Meet Benjamin Lloyd, an amazing artist from New Zealand who found a creative way to make kids at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland feel better. Instead of regular tattoo ink, he uses special sprays that aren’t permanent to make ‘tattoos’ on these young patients.
Why? To make them feel more confident and give them something fun to focus on during their tough treatments at the hospital. This new way of doing things shows that it’s not about real tattoos, but about making these brave kids feel better.
Given the chance, we got in touch with Benjamin Lloyd, and as we mentioned before, he started using non-permanent sprays to create ‘tattoo’ designs for the children at Starship Children’s Hospital because he wanted to bring happiness and positivity to their lives.
He told us, “I saw an opportunity to use my artistic skills to create something unique and special for the children, giving them a temporary tattoo experience that could boost their spirits and bring smiles to their faces.”
“The reactions from the children who have received these temporary ‘tattoos’ have been incredibly heartwarming. I have witnessed children light up with excitement and joy as they saw their chosen designs come to life on their skin. These designs have a profound impact on their spirits, as they provide a sense of empowerment, self-expression, and a temporary escape from the challenges they may be facing. In my opinion, the temporary ‘tattoos’ act as a source of inspiration and confidence for the children, helping them feel special and unique,” Lloyd shared.
Benjamin knows it’s crucial to make a comfy and safe space for the kids at Starship Children’s Hospital. So, he changes how he does his art. He uses safe spray paints that are easy to remove and won’t cause allergies. These paints are made just for temporary body art.
“I ensure that the materials I use are safe for children’s sensitive skin and take extra care in maintaining a hygienic and sterile working environment. I also communicate closely with the hospital staff to ensure that the creative process aligns with the comfort and safety guidelines of the hospital,” he said.
Benjamin Lloyd’s temporary ‘tattoos’ make a positive impact on the atmosphere and healing environment at Starship Children’s Hospital in various ways.
In his words, “They bring an element of fun, excitement, and creativity to the hospital setting, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety for both the children and their families. The presence of these vibrant and personalized designs creates a positive and uplifting atmosphere, fostering a sense of hope and healing. I also wholeheartedly believe that the temporary ‘tattoos’ act as conversation starters, allowing children to share their unique stories and experiences, further enhancing the sense of community and connection within the hospital.”
