Helping the survivors and families of victims continue to heal physically and emotionally while celebrating the heroism of our first responders.

We Believe:

In the healing power of tattoos.

We must help all survivors of violence no matter their race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Scars are both physical and emotional.

Our recipients should feel safe and comforted throughout the entire process.

That those artists who give to this program should be treated with the utmost honor and respect.

In partnering with like-minded organizations.

The Process

Healing Ink, CO
Everyone fills out a short and simple application. Most will be contacted for a virtual interview where they can add more information to their responses, clarify their answers and help us understand their application to the best of our abilities. Our decisions are based on a number of factors including gut instinct. In short, we are looking for those who will most benefit from the tattoo. Our team is available throughout the process to answer any questions.
Once an applicant is accepted, they are put in touch with their artist who does the style of tattoo they want. The artist and recipient then have time to discuss and plan the tattoo ahead of the event day.
At the day of the event, the artist and recipient finalize the design, if not already done, and begin tattooing surrounded by others in the program.

Why These Communities

We provide Healing Ink services to the communities that have suffered the most harm and where we believe we can create the most benefit. Considering that, for our U.S. based events we like to work with local artists, we also always consider where the need matches a vibrant tattoo culture and where the two can help each other after the event.

Why Tattoos

There are many forms of healing, each one working for different communities and people. We have found that for many, tattooing is an untapped and powerful resource. The ways in which people find relief in tattooing is varied and individualistic. Manifesting emotional trauma in physical pain, commemorating the day, creating an opportunity for peers to ask questions, beauty or wanting to cover a scar and erase a memory, all provide a sense of agency and independence. We cannot control what happened on that day. We can control how we respond.

“Once the tattoo covered the shrapnel wound on my arms and legs, it felt like the whole world opened up to me again. The pain I had been holding within those scars disappeared with them and so did so much of the trauma that was holding me back. I lifted my daughter in the air for the first time in years because I did not fear a panic attack or traumatic episode. I am not healed, but I am healing, because of you.”

— Aviv R.

Past Participating Artists

Adam Vu, Alessandro Capozzi, Ami James, Andy Chambers, Antoine Davis, Avi Ben Gida, Big Meas, Big Steve, Brad Fink, Brian Kaneko, Brittany Arizona, Brittany McCarty, Britton McFetridge, Bob Tyrrell, Chris Garver, Chris Jenkins, Christine Barnum, Crispy Craig, Daniel Rocha, Dick Lattanzi, Earl Funk, Edit Ben Gida, Edgar Aguirre, Elvia Guadian, Erin Chance, Franco Vescovi, Gabriel Cece, Greg Mayorga, Jade Moon, Jamie Handysides, Jeremy Hill, Jesse Smith, Jill Bonny, Jim Sylvia, Jime Litwalk, Jimmy Snaz, Joe Capobianco, Jose Chalarca, Joseph Haef, Josh Palmer, Julie Juice, Jun Cha, Justin Iannucci, Justin Warn, Katie Gray, Kenny Brown, Laura Mohn, Luke Wessman, Matt Buck, Matt True, Megan Jean Morris, Megan Massacre, Micha Feldman, Michael Tattooer, Michelle Myles, Mike Rubendall, Miguel Ochoa, Mohawk Jesse, Nicholas Mudskipper, Niki Norberg, Noah Elder, Nokes, Patrick Loud, Paul Dobleman, Phil LaRocca, Rasty Knales, Ricardo Avila, Robert Hawley, Ryan Ashley Malarkey, Russ Abbott, Sam Chacon, Sara Fabel, Sasha Ignarski, Savannah Colleen, Shawn Barber, Sonia Cash, Southpaw, Steve Roberts, Steve Soto, Tim Hansinger, Vall Art, Virginia Elwood, Wassim Razzouk, Wes ATG, Yoni Zilber

Respect for the Culture

All our events are held in locations that increase the visibility and raise the respect for the art of tattooing. All our participating artists join programs that provide them with an opportunity to see and enjoy new experiences.