Teen Dad With ‘DEVAST8’ Tattoo Goes Viral After Job Plea—Now He’s Ready for a Fresh Start
At just 19, Mark Cropp—a young father from New Zealand—captured the internet’s attention with a powerful message: “Judge me for who I am now, not who I was.” Recently released from prison and desperate to turn his life around, Mark made a heartfelt plea on social media for a second chance—and within hours, his life began to change.
From Inmate to Inspiration
Mark’s story exploded online after he shared a candid photo of his face, boldly tattooed with the word “DEVAST8,” and a sincere request for employment. The tattoo, a lasting mark of regret and a symbol of his troubled past, stretched across his cheeks, mouth, and chin—making job hunting nearly impossible. But his honesty struck a chord with thousands.
“I stopped counting after 45 job offers,” Mark told Daily Mail Australia, still stunned by the flood of support from strangers and employers alike.
A Tattoo Born Behind Bars
The name “DEVAST8” came from the emotional pain Mark says he caused his loved ones. In a moment of intoxicated recklessness during his sentence, he and his brother used a DIY tattoo gun made from a pen spring and a cassette player to ink it across his face. The tattoo ink? A gritty mix of soot from melted plastic utensils, toothpaste, and water.
What was meant to be a small jawline tattoo quickly turned into a massive, face-covering emblem—etched under the influence of homebrewed prison alcohol made from apples, sugar, and bread.
Facing the Mirror—and the Consequences
The week before his release, Mark sent a photo of his tattooed face to his partner, Taneia Ruki. Her reaction was heartbreakingly honest.
“She was devastated,” Mark admitted. “But now, she says she can’t see me without it.”
Despite her support, the tattoo quickly became a major roadblock. Some people even told him it nearly caused car accidents—because it was that striking.
From Desperation to Determination
Although job offers poured in, Mark was hesitant. Many required transportation—something he didn’t have. “Until I get my first paycheck and a vehicle, I won’t be able to get around to job sites,” he said.
But there’s hope on the horizon. With Taneia by his side, Mark recently accepted a full-time scaffolding job—one that could mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Erasing the Past—for the Sake of the Future
In perhaps the biggest step yet, Mark has decided to undergo laser tattoo removal. It wasn’t an easy choice.
“My brother did it for me. It means something to me… but I know it’s the best thing for my future.”
Thanks to a kind offer from a clinic, his first session is already scheduled. It’ll be painful—but necessary.
Redemption, One Step at a Time
Only two weeks out of prison, Mark is already showing growth, reflection, and resilience. “I don’t think people should be judged by tattoos on their face,” he says. “But I know that unless I change something, that’s exactly what will keep happening.”
Now, as a young father, he’s determined to build a life his family can be proud of. His story has become a beacon of hope—not just for him, but for anyone looking for a second chance.
“I’ve made my mistakes,” Mark said. “But I’m ready to move forward.”