This tattoo artist turns hospital days into moment of joy

[u/MambaMentality24x2]

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

[u/PrickleAndGoo]

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."

[u/Orleanian → u/PrickleAndGoo]

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 :)"

[u/GetEquipped → u/Orleanian]

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?!?"