Looking through my interviews, I’ve noticed a pattern, I can say that I have met my long time crushes. Wow, don’t go that far, I am not Robinson Crusoe and you have a very twisted mind. 🙂
I meant I had the opportunity to make the interviews possible with people I’ve admired on social media for a long time.
Cassandra Calin is one of those people I’ve followed on social media since I was in highschool. Now I really do sound like a stalker, I swear it is just my excitement talking.
I remember her comics on Tumblr (social media who?!) were trending every day because everyone was having a bad hair day or being too insecure to speak up to their crush.
What I’ve learned? Cassandra is a cool Romanian Wonder woman who knows how to use her passion to depict human lifestyle in illustrations.
Blogulcăutat: (me trying to be cool) Who is Cassandra Calin?
Cassandra Calin: In a few words, I have been a comic creator based in Canada since I was 10. I love what I do and I am a perfectionist. I overreact in my comics and I am really shy in real life. I believe everyone has a drama queen in his/her DNA. 🙂
Blogulcăutat: You mentioned that you moved to Montreal? Why Canada and not other countries?
Cassandra Calin: My parents wanted to move abroad and had to choose between Canada and Australia. We had family and friends already living in Canada so it was a comfortable decision.
It was quite easy for me to adjust, I already knew English and French was really straightforward. It didn’t felt like I was an outcast because in Canada there are a lot of immigrants which made me feel I am part of a community. Now Canada is home. 🙂
Blogulcăutat: How would you compare the educational system in Canada against the one in Romania?
Cassandra Calin: I was in fourth grade when I left Romania. I remember I had a teacher which scared me so much. Her attitude was so bad that I was worried she would snap at one point.
When I arrived in Canada, I was shocked. You could have a relaxed conversation with your teacher, you were pushed to explore your curiosities. It was the same when I attended University, I really enjoyed being in this educational system.
Blogulcăutat: What can you talk about for hours that when you talk about it, you light up?
Cassandra Calin: My passion for drawing! I think I’ve learned how to draw before I have learned how to talk. (she giggles) Now on a serious note, my parents were usually telling me off because I was drawing on the walls and on their furniture. I am thankful that they continue to believe in me and send me to an Arts School.
It is actually a funny story about how I developed the passion for drawing into comics. Along with one of my best friends we started making comics about our childhood in Romania. It was a funny way to keep in touch with our friends from Romania. Those drawings are kept well hidden and it became a popular inside joke with my close friends.
This made me think that I really enjoyed the idea of journaling and I started to create comics about my curly hair and my daily struggles. And people enjoyed it! I didn’t have high expectations and I was creating these comics just for fun.
Blogulcăutat: I’ve seen that you recently attended Comic Con, how would you describe the experience?
Cassandra Calin: IT WAS AWESOME! However, I describe myself as an introvert and I am not used to huge gatherings. I was assured that it would be a small crowd, but they had a really different perception on how a small crowd looks.(she laughs) But I really enjoyed the warm welcome from Lithuania and I had lots of fun.:)
Blogulcăutat: How long does it take to create a comic?
Cassandra Calin: Depends! I try to do two sketches per day, if I do not get distracted. Sometimes it could take longer and sometimes it could take less, that depends on how many ideas I have.
I usually work on my comics on my weekdays, I do not work under any tight schedule but I like to be in control with the amount of comics I make. I try to take my inspiration from every random thing because someone out there could have a bad day and my comics could help him go through the door.
Blogulcăutat: What apps do you use for your comics?
Cassandra Calin: Sometimes I make the sketch on a notepad and continue on Photoshop. It’s easy, accessible and it worked out really well for me. I have done many trials and errors until I discovered my style. Now my personal touch is the detailed frizzy hair with a mix of cartoon/realistic situations.
Blogulcăutat: What is your greatest achievement since creating comics?
Cassandra Calin: I am really proud to say I created a community. 🙂 The followers reacted so well and positively to the whole concept, I usually check the comments section and I can see people engaging with stories about their life. Plus I love that I make them laugh, we really need this in our life.
Blogulcăutat: How does social media benefit your project?
Cassandra Calin: Nowadays I feel that social media doesn’t help content creators like me and you.Instagram is changing the algorithms too often and I do not use Reels for my comics. I like to keep it old school. 🙂
Blogulcăutat: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Cassandra Calin: Still making comics! But I also want to develop my skills into graphic novels which would be a very different style than what I usually do. I do not like to make long-term plans, sometimes spontaneity can surprise you . 😀
Blogulcăutat: Any words for our readers?
Cassandra Calin: Take life in a light hearted way because we live in a strange period. Live your life to the fullest and don’t forget to laugh. 🙂
Blogulcăutat: One last question, which social media platforms do you use?
Cassandra Calin: You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my blog.
If you found this article enjoyable, be sure to explore other posts within the same category.
To stay updated and never miss an article, you can follow me on both Facebook and Instagram.
