Pete’s tattoo story

Many people use tattoos to document the end of a journey, for others the tattoo is part of the journey itself, a way to represent where they are going and where they have been. Pete’s tattoo was part of his journey. He used it to help him navigate his feelings and to try and express and understand his internalised emotions. Each part of his leg sleeve by Bogdan holds a reminder of where he had been and where he wanted to be. Each design element symbolises his struggles and journey to overcome his inner challenges. Pete describes his tattoo as being a representation of what he was going through and where he wanted to be:

‘A tattoo is one of the best ways of getting what’s there, out, and then once it’s out, you can deal with things in a very different way’

Every intricate detail in Pete’s tattoo had a meaning and reminded him of the struggles in life but also the joys. Bogdan skillfully combined Pete’s ideas into an artwork that beautifully portrays his conquered challenges and moments of happiness. The daily battles he fought are expertly composed into one story on his leg. This tattoo is almost a mirror image of two realities, the positive and the negative. Pete describes using both the design and the process to try and move forward. It is clear that Pete’s tattoo was intended to be part of the healing process for him and a positive step in his journey:

‘Mental health isn’t so obvious, if you are internalising something it’s very difficult for you to deal with.’ 

Pete wasn’t trying to hide behind his tattoo. He faced his struggles head-on and used his tattoo as a way of detailing what he had been through. He used tattooing to display the parts of his life that helped him through difficult times. It was a talking point if he wanted it to be, and a guide when he needed it to be. He could look at it and see the strength inside him that got him to this point.

Pete cleverly used the art on his body as a tool to try and manage and vocalise his emotions. He saw the beauty and value in using art to reach out and help heal people. It was this recognition that led him to collaborate with No Regrets and let us share his process through film, in the hope that his message can reach others and help them through their journey too.

Pete sadly took his life in 2022. This video is dedicated to Pete’s children Calladine, 3, and Tyrael, 5. It’s never too late to seek help. If you need to reach out to someone, please see these contact numbers for mental health charities across the UK.

Mind: 0300 123 3393
CALM: 0800 58 58 58
Samaritans: 116 123
National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 0800 689 5652

Charity Prize Draw Supporting Mind

In light of Pete’s moving story, we are raising money for Mind to help spread the important message of mental health. And we are doing this by offering you the chance to win a £500 tattoo gift card. 

Mind is a mental health charity that not only provides advice and support to those experiencing mental health problems but are helping to change minds across England and Wales by making mental health an everyday priority.  All profits will be donated to Mind so this is your chance to support an incredible cause alongside getting tattooed by one of your favourite artists. 

Tickets are available individually or as bundles and start at just £1.99, click here to get yours.

Entry closes next Friday 3rd March 2023 at 11:59 pm, so good luck to all those entering, and let’s raise as much money for Mind as possible. 

If you missed your chance to enter, you can still donate to Mind here: https://www.mind.org.uk/donate/