TATTOO U : Tomi Cassandra

 Tomi Cassandra 

1. First off thank you for taking the time to speak to the metal times.

please tell us your name and what you do for a living.

My name is Tomi Cassandra and I am a tattoo artist! 

2. So obviously this is an interview regarding tattoos, let's talk about your art and why it is important to you.

Art has always been important to me because everyone has a means of expression, mine was always art. Though outwardly I have lots of friends I always felt like a lone wolf and I found art to be my best friend and a way to feel like I expended my extra emotion. As a teen we harbor loads of emotions so to have a healthy way to express them was very important to me in my formative years. 

3. What made you want to get a tattoo? And how many people told you not to do it? And did it make you think twice?

I always looked up to people specifically women with tattoos because I relate to women’s struggle like in the 90s how it was said to not be ladylike to have tattoos. I got my first one at fifteen and went buck wild. I was never really a lady more of a tomboy so anything that made me less ladylike was my favorite thing. 

5. What was your first piece? how did you pick it out and was it done professionally(where) or underground? (where)

My first piece like I said was when I was fifteen my friend's dad did tattoos out of his house with what seemed like fifty chihuahuas  (I love chihuahuas) I got a butterfly which my mom suggested. I still don’t like it because it was very much not me. I quickly went back and got a full chest piece, my mom was not amused when she realized I was wearing sweaters in summer and found my chest piece. 

6.were you scared about the pain or the consequences more?

None of the above. If you want something then those things shouldn’t hinder you from having what you want. Like I relate tattoos to children because it’s a decision that lasts a lifetime. And it’s very painful to go through but the outcome is what you should focus on. 

7. How has your art hurt or helped your career or has it hindered anything that made you wish you didn’t have it?

Art always helps with tattooing that’s like saying someone is a chef but thinks food is hindering their ability to grow. 

8. Are you about a story with your pieces or are you just into cool art? In other words, does your skin tell a story

I have many tattoos I consider “bookmarks” but they aren’t specific to the memory usually. When moving on in my life I don’t feel like I should immortalize the memories  if they’re supposed to pass rather reminisce and move onward. 

9. Is any of it about extremity pain/pleasure or is it more expression

Expression always but the pain is a rite of passage. I, however, have trouble tattooing someone’s comfortably if I know they’re in a lot of pain. It’s important to know your boundaries and not push your body past it’s limits. That is an agreement and respect between the artist and canvas. 

10. Is there an end game? When do you think you will be finished

I don’t ever want to be finished. This job keeps you on your toes and you can constantly learn. If you’re already planning an end game maybe you’re not as passionate as you think about your job. 

11. What is your number one favorite tattoo and why?

 

This is a big question because I love lots of styles but black work and black and grey realism are my favorite by far. 

12. How do you feel about getting a partner’s name or initials? Is the curse real?

To each their own I have a few exes tattoos that we got matching but never names. I feel like people should live in the moment and make mistakes and love hard because at the time it’s what makes them happy and I’ll be here to cover it up if it goes otherwise. 

13. Do you have and if so are you willing to admit you have a barbed wire band tat?

No I don’t. And I don’t think thats in the table got my future.