When AJ was discharged from the army in 1979, he began the process of covering himself from head-to-toe in intricate designs and colourful artwork.
His passion for body art meant he soon began his career as a tattoo artist, and he is well-known in WA for his attention to detail and love for his job.
After nearly 40 years in the industry, AJ said he had experienced his own struggles with mental health, both personally and amongst his loved ones, and decided it was time he gave back.
His Camillo tattoo parlour, King Tattoos and Piercings by AJ, has become the first WA studio to get on board the Tattoo for Scars project, which encourages tattoo studios around Australia to offer one free tattoo a week for those who have experienced self harm, who wish to cover the scars resulting from their trauma.
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The Scars Project was started by Brisbane artist Whitney Develle, and AJ first caught wind of the project while scrolling through Facebook one day in May.
"When I read about it, I thought to myself how many people do I know like this? I thought after nearly 40 years in the industry, it would be good to give something back," he said.
"I rang Whitney to ask her if it was alright with her, and it turns out we're the only ones in WA who have got on board. She said she was very happy for us to do it."
AJ has already had five clients since he began accepting people five weeks ago and had recently given a young woman a stunning dragonfly tattoo to cover up a self-inflicted scar on her upper leg.
"I also had a young guy in the other day and he'd brought in his own design. He's the only young guy that's come in so far, a lot of women tend to come in, but not very many men," he said.
"We chatted about what he wanted done, and then he asked me how much it was going to be.
"I told him it was going to be free and he was nearly in tears, he couldn't believe it."
AJ has made a point to ensure his clients are out of a self-harm cycle before he accepts them and hopes the project offers an incentive for people to try and get better.
"I haven't got a price limit but I'm pretty strict on it, I need them to be well out of the cycle before I consider taking them on," he said.
The most expensive tattoo he has provided to date was priced at $1200 and AJ said his studio would continue to accept clients up until December.
He would then consider a 50 per cent discount rate for self-harm sufferers, rather than a free piece.
"It's been really important to me to give something back to the industry and I'm happy we can be a part of this. It's a great idea by Whitney," he added.
If you or someone else needs help or support with mental health call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.