Meet the tattoo artist who tattoos children…

New Zealand tattoo artist Benjamin Lloyd recently began tattooing kids, an idea that came to him after his step son passed away aged 7, 2 years ago. Benjamin decided that he wanted to give sick kids a confidence boost while they fight their battles in the hospital.

This current project all started when he posted on Facebook a post of his friend’s son with a spray on (washable) tattoo, with the caption “Nothing brings me more joy than boosting a kids confidence with a custom tattoo 50 likes and I’ll go to starship hospital and tat all the kids up. It’s airbrushed on (not permanent) peace.”

His post didn’t just get 50 likes, so far it has 469 thousand, along with almost 259 thousand shares. Benjamin kept to his word and attended Starship Hospital in Auckland and tattooed some kids and now is regularly a visitor there.

The looks on their faces says it all.

Benjamin designs all the tattoo choices the kids want using freehand and also stencils and completes them in minutes only.

What a wonderful thing for Benjamin to do for these kids and their families, giving them some distraction for a day from the battles they are fighting.

What do you think? Please add your comment below.

26 Comments

- - mom491446 said
  - 18 Nov 2022
    8:09 am
I personally don’t like tattooing in kids body.

- - meedee said
  - 11 Aug 2021
    10:35 am
well how amazingly awesome. He certainly has a talent and a very kind heart.

- - mom160421 said
  - 31 Oct 2017
    6:32 pm
If it gives these children some light-hearted fun then why not. Personally I don’t find tattoos appealing.

- - mom94125 said
  - 06 Sep 2016
    8:52 pm
yeah it’s a bit of fun for the kids. what a nice guy!

- - ella12 said
  - 16 Aug 2016
    3:49 pm
As long as it’s not permanent, I guess its ok.

- - tessie said
  - 03 Aug 2016
    10:26 am
I don’t see a problem with them since they are not permanent ink tattoos. When you see the smiles on the children’s faces that says it all. You are a wonderful person to do this for them. Sorry that you lost your stepson but I’m sure that he loves what you are doing for all these kids

- - rovermum said
  - 01 Aug 2016
    10:22 am
My first thought was of permanent tattoos and craziness. However, a temporary tattoo to give these sick children something different in their day, to boost their self esteem, and to distract them from their illness, can only be a good and positive thing.

- - cherz said
  - 31 Jul 2016
    9:12 pm
Having experienced the pain of a child going through sets of chemo then loosing the fight, I can only imagine the joy you bring to these children. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your time and love you show these amazing children and bringing some love and light and fun and joy into their very hard and difficult journey’s.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family for your loss and sending special love and thoughts to your Angel Son. xxx

- - mom67623 said
  - 31 Jul 2016
    4:49 pm
this should not be allowed.. tattoos are for consenting adults not children who will be scared for life!
- cherz replied
  
  31 Jul 2016 , 9:02 pm
  I’m sorry if I appear to be rude …but did you NOT READ the article. This is airbrushing and is not permanent ..(.not a traditional tattoo at all. ) The children can choose their designs and this wonderful young chap needs a HUGE Huge huge thank you for giving these children some joy.
- - Lori-Anne said
  - 30 Jul 2016
    10:39 pm
This is such a cool thing to do. At first by the headline I thought he was tattooing them for real but I am so glad it is just airbrushing. They look great.

- - mom172741 said
  - 30 Jul 2016
    8:02 pm
A modern take on face painting. Good on him

- - mom112217 said
  - 30 Jul 2016
    3:38 pm
A great idea,the kids would love it!

- - VernaB said
  - 30 Jul 2016
    12:36 pm
What a beautiful idea.

- - mom134803 said
  - 30 Jul 2016
    3:58 am
Great work and I love his heart !!

- - youngoldlady said
  - 30 Jul 2016
    2:54 am
Love this idea, it gives them a break from whatever is happening,

- - mom101628 said
  - 30 Jul 2016
    12:41 am
Although I wouldn’t like this – I am sure the children you work on are ecstatic about what you have done and feel in a happier place. Thanks for doing what you do and thanks for sharing it. Sorry about your child, may he RIP

- - irenet said
  - 29 Jul 2016
    8:30 pm
I’m very sadden of your sons passing. Its a beautiful thing your doing. The smile on these children’s faces are priceless. You have a wonderful gift.

- - mom94519 said
  - 29 Jul 2016
    8:13 pm
What an amazing idea! Don’t get me wrong, I HATE permanent tatoos but this is such a simple diversion that will give the sick kids a great deal of confidence and happiness and make them feel very special. Thumbs Up!

- - mom134803 said
  - 26 Jul 2016
    12:20 pm
What a beautiful way to make these kids feel special, love his work !!

- - Melissa89 said
  - 19 Jul 2016
    6:48 am
That’ a great idea. They would feel so cool