Unemployed Dad With Disturbing Face Tattoo Begs For Job On Facebook

Mark Cropp, a young man from New Zealand, served just over two years in prison after a failed drug deal.

One night behind bars, drunk on homemade alcohol, he and his brother made a reckless choice. Using melted plastic and toothpaste as ink, they tattooed the word “Devast8” across his face.

When Mark was released, he wanted to turn his life around and provide for his girlfriend and young daughter. But the bold tattoo instantly became a barrier, scaring off potential employers.

The word reflected his past — a nickname tied to his habit of “devastating” everything in his life. Ironically, the tattoo itself was now devastating his chance at a fresh start.

Unable to pay for removal, Mark turned to Facebook with a heartfelt plea. Sharing a photo of himself, he asked for work and a second chance. His story spread quickly, reaching people across New Zealand and overseas.

Among those who saw his post was Sacred Tattoo, a well-known Auckland studio. Moved by his struggle, the artists offered to remove the tattoo for free through a series of laser treatments.

This act of generosity not only gave Mark hope for a new beginning but also revealed the unexpected power of social media — showing how kindness, amplified online, can change the course of someone’s life.