A man who tipped the scales at 330 pounds has transformed himself into a hunk after losing more than half of his body weight and spending $30,000 covering up his weight loss scars with tattoos.
Kevin Creekman, a 32-year-old model, actor, musician, and social media creator from Los Angeles, California, struggled with accepting his body image while growing up. As a teenager, he weighed 330 pounds, which he believes was the result of genetics and his love for calorie-laden foods.
When he was 18 years old, he decided enough was enough and set out on his weight loss journey. He cut out carbs and sweet treats and focused on consuming only 1,500 calories per day for one year. He also started attending the gym.
Ripped: Kevin Creekman, 32, from Los Angeles, California, has transformed himself into a tattooed hunk after struggling with his weight most of his life
Then and now: Kevin weighed 330 pounds when he started his weight loss journey at 18 (left). He now weighs a healthy 152 pounds (right)
Dedicated: Kevin lost 178 pounds by eating 1,5000 calories per day for one year
‘I actually have a degree in social work, but I still think it’s difficult to pinpoint one reason on why I gained weight in my youth,’ Kevin said.’I was overweight from a young age and I think there’s several contributing factors.
‘I loved food with a high-calorie content and was fairly isolated socially. I also think there’s a genetic component that makes it easier for me to gain weight.
‘I radically changed my nutrition – no carbs or any sweets. I also kept the portions very small for a whole year. I started doing sports too.
After shedding 178 pounds, Kevin was left with loose skin on his stomach, and he opted to undergo skin removal surgery in 2014.
While he was thrilled with his new svelte look, the prominent scars left on his torso from the surgery drew unwanted attention and questions.
Another transformation: Kevin was left with loose skin on his stomach after shedding 178 pounds (left). He opted to undergo skin removal surgery in 2014 (right)
After: Kevin was left with scars on his stomach after the skin removal surgery
Candid: The model explained that he got sick of explaining his scars to people
Idea: Kevin, who already had tattoos on his arms and chest, decided to get ink on his stomach to cover the scars
Beginning: Kevin started with a skull tattoo on his stomach to hide his tummy-tuck scar
It was here that Kevin set his mind upon tattooing over his scars. Kevin already had tattoos on his arms and upper chest and was no stranger to getting inked.
He began with a skull tattoo on his stomach to hide his tummy-tuck scar and since then, Kevin has spent $30,000 and 250 hours under the needle tattooing his entire body.
The transformation has had a huge impact on Kevin’s relationship with his body. While he’s still critical of himself from time to time, he exudes confidence – something that lead him to a career in modeling.
‘After my skin removal surgery, I was left with scars and I was tired of explaining to people what happened because I couldn’t hide them,’ he said.
‘The first tattoo I had after my surgery was a big skull that hides my tummy-tuck scar.
Covered: Since then Kevin has spent $30,000 and 250 hours under the needle tattooing his entire body
Impressive: Kevin said his back tattoo took the longest because it goes from his back to his knees. He said it had to be done over twelve five-hour sessions
Work of art: Kevin admitted that it’s difficult to tell when one tattoo starts and the next one stops
Pricey: Kevin has spent $30,000 and 250 hours getting his entire body tattooed
Say what? Kevin said he has gotten discounts over the years, insisting his body art could have been far more expensive
Not bad: ‘Some people drop their jaws hearing that, but it’s actually a very good price,’ he said of the $30,000 he spent on his tattoos
‘I can’t count how many I’ve had since then. I always planned to cover whole body parts, so it’s hard to tell where one tattoo starts and the next one stops.
‘My back-piece took the longest. It goes from my neck to my knees and had to be done over twelve five-hour sessions.
‘I’ve always been friends with tattoo artists so I’ve had some good discounts over the years. I’ve spent roughly $30,000 and 250 hours [under] the needle.
‘Some people drop their jaws hearing that, but it’s actually a very good price. Nowadays, top tattoo artists have a way higher hourly rate.’
Due to a lack of space, Kevin has no plans to get any new tattoos anytime soon, but thanks to his newfound confidence, he’s now branching out into the music and acting industries.
Happy: The transformation has had a huge impact on Kevin’s relationship with his body and made him more confident
Rising star: Kevin’s newfound confidence has lead him to modeling, acting, and social media creation
New man: Kevin said his tattooed muscles have also helped him with dating
Total hunk: ‘For people who don’t like tattoos, I might be way too edgy, but I’d say most women find heavily tattooed men definitely more attractive,’ he said
Goals: Kevin said he is done getting tattoos for now and is looking forward to pursuing acting and music with his upcoming gigs
‘I used to suppress and distract myself from most of my thoughts about my body,’ Kevin said. ‘Now, I’m actually much more aware and critical but I try to be the best version of myself every day.
‘I have the confidence now to step out and show myself to the world which I never had before.
‘Whether it’s the tattoos or the newfound confidence, I’ve definitely had a better dating experience with more tattoos and more life experience. For people who don’t like tattoos, I might be way too edgy, but I’d say most women find heavily tattooed men definitely more attractive.
‘I have a lovely and respectful community of people supporting me online. They appreciate my tattoos even if they’re not a fan of tattoos in general.
‘I get the occasional nasty comment, but they’re very rare.
‘My tattoo projects are pretty much done now, but I’m excited to start expanding my other businesses. I’m soon going to play my first tour as a musician and I have my first acting gig in a feature film this year.
‘I think the most important thing is just do whatever makes you happy.’