Dad with Giant “Devast8” Face Tattoo Pleads for Work Online—Then Social Media Changes His Life
When 19-year-old Mark Cropp left prison in New Zealand, he was determined to rebuild his life, provide for his young daughter, and leave his past behind. What he didn’t expect was that a split-second decision made in a jail cell would nearly destroy his chances before he even began.
Mark had served just over two years for a failed drug deal. During his sentence, one night of heavy drinking on homemade “brew” led to a decision that would haunt him long after his release. Using a crude mixture of melted cutlery and toothpaste as ink, Mark and his brother tattooed a single word across his face: “Devast8.”
The massive black letters stretched from ear to chin, marking him instantly in every job interview he tried to attend.
A Mark of Regret
At first, Mark thought he could live with it. But he quickly realized employers didn’t see the hardworking father he wanted to become—they only saw his tattoo. Despite having previous work experience, rejection after rejection left him demoralized.
“I used to devastate everything I touched,” Mark explained in an interview. “That’s where the nickname came from. But I regret letting it get this far. I wish I had stopped when it was just the outline.”
The tattoo became a constant reminder of his past mistakes, one he couldn’t afford to remove. Laser treatments would take months and cost thousands of dollars—money Mark simply didn’t have.
A Plea for Help
Running out of options, Mark posted a photo of himself on Facebook. He wasn’t asking for sympathy—just a job and a chance to prove himself.
The post spread rapidly, attracting the attention of Sacred Tattoo, a well-known parlor in Auckland. The artists there offered to help him reduce and eventually remove the tattoo, free of charge.
A Fresh Start
The kindness didn’t end there. Soon after, a scaffolding company, PR Contracting, offered Mark steady work at $22 an hour. For the first time in years, he felt he had a future.
Mark’s story is more than a tale of regret—it’s a reminder of how one compassionate act can change a life. Thanks to social media, a community of strangers gave a struggling young dad the opportunity he desperately needed.