Benjamin Lloyd, a tattoo artist from New Zealand, has been visiting children’s hospitals for nearly a decade, creating detailed temporary tattoos that brighten the days of young patients and help them embrace their own skin with confidence.
- Uses non-toxic, washable tattoos to boost confidence
- Inspired by his own experience covering a burn scar
- Creates designs tailored to each child’s wishes
What happened
Benjamin Lloyd, a tattoo artist based in New Zealand, launched a project to bring joy to children in hospitals through temporary tattoos. Prompted by a social media post that received nearly half a million likes, he promised to provide kids with non-toxic, washable tattoos that would not cause pain but instead offer a sense of empowerment and individuality.
Since then, Lloyd has regularly visited children’s hospitals, beginning with Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland. These tattoos range from intricate designs like roses and butterflies to metallic shapes, all customized to what each child loves. The initiative has been warmly received by communities and families, creating a positive and uplifting environment for young patients.
Why it feels good
Lloyd’s work is deeply personal. As a child, he used drawings to cover a burn scar on his arm to gain confidence in his own skin. This inspired him to use art as a tool for healing and self-expression for others facing medical challenges. His tattoos empower children to embrace their bodies and feel more like themselves during their hospital stays.
Temporary tattoos also encourage artistic expression, which is beneficial to a child's mental well-being. Choosing a design that reflects their personality or favorite things, like butterflies or stars, brings joy and helps them shift focus from medical treatments to something they find beautiful and positive.
What to enjoy or watch next
To see Benjamin Lloyd’s artistry in action and experience the smiles that accompany his visits, follow his documented work on Instagram at @the_richsite and @tattoos.art1. These postings show the detailed designs and the heartfelt moments shared with the children.
For those inspired by Lloyd’s story, supporting local hospital art projects or non-toxic tattoo businesses like Geckopaper can be a great way to contribute to similar uplifting experiences. Celebrating and sharing stories like this can keep the spirit of kindness and creativity alive within communities around the world.