggling, i truly hope you can all find peace. i have some tips that can hopefully prove useful to more than just me. i’m still struggling to stop s/h myself, but some of the tips i’ve come up with and gotten from others have helped a bit. i hope you all have a wonderful day/night ❤️.

[@versatilesamuel1607]

First video that got me crying ever because I am currently experiencing self-harm and have no way or will to getting out of it.

[@unknownentity4114]

S A M U E L I believe you can overcome this. Things will get better, there are people who are willing to help you and people that care about you! Trust me, I've been through what your going through. Its difficult to live with the scars but they show the battles you won. I started hurting myself when i was very young and now I'm going into highschool with lots of scars but no new cuts. Things change, you can get better. Have faith, although this may not make a difference in your life I hope it helps someone out there...

[@BrookelleBlasphemy]

I would KILL TO HAVE MY SCARS TATTOOED OVER... they're so hideous.. like I'm not able to wear pants, or shorts, because they're that bad.. people judge An say messed up shit..

[@idislikemints]

Sensation Al Fu*k them. This is all I can say. Your scars are there and will continue to be, if they show, then let it be like that. If you are ashamed of them and scared others will see, it only make matters worse. They will see the scars are a weak point for you and they will press further and further on it, wanting a reaction. Wear them like proof you survived some damn rough times.

[@alexakrznaric886]

Well then they're more messed up than your scars if they feel the need to do that

[@ChrissyLeeTV]

Why don't you just get them tattooed over then? You don't have to kill anything just book an appointment

[@brinah7635]

Avery i do too but they sort of fade with time, don't worry

[@jgr_lilli_]

Sensation Al All scars tell stories from hard times, and self harm scars do, too. Unfortunately, people who struggle psychically are still seen as _weak_ rather than people who struggle physically. We really need to overcome this stigma.

[@sophian9105]

What an amazing, beautiful human. I'm a pre-med psychiatry major, and a depression survivor. This really touches my heart.

[@plussizehourglass4554]

I saw this and cried. My mom went through breast cancer with many infection and eventually collapsed lungs. I almost lost my mom so I understand both women. I have a friend who went through self harm as well and I don't want her to look at her skin and feel shame anymore. These tattoos are amazing and so are these ladies. This made my night a little brighter.

[@sjin3475]

It gives me a nice feeling that people can feel confident about themselves again and that scars can be turned into something beautiful.

[@successfromhome01]

You are such an amazing and giving person Whitney, so unbelievable how you have changed peoples lives.

[@punkybrewstar83]

I love that she is doing this, and it is a really great thing to be doing. Personally, I'm generally not too bothered about my scars. However, I do feel like it can give people an excuse to treat me like a lesser, especially in relationships, and I do worry about employment opportunities etc as well. I've got extreme anxiety disorder, but I work very, very, very hard to manage it. It feels almost important that they are there at times, like an indication of what I'm managing and what I overcome. I have also suffered quite a bit of sexual abuse, and a bit of physical abuse. A lot of the time it has not felt like I had any real ownership over my body, and the pain that I did own, didn't seem to matter. Mental illness and emotional trauma are mostly invisible. The thing is that people discriminate against tattoos too, and scars do heal over your whole life actually. Tattoos are forever. Having a big tattoo up the inside of my arms and across my chest wouldn't really help anything for me. However, I do have tattoos that are really important to me. I'm Buddhist, and they are marking milestones in my practice. I love them so much, and so much time and positivity is put into planning them and finally getting them, it is the opposite of self harm. In a way it has been part of the process of reclaiming my own body, and using it for positive things that make me excited about loving it and taking care of it.

[@choirkitty]

wow!!!!! this woman is an angel. she's not just creating beautiful art - she's giving these people a whole new lease on life! this is just amazing :)

[@penutbuttercat215]

This tattoo artist is amazing! Not only at her art but her compassion for the struggling in humanity.

[@LockedClosed]

She has such a beautiful heart

[@silkaverage]

such a noble thing to do.

[@gypsyspirit5749]

What a beautiful gift this tattoo artist has given to people. She helps me to have faith in people again.

[@adriankam2922]

I found this through KZbin ads and I’m in tears. I looked at my arm after seeing this woman doing such great work and remembered all the stupid things I did. My grades dropped so low at one point, I tried to take my own life. Today, the scar that had sent me to the hospital is almost healed. Then, I relapsed. I lost my beautiful babies at the 8 week mark. Now I’m back to being imperfect. I am willing to pay her if anyone can find a way to contact her.

[@tokyopulis]

she was amazing!

[@bevos]

Beautiful woman doing beautiful things ❤❤

[@mimime5376]

Such a selfless, kind act on your part. To restore ones faith in themselves by your time and talent, is a God send. This is magical. You should be very proud of yourself.

[@dannyb20vtec28]

coming from someone​ who self harms and also has many tattoos this is an amazing thing this women does ...seeing those scars everyday just brings back haunting memories and it's awesome that she covers them up for people

[@daph3701]

ohh!!! This is so sweet! I would love to have a few of my scars covered up~ Mine aren't nearly quite as deep as other people's as I don't want my parents asking questions.

[@nathanprice6189]

I think you missed the point of it. it's not so you could cover up self harm it's so you can move past it.

[@daph3701]

Nathan Price I am aware of what it's supposed to mean. But thank you for affirming~

[@daph3701]

Nathan Price Also your profile picture is great.

[@nathanprice6189]

yeah sorry I shouldn't assume things. and thanks your profile picture is .... a heart I think .... and it has some writing on it. what does it say?

[@zyd.9030]

Nathan Price it says not today Satan

[@Carlos-fp8jo]

At least she doesn't need to censor them

[@giasparkle5348]

r u kidding this should get WAAY MORE views this is true human kindness.

[@blakedora7458]

I cried. I had and still have a big struggle with self harm. And it is terribly hard to see it as something that happens Seeing someone acknowledge it and wanna help people just feels so warm

[@juniebugjune08]

0:57 such a beautiful tattoo!

[@panos1b]

The first lady's chest has a tattoo in Greek which said some day I will but I can't see the rest

[@jessmacdd]

it said "one day again I will be with you" in memory of her late mother

[@vitizra]

You're an amazing woman to offer such things as this to people who have suffered too much.

[@dreamawake6022]

I will never look at tattoos the same again. You did a very good thing for this lady.

[@peter5627]

Whitney is so pretty omg

[@aileen_7292]

Tbh I love her now I wish I could meet her, we need more people like this

[@Chloe-ym8vf]

What a lovely young woman helping people doing that for them is amazing

[@shadebladed8]

This video made me realize how chill and soothing the Australian accent is.

[@jazminp.2140]

wait so if you don't have nipples it doesn't get blurred? cool

[@bonnoof6410]

Angel Gamez ikr it's just the nipple people hate

[@yikesitsjay]

Angel Gamez guess so

[@louvano5411]

The only thing that men have in common with female breasts, we have to cover up??? Weird

[@kakexun]

Sadistic_ Hyung its apparently "sexual" for women to show hers which is bs

[@DutchMelon]

While males have nipples too but 🤷🏻

[@Danny-vg1jz]

great story although I'm not a big advocate for tattoos, still great what she's doing, making a difference in people's lives

[@lochness3224]

Whitney does AMAZING work.... she should be very proud, she helps ppl on many levels

[@milanatew7860]

We need more people like Whitney, what an amazing person.

[@lauraa6539]

God bless her

[@SmokyBarret]

that tattoo across is so damn cool looking. what an amazing thing and job!

[@aidanfeatherby3307]

how could 501 people dislike this?? it's amazing that someone would take the time to cover up scars from hurting yourself for people for free.. i love that this girl is doing it for a good reason.. that people don't want others to see their scars

[@humanomalia3432]

Awww, more people like her pleeease! And cover for not just scars of surviving an illness, or self harm but also past physical trauma scars from surviving an abusive person would be nice .😔

[@hafizhaikal4041]

but can she change my broken heart to an art?

[@cassidy.xox.1579]

Hafiz Haikal LMAO

[@brianapop]

/cässidy .xOx. I don't think that's meant to be funny

[@scottmckay4359]

this is beautiful i'd love 2 get tattooed by this lady 😀

[@catluver2134]

I want to give both of those ladies a huge hug and tell them that they can do anything they set their mind to!

[@gigglecake9656]

I'm so glad to see people like this. It really restores some of my lost faith in humanity.

[@anba7640]

You harm yourself because you think you deserve it. You think they are right. You think you're ugly, fat, are just a last. You want to forget the pain for just one second, cutting your arm. You're going trough the deepest ways with those scars and they remind you of what kind of things you had to hear. I am cutting myself. On my arm are big scars and you know what? I'm not ashamed of it. I love my scars because every time I look at them I personally think 'hey, you made it'. I smile at my scars. I am proud to have that scars. They remind me of my mistakes and they remind me to always look up. These scars are standing behind me, saying 'keep going, you can do it'. These scars are a part of me which I never want to be ashamed of.

[@LOVEanneLOVE]

mxye - You are so much stronger than you think! You can be proud of yourself

[@anba7640]

Anne Zomerdijk If I'd be strong I wouldn't have those scars but haha thank you ♡

[@LOVEanneLOVE]

mxye - that's why I said that you're stronger than you think you are;) , because didn't want you to underestimate yourself. Typing what you typed, inclusing a personal story is very strong. Not wanting to be ashamed of your scars is very strong! You have them, BUT your still here, sounds very strong to me! I'm sorry if it sounds weird coming from a complete stranger haha. I just really respect you for commenting what you did. I'm not a complete weirdo lol.

[@anba7640]

Anne Zomerdijk just smiling like a psycho reading your text hahaha thank you that means a lot to me :)

[@LOVEanneLOVE]

mxye - no problem! It means a lot to me that I was able to make someone smile:) thank you for not being weirded out hahaha

[@MadDirectionerGirl]

I really want to find her and get an appointment! I'll even pay, it doesn't need to be free. I just want a tattoo to cover up my scars.

[@kirstencarlson7603]

Maddy Gowers she's in Australia

[@sambibambi5409]

those chest tats are some of the finest ink art ive seen in my entire life, wow ♥ its not "just covering" her skin, it looks really, really beautiful and more delicate than average tattoos.

[@thewhitewolf5121]

This is truly where art meets reality, For every person who does this. Humanity, restored by some ink and a big heart. Great work and thank you.