A bloke who calls himself the Neon Demon shared a sensational throwback photograph from eight years ago showing how different he looked without his trademark face tattoos

Neon Demon says his family ‘hates’ his tattoos (Image: neondemon.evangelion / Instagram)

A body art enthusiast who scoffed doughnuts daily to look like a tattooed Schwarzenegger shared a throwback picture from eight years ago.

Neon Demon, 29, said he doesn’t recognise himself in the snap that shows him fresh-faced.

by TaboolaSponsored LinkTransferable CertificatesUSSEC

And he described being an “unhappy alcoholic” when the selfie was taken back in 2015.

The photographer, from Florida, posted the image on Instagram and said: “Don’t even recognise myself.”

One fan wrote “so cute” to which Neon replied: “I look so different back then.”

How the man who calls himself Neon Demon looks now (Image: neondemon.evangelion / Instagram)

Another asked if he missed the old look – and he answered: “Nope I like who I am.

“I was an alcoholic at that time and very unhappy so no I do not miss being that person.”

A third follower simply added: “Whoa.”

Neon has more than 200 designs etched into his skin and he first started tattooing his face after the tragic death of his girlfriend, Courtney, who died in a motorcycle crash.

But his obsession with ink caused friction in his own family with his parents imploring him to “pray for God’s help”.

Other extended family members ceased contact entirely.

The throwback photo from 2015 (Image: neondemon.evangelion / Instagram)

But, speaking to Daily Star last month, Neon explained he’s never felt better since embracing the gym three years ago.

He was inspired to get as strong as possible because of a loathing he had towards his thin frame.

“Oh the difference is world’s apart,” he told us.

“For me, I learned a lot about myself in the gym and feel as if I’m better able to connect with people and love everyone around me better now.

“When you feel weak and insecure about your own body, you’re less focused on those around you and less inclined to care about the struggles of others.

He credits his inked eyeballs for making him more sociable (Image: neondemon.evangelion / Instagram)

“I feel so much more open and less anxious about everything. I’m excited to wake up and hop out of bed.

“Every day is a gift to me now as opposed to before when every day just felt like the last and any menial labour or hard work I had to get done felt like a chore.”

Neon, who also said his blacked out eyeballs have helped him be more sociable, is also scoffing doughnuts to achieve his dream body.

He laughed: “Yes it is true actually, at least four days out of the week.

“I’m gobbling up a new box of doughnuts and the reason for that is bulking. I really like doughnuts, they’re my favourite sugary treat and I am trying to load up on carbs as much as possible currently.

“I make sure to mix it with only healthy food throughout the day though. So doughnuts are my cheat meal of the day.

“The doughnuts are not a permanent staple of my diet either, I do plan on cutting at some point. I’m just enjoying the bulk while I can.”

He encourages people who object to tattoos or body modifications to be kind (Image: neondemon.evangelion / Instagram)

And despite being ridiculed by trolls for his extreme aesthetic, Neon believes such mockery is more of a reflection on others.

He explained: “Everyone is going through their own journey and life can be long and hard. Be kind and open-minded.

“Just because you may not approve, doesn’t mean that person can turn back time or will just stop existing.

“People tell me I’ve ruined my life, but what should one reply to that?

“We may only move forward and try to live our lives the best we can, finding joy where we can and spreading love.

“I am happy with myself, who I am inside and out. Show love to others and love yourself.”