Tattoo artist Samira Pinto shares perspective of her craft
Guide to Greater Tampa Bay reached out for an interview with local tattoo artist Samira Pinto, owner of Sacred Journey Tattoo. Check out Pinto’s unique perspective on the tattooing experience and how she sees her role in the world as a professional wielder of the needle.
What inspired you to become a tattoo artist?
Drawing all over myself and my friend’s arms since middle school! I actually have a bachelor’s in International Studies, but I felt the jobs I was finding were too corrupt for me to truly be able to make a change.
I decided to merge my love for art, people and spirituality to spread positive vibes and healing in my own way.
How would you describe your art style?
I am definitely a visionary artist. I like to play around with concepts of spirituality, quantum physics and multi-dimensionality.
I tend to merge nature and sacred geometry in order to connect the different realms by bringing to light the divine beauty behind every leaf, tree, flower and animal.
What were some of the greatest obstacles to starting your own business in Tampa?
Making the decision to do so. Paperwork and licenses are always an interesting challenge to figure out, but if you just do your research, stay organized, take one step at a time and ask Divine Source to guide your path, everything will line up.
What do you think about the claim that tattoos are “just a fad?”
Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. It is one of our oldest art forms. In the Pacific Islands, they found a tattoo pattern believed to be about 4,000 years old. It is not new, it is not a fad, and it is definitely not going anywhere.
Tattoos can be powerful representations of our ancestry, culture, individuality, loved ones, self-love, symbols for powerful healing or manifestation… You can even cover up painful pasts and scars with magical art.
Have you ever tattooed yourself?
Yes! It’s pretty interesting and fun to be on both sides of the process.
Have you ever, as a client, had a negative tattoo experience?
Luckily, I have not. I can say that when I do cover-ups, it is often because the customer wasn’t listened to by the artist, or they felt too intimidated to approach them about their ideas.
I’ve also heard stories about people not wanting to do certain fonts or deciding for the client what they would like to tattoo on them, not taking the customer’s ideas into consideration.
How has this impacted the way you go about your own work in the studio?
This has greatly impacted my work because I have made a promise to myself to do my best to listen whole-heartedly to people and always at least try their ideas on the iPad to see if it flows well or not. By doing this, both the customer and I are able to decide the next steps and best artwork for their body.
On your website, you and co-artist Adam Graffeo can be found under “Art Healers.” Can you talk a little bit about art healing?
Healing through art is a very powerful and beautiful gift that we can do for ourselves. Everything is energy — therefore, it has a frequency.
Adam and I work very hard to make sure that we maintain our own individual physical, mental, spiritual and energetic health. This way, we can be sure to inject good vibes along with the ink. If we are happy, healthy and peaceful, we can share those very vibrations with our customers and help spread peace and love in the world through our work.
Your style and energy seem to have infused themselves into the walls of your studio. How would you say this impacts your daily process and your ink work?
When it comes down to my studio, I wanted to provide a safe, peaceful, non-judgmental space for my customers to be able to connect deeply with the ink work being done. Whether the intention of the tattoo is healing, celebration or remembrance, I wanted the space and atmosphere to be malleable for each situation and client.
Each person is an individual, and I am happy to connect with their current vibe. For example, if a customer is remembering and mourning a loved one, I will light candles and incense and welcome their loved one’s spirit to keep us company for the beautiful process of tattooing. If the customer is celebrating a birthday, the energy and atmosphere will be completely different.
As an artist, my mission is to create and tattoo a work of art that will enhance my customer’s life and make their heart shine. In order to create the space for this, I need to be patient, thorough, organized, mindful and clean. I try to give the customers time to decide if their stencil and placement are perfect before we even begin.
I work on my own constant growth and healing each day, which brings me peace and happiness so I can do my best — and I offer this knowledge for anyone curious in the matter. I’m happy to hear, each and every time, when people tell me they feel happy and at home in my studio. It always makes my heart glow.
Tattoo artistry can be an intimidating profession for newcomers. Looking back on your own journey, what advice would you give aspiring tattoo artists?
Believe in yourself! Practice drawing, painting and any art form you can get your hands on. It will teach you patience, precision, hand strength and steadiness.
Make sure you love drawing because it becomes your whole life. Please do this beautiful art form for the love of art, not the ego. Listen to people, work from the heart, do your best and never place the value of money over that of a happy human being. This change of mentality will help us all grow together as humans and help us support one another from the heart.
Remember, whatever you feed time and love to will grow!
By Drew Mortier
