A man covered in more than 200 tattoos who calls himself the ‘Neon Demon’ has revealed what he used to look like before radically changing his appearance, as well as revealing his 'tragic' first face tattoo.
Soren Lorenson has covered every single part of his body - including his eyeballs - with tattoos, and claims that his family no longer speak to him as a result.
Yet despite this, the assistant manager of a pizza restaurant says he has no regrets over his extreme body art.
Speaking to the Daily Star, the 28-year-old said: “My entire extended family hates my tattoos and has made no effort to reach out or speak to me ever since I first got my face done.
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“My parents love me and support me but they have told me numerous times that I need to pray for god's help and that they will never understand me.”
Soren, who lives in Florida, got his first tattoo aged 18 and quickly became addicted to the artist’s needle.
But getting inked on his face angered his family - despite his first ever facial tattoo having a heartbreaking meaning.
He said: “I got my first face tattoo years ago shortly after my girlfriend died in a tragic motorcycle accident.
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“Her name was Courtney and I got a ‘C’ underneath my eye to remember her by.”
Following that touching tribute, he then proceeded to cover himself head-to-toe in ink and has now shared photos of what he looked like before his incredible transformation.
Reflecting on the fresh-faced youth staring up at him in his old snaps, Soren said: “I still feel a connection to the person that I used to be.
“When I think back and look at old photos I know that I was that person but I feel as if I’ve now evolved into something slightly different.”
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And because of his unique appearance Soren says that he has to learn how to deal with sly looks and judgement from strangers.
He said: “When I walk into a room almost every head turns and I immediately hear people start to whisper.
“In the beginning it was very hard for me and I felt constantly embarrassed and uncomfortable in public."
He continued: “These days I am comfortable with it and have developed peace about it.
“Everyone looking and talking about me usually doesn’t come from hateful intent, rather just curiosity.
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“So I don’t mind because I am well aware I look quite strange compared to the average individual walking around.”
Yet despite calling himself the Neon Demon, Soren claims that his favourite tattoo is a 'little kitty cat' on his arm.
And he asked people not to judge those who make extreme alterations to their body.
“Just because you may not approve, doesn't mean that person can turn back time or will just stop existing.
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“People tell me I've ruined my life, but what should one reply to that?
“I am happy with myself, who I am inside and out. Show love to others and love yourself.”
Topics: World News, Health
Tom Sanders