Ink Your Story

A semicolon tattoo symbolizes hope, resilience, and continuation in the face of mental health challenges, particularly suicide, depression, and self-harm. It represents a choice to live and keep going, similar to the grammatical semicolon that marks a pause in a sentence rather than an end. This tattoo serves as a powerful reminder of one’s inner strength and an enduring bond with a supportive community that understands and shares this journey.

Hope;ink serves as a meaningful extension of the broader worldwide initiative, providing a local platform for individuals to “ink” their story, unite in solidarity, and express themselves through the semicolon symbol. For a minimum donation of $60, attendees can choose from a selection of impactful semicolon tattoos. Donation options are available for those unable to attend or who would like to make this experience possible for another individual. All proceeds from this event will benefit Jefferson Center’s programs and services.

Hope;ink began as the Suicide Awareness Semicolon Tattoo Event (SASTE), hosted for several years by Dreambent Studios Tattoo in Thornton, and benefiting various non-profit organizations. In 2023, Dreambent chose Jefferson Center as the recipient of the proceeds, and a friendship was born! The event was re-named Hope;ink, and in 2024 it grew to include multiple locations across the Denver metro area.

At Jefferson Center, we’re dedicated to helping individuals share, heal, and possibly rewrite their stories through our mission and services. Attendees will have opportunities to engage by sharing their stories, honoring lost loved ones, or celebrating their resilience. Additionally, there will be mental health resources and education opportunities available at every location.

Unable to make it, but still want to support? Donate below to add your invisible ink!

Sign Up to get Your Tattoo!

Choose your preferred tattoo studio below, then select your desired one-hour time window.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. You must be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo.
2. You will be required to show a valid photo ID when you arrive for your tattoo.
3. Each individual tattoo appointment must be entered and completed as a separate transaction.

Tattoo Studio Locations:

DREAMBENT STUDIOS TATTOO
3972 E 104^th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233

DEEDS OF THE FLESH TATTOO
2669 E 120^th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233
Piercing also available!

THE TATTOO SHOP
2163 S Chambers Rd, Aurora, CO 80014

More studios to be announced soon!

Important information regarding the event and getting your tattoo:

• You must be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo at this event. You will be required to sign a waiver and present a valid photo ID when you arrive.
• You will be able to choose from the 25 standard semicolon designs pictured above. They all are black ink only and are approximately one to three inches in size.
• Each tattoo appointment will last approximately 15 minutes, start to finish. To keep the wait time at a minimum, the appointments are scheduled in one-hour time windows, and there will be multiple tattoo artists available at each location.
• Tipping your tattoo artist is not required, but tips are allowed and will be happily accepted! Tips may be in cash or credit card if the artist has a payment app such as Venmo.

A few helpful tips if this is your first tattoo:

• It’s best to decide ahead of time where you want your tattoo placed. Things to consider are whether you want it somewhere visible or private, and your level of pain tolerance. Getting a tattoo typically involves some pain, but the location and your personal tolerance will affect how much it hurts. Fleshy areas are less painful, while bony areas such as the neck, spine, ankles and feet are more painful.
• For best results, arrive for your appointment well-rested and hydrated. Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol and pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen 24 hours prior to receiving your tattoo.
• Wear clothing that will leave the area to be tattooed exposed, or wear something loose that you can easily move aside.
• Your tattoo artist will provide you with aftercare instructions once your tattoo is finished.

YANA Benefit Concert

To kick off Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, The Buffalo Rose presents the YANA (You Are Never Alone) Suicide Prevention Benefit Concert featuring the music of INXS tribute band, Devil INXSide. Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Jefferson Center.

Thursday, September 4, 2025
6:00 pm – Doors Open | 7:00 pm – Devil INXSide
The Buffalo Rose
1119 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 8040

View the highlights from our 2024 event!

Hope;ink in the News:

• Event offering semicolon tattoos for suicide awareness
• Hope;ink is a Suicide Awareness Semicolon Tattoo Event in Jefferson County
• Tattoo studios across Denver join up for suicide prevention event
• Denver-area tattoo artists joining together for semicolon tattoo event for Suicide Prevention Month