Austin Hill, owner of Paramount Tattoo, explained that the idea to offer free tattoos in honor of suicide prevention was an “overnight” idea, though mental health awareness has been a part of his life, and his family’s life, for some time.

“This is something I have to offer … just having dealt with it in our family,” Hill said. “Personally, it’s been a part of my life. I really just want this to be a symbol that people look at and remind them that you matter.”

Hill said open walk-ins will be taken from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 18. Currently, Sept. 19 is fully booked for appointments. Patrons can choose from five different fonts and Hill said that tattoos will be approximately 4 inches and in black ink.

He added that he will not tattoo the design on the neck, hand, or ribs for efficiency.

Courtesy Image Austin Hill will be offering free “you matter” tattoos in five different font options, at Paramount Tattoo in Alpena.

Hill said although the tattoos are free, if patrons would like to donate, 100% of proceeds will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

“This is completely free. This is something that I have to offer. All I can offer,” Hill said.

Hill said that when he made the announcement on their business Facebook page, there was an influx of community support and community members who shared their stories of mental health challenges, suicidal ideation, and losed loved ones due to suicide.

“It’s not easy to say it’s something you deal with,” Hill said. “People have told us their stories.”

Hill said tattoos are a way to express oneself and are “powerful and meaningful.” He said he can be having a bad day but when he goes to work and does a memorial tattoo for someone’s loved one who has passed, it changes his perspective.

“It’s just another way of expressing yourself,” Hill said. “You are literally wearing it on your sleeve.”

He plans on getting a “you matter” tattoo himself.

Hill said he hopes people with the tattoo will inspire others and spread positivity, not only reminding the wearers that they matter, but reminding observers that they matter, too.

“Like if they are out at the grocery store and someone sees the tattoo,” Hill said. “Imagine a person is having a bad day and they see that tattoo … it is a constant reminder.”

Hill stated that his shop is expecting a good turnout as 25 people have already committed to getting a “you matter” tattoo. He plans on bringing two more artists from Paramount Tattoo’s Mackinaw City location to help get as many tattoos done as possible.

“Twenty-five tattoos in one day is a lot,” Hill said.

He added that he hopes he can give many more tattoos over the course of the three days.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.