“One photo, one face tattoo — and everything changed” When a 19-year-old posted a now-viral selfie with the word “DEVAST8” across his jaw, no one expected what came next. His past, his regrets, and the photo that sparked it all — full story in the article below
Mark Cropp, a 19-year-old from New Zealand, never expected a single Facebook post to change his life — but it did. Desperate to turn his life around, he uploaded a photo of himself along with a plea for work. What caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just the story — it was the bold tattoo stretched across his jaw that read “DEVAST8.”
The tattoo, inked while he was in prison, has become a major obstacle in his search for employment. Meant to look intimidating, the tattoo was designed by his own brother. Originally intended to be much smaller, it turned into a jaw-spanning display after the pair consumed a homemade brew of apples, sugar, and bread behind bars.
Before prison, Cropp looked like a completely different person. Recently surfaced photos show a baby-faced teen with no ink in sight — a stark contrast to the hardened image he carries now.
Cropp was incarcerated at just 17 years old for charges including armed robbery, assault with a weapon, and escaping custody. He admits to committing the crimes out of desperation, after being kicked out of his home with his pregnant girlfriend and needing a way to survive.
Since his release, Cropp has received numerous job offers thanks to the viral post — but he’s still holding out for one that offers stability, a vehicle, and enough income to support his young family. He wants a real chance to rebuild.
While he says the tattoo has deep personal meaning, tied to the bond with his brother and their shared past, Cropp is now seriously considering having it removed. “I know it’ll keep holding me back,” he admitted. “And I want to be someone my family can count on.”
Cropp also hopes people will see beyond the ink and understand that everyone deserves a second chance. “You can’t judge someone by their face,” he said. “But I get that it’s the first thing people see. That’s why I have to make a change.”
Do you think someone with a face tattoo deserves a fair shot at a fresh start? Share your thoughts in the comments!
