Project New Moon Empowering Women Through Tattoos

Many of us have incurred scars throughout our lives. Some men and women, youth, and adults have scars from self-injurious behaviour (cutting, burning,etc. ). Reasons for self-injurious behaviour vary and can include: feeling emotional or physical relief from distress, to cope with trauma or loss, to regain a sense of control over their bodies, etc.; however, such behaviour often leaves behind scars that some people feel ashamed of, regret having, and want to hide. Scars can also sometimes be markers of past surgery and physical abuse/trauma. In some contextual lenses across cultures, scars have been labelled as undesirable or ugly. Behind every scar, is a story to tell.

Project New Moon was created to support female youth and adults in their healing process from scars, providing them with new transformative experiences through the art of tattooing. Project New Moon is a growing network of non-profit tattoo studios and artists that offer cover up services for women who have physical scars left from self-harm (cutting, burning), surgery, and abuse. It also offers subsidized rates for breast cancer survivors who are seeking creative alternatives in their recovery that cosmetic surgeons or physicians in the medical field are currently unable to offer.

Since Project New Moon was launched in May 2018, Nickola of Nick’s Studio in Port Hope has donated her time and skills to help over a dozen survivors. There is currently a waiting list of over 40 people from all over North America that extends well into 2020. Tattoo services cost approximately $1000 respective of individual designs and take about 6 hours to do a cover-up tattoo for one person. This figure includes a consult, individualized tattoo design, studio time, and equipment and supplies.

Our non-profit, cover-up tattoo services are provided on a sliding scale respective of financial need. Many women cannot afford cosmetic or cover-up services through medical avenues, which we subsidize through fundraising and donations.

Donations to Project New Moon can help women work through some of their trauma, and create a new chapter of growth and healing. Most importantly, Project New Moon can help women with undesirable scars build self-esteem and become empowered. Through beautiful artwork, women can share and rewrite their own stories on their healing journey.

Help give someone a beautiful beginning with the gift of beautiful ink and donate today.