Meet Roman Casillas | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roman Casillas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roman, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was an artist before co-owner at the first and only studio I worked. Istari Studios, owned and operated by a veteran artist named Jim Quinn II. After working about 4 years for the studio, I was presented with the opportunity to buy in as co-owner. I’ve always been a business oriented person and have ambition, the drive to become the best that I can be in whatever setting I choose to be in. I think Jim knew I’d be a great asset for the industry and studio. While working 14+ years in the behavior health field I knew it was time to make a change and do what I loved best. Art. I paint, draw and was lucky enough to learn the art of tattooing in the interim, which I fell in love with. After realizing I was working two other jobs and at the studio for three years before making it my full time career. Hard work and perseverance made for a great combination when I was given the opportunity to be a part of a great foundation and business. We have an amazing hand picked crew and strive for an atmosphere and experience our clients will not forget. That was my goal when I first stepped in and it continues to the fullest as the industry changes constantly with new innovation and the Caliber of artists that are out there. I just wanted a place where everyone was comfortable and can get the best of us as humans and artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What can I say about my art. I’ve always tried to do things differently. Most of all in different forms. Music, photography, fine art, and writing. I found that I can express and articulate better through art. I am a vocalist in my band Tides. That’s a whole other outlet that I never knew would help ease my mind. Most of my art has reflected on emotion. I’ve been through a lot, done a lot and have seen a lot. Some bad some good. I love what color can do to a photo or a piece of art. Want it makes you feel as a viewer or listener is every artists wants. I try and push as much emotion as creativity into my artwork. Painting in acrylic has been my go to once I learned “how to”over time. I say how to because I’ve never been professionally trained per say. When I was younger I was awarded grants and scholarships to summer art programs but never thought it as a career. I think I got where I’m at by not giving up. I was kicked down, pushed away, used and told I wasn’t good enough when it came to careers. I found a career at the time that was not only rewarding but in most cases in the industry, self healing. The Behavior health field did a lot for me. Made me realize I needed to live my own goals. As I was monitoring and mentoring the lives of children whom have been living through a nightmare. Broken homes, physical and sexual abuse, drugs and violence. I found greatness in each and every one of those kids. Even though they said not to, most of them just needed a big hug. At the end of that career I was open to making a change through art. I became an art therapist after years of in and out education and training in the field. What an outlet for these kids and some adults even. Who knew I was doing this the whole time myself. While in the process of all this, I was getting tattooed by the one and only Jim Quinn II. After years in the making, I squeezed my way in as tattooing became a full time interest. I asked for an apprenticeship and was denied at first but was given a shot at a once in the life time opportunity. Jim and I met up after an “in home” tattoo came to his attention that I did. (Not recommended) haha he said why aren’t you working in a shop? I then asked myself the same question. A week later an opening came about at his studio and I’m the first person he contacted. Pointed to my station and said there you go. I see potential and I’ll guide you through when needed. I’m sure there was more said but I haven’t stopped since. I was smart and worked two other jobs while working at the studio to make ends meet. Slowly, they dwindled down to building enough clientele to just tattoo. I know there were several people in the industry whom look down on you as a self taught artist. I made it a point to make myself better as I was looked at different. Now, I hope I’ve earned the respect with not only my fellow artist but as a whole In the industry. There are so many self taught artist out there killing it. I can only hope they keep getting better and bettering themselves not only as artists but humans. Through this process of eliminating what wasn’t for me, I found a true love in what I do. I get to meet amazing clients and have built a foundation for myself that I’m extremely proud of. I feel like my behavior health background made me better with people. Meeting top artist around the world only make me want to learn and strive to get to that caliber of art. I feel it was all “meant to be” as time has proven itself over and over. As cliche as it sounds, put your mind to it and it will happen.. something I will always push on my son. Let him know that whatever he chooses in life’. Just put your All into it. It’s not an easy road but I’ll at least it will give him some optimism for his future. All in all, I think I’ve built a career that allows me to be me and to share that with everyone I can is what makes me happy. Istari studios strives on customer service and walking into our studio gives you a modern, clean atmosphere that you can feel at home in. We are all artist before tattoo artist. We all have families and only want the best for each other. We are a family in its own.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok, so not to brag. But… Istari is in a prime location. Right in the heart of downtown Tucson. Congress St! food and music. Tucson is definitely a foodie kind of town. Some of the greatest Mexican food you’ll ever taste. I work across the street from a restaurant called the Hub. Great atmosphere and food.. and it’s across the street. There is everything on Congress st. Famous music venues Realto and club Congress. Cafe Luce and berry greens some of my favorites. There are also a slew of one of a kind bars like the Delta. But there is something for everyone’s taste. Downtown has a lot to offer but I live 30 min away from it all where a quick drive will take me to Mt lemon for cooler temps as you know AZ can be quite a burn in the summer. Sight seeing and hiking is my thing. Catalina trail hikes and Agua Caliente walks when there’s no mosquitos. We are so close to Colossal cave and other national monuments. Not to mention leaving for a short drive to close lil towns like bisbee and tombstone. Tucson is a gem..

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jim Quinn II – business partner

Priscilla Borbon – mom / nothing but love and backing me up for whatever decision I make.

Website: Istaristudios.com

Instagram: Elchangofeo

Linkedin: Roman Casillas

Facebook: Roman Casillas

Yelp: Istari studios LLC

Other: My band Tides_520 All major streaming services Just sayin.. haha