# Somber Self-Deprecating Portraits Michelle Sank Captured Teens Who are On a Quest for Perfection By Sarah St.Jules | Published 2013-09-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michelle-sank References: [featureshoot](http://www.featureshoot.com/2013/09/portraits-of-young-people-searching-for-a-more-perfect-self-through-body-modification/) & [michellesank](http://www.michellesank.com/) Through her [portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1), Michelle Sank was able to capture a startling truth -- that some people are willing to do anything to be perfect. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as perfect. This series of pictures tells a tale of teenagers who are unhappy with the way they look. The oldest member of this collection is 20 years old and she has already had five different types of plastic surgery. There are also a couple subjects who are rebounding from suffering from anorexia. As a much needed uplifting moment, Sank has also featured a couple teens who are transgendered, and they're in the process of gender-changing surgery. Michelle Sank has created a very emotional series, and it reiterates the fact that there must be something wrong with a society that makes teenagers feel like they're inadequate. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Quest for Perfection:** Opportunity for businesses to develop products and services that promote self-acceptance and mental well-being for teenagers. - **Plastic Surgery Obsession:** Potential for innovative solutions in the plastic surgery industry that prioritize long-term health and self-esteem. - **Transgender Equality:** Opportunity for businesses to support and provide resources for transgender youth undergoing gender-changing procedures. ### Where This Applies - **Mental Health:** Opportunity for mental health professionals and digital health platforms to address body image issues and promote self-acceptance. - **Plastic Surgery:** Opportunity for plastic surgeons to focus on sustainable and ethical practices, as well as psychological support for patients. - **Transgender Healthcare:** Opportunity for healthcare providers and support organizations to improve access to transgender healthcare and promote equality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mental Health-Protective Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cost-of-beauty-a-dove-film.md) - [Nostalgic Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unseenbeauty-initiative.md) - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md) - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Empowering Skincare Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skincare-campaign-1.md) - [Medicine-Inspired Artful Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-for-the-pain.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Mental Health-Supporting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-last-photo.md)