Tattoo artist offers free ink to cover self-harm scars

He said he is at a point in his life where he is in a comfortable financial position and wants to “try and help” to help those who may be suffering from mental health issues.

He added that the cost of living crisis made him aware that many people might not have the money to cover up those scars.

“I know how special it is for someone. It’s life-changing in a way,” he said.

“I wanted to give people the opportunity to get a decent tattoo over their scars.”

Sam said he understands that some like to leave their scars the way they are, “to other people it’s a hurtful memory.”

Above all, he wants to help people increase their self-confidence and be able to wear any clothes they want.

“I don’t want people to feel embarrassed to stretch out their legs or arms,” ​​he added.

“I know how hard it is to hide it.”

The only requirement is that the scars must be fully healed before he tattoos them.

Fully booked until June, from then on he will be offering the free tattoos.

He hopes to devote a day to the proceedings every two weeks.

There has already been a great response to the offer on his social networks.

“I was blown away to be honest,” he said.

“I knew it was going to be something special for people, but honestly I couldn’t believe the feedback I was getting.”

Two months ago he opened his own shop, Coven Tattoo, on the first and second floors of the Barber Collective on Church Street.

Coven is open seven days a week and by appointment only.

He added: “People in Ballymena are so supportive of us.

“To be honest I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the support of everyone in Ballymena. It drives you to get better.”

Two other ink artists and a piercer work independently alongside the business.

“The good thing about our shop is that I do everything. I like to switch it up: someone wants an anime one day and someone wants a portrait the next, I love it all,” he explained.

“My main goal in life is simply to be better than yesterday.”

Sam is a strong advocate for people with mental health issues.

Earlier this year, he and fellow Coven tattoo artist Carly Wright created a giant mural to raise awareness of mental health at the Ballykeel estate. Speaking of working together at Radio Ulster, Carly said the two “just wanted to teach people that there’s always a new way and there’s always someone to ask for help – you just have to reach out”.

During the summer he also worked on an art competition with the Ballymena Business Improvement District where traders could enter a prize draw and win art for their shutters.

“Basically it was just about bringing a little more life to Ballymena. It gave back to the business community and got my name out there a little bit more,” he said.

“You have something to see when the shop is closed on Sundays.”

Approximately 30 companies entered and eight won the shutter art, while the remaining received planters to hang outside their premises.

February marks his 10th year in the tattoo business.

He said: “I might do a little giveaway for it, possibly.”

As for the future, he has “prepared a few small things.”

“I have a few more walls and murals planned for the summer,” he added.

“For Coven, I work 24/7 to be the best tattoo shop we can be.

Anyone interested in any of the services offered by Coven Tattoo can contact the shop through their social media pages.