In an effort to help those with self-harm scars, this tattoo artist is offering to cover them without charging. Based in Brisbane, Australia, tattoo apprentice Whitney Develle started the Scars Project to help sufferers put their past of self harm behind them and move into a more positive future.
An estimated 13% of youth aged 11 to 16 practice self-harm, with potentially embarrassing scars left behind. The first 50 of the scar-covering tattoos were free of charge and also allows Develle to improve her craft while also doing some good. Future self-harm scar work will be available at a discounted rate. As part of the project, she posts the finished pieces on social media to a supportive audience.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Free Scar-covering Tattoos
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish a social enterprise that provides free scar-covering tattoos to help individuals move past self-harm scars.
- Self-harm Awareness
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop educational programs and resources to raise awareness about self-harm and promote healthy coping mechanisms.
- Social Impact Tattooing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a network of tattoo artists who offer discounted or pro bono services to individuals with self-harm scars.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Tattoo Industry
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Embrace the trend of scar-covering tattoos and develop specialized techniques and materials for this purpose.
- Mental Health Industry
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with mental health professionals to offer integrated services that address both the physical and emotional aspects of self-harm recovery.
- Social Media Industry
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build a digital platform where individuals can share their scar-covering tattoo stories and connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.
