Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Byrne.
Hi Joe, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At the age of 32, I decided to leave corporate America, in the hopes of pursuing my dream of being a professional artist. I was tired of working in jobs that brought me little to no joy and wanted to do something for myself that would bring satisfaction to my life, something that I was passionate about but I was not prepared for the mental and physical abuse that would take place in order to do so.
Like many other artists pursuing a career as a tattooed, I was expected to spend all my free time at the tattoo shop while undergoing daily hazing rituals in order to “prove my worth” and “earn the right” to learn the sacred art form. In doing so I nearly lost everything dear to me, including my wife and newborn daughter due to the demands of the apprenticeship. After a year, I left with very little knowledge of how to tattoo.
Somehow my wife and I saw it through, although I was very frustrated because It had cost me so much of my life and dignity only now to have to learn tattooing on my own. We struggled for many years but as I worked in various shops, I began to learn and my clientele slowly grew.
In my earlier years, I had worked my way up the corporate ladder and served as a District Manager for Walmart. I found the skills learned from that experience paid off well as I employed the strategies I’d learned about running a business, being a professional and having outstanding customer service. Despite my lack of skill as a tattoo artist, my business grew because I treated my clients with Love and Respect. I focused on ensuring their experience was the very best I could make it.
Over the years I noticed that there were so many people like me that wanted to learn how to tattoo but had a difficult time finding anyone qualified that would be willing to teach the trade. What made this matter urgent was when I realized, with the lack of good education in the tattoo industry, there are innocent lives at risk of serious health issues. Things like nerve damage, skin disease and blood disease that can even cause death and most artists I have worked with have not received the proper education in order to protect their clients and themselves.
In 2020 I decided to do something about it. While on lockdown, I started a Facebook page called “FREE Tattoo tips, with Joe Byrne”. The group was formed as a way for anyone to ask questions about tattoo techniques without the hate and hostility that usually accompanies new artists just trying to learn. The group grew fast and in the past 2 years has grown to over 65,000 members. This inspired me to create a hands on way to teach tattoo. Although watching videos and asking questions online can be very helpful, there is no one in the room with you to critique your technique.
I spent 2 years researching and writing down everything a tattoo artist should know. I organized the research into a curriculum and this year started Raven Studio Apprenticeship Program. I now teach tattoo with purpose, in an environment of Love and Respect. The Apprenticeship is a 12-month commitment, in person, hands on and is designed for working adults. Rather than expecting our apprentices to commit all their spare time to “Prove they are worthy” we meet 2 times a week for 4-6 hours. This allows apprentices to enjoy other aspects of life such as family and friends, and even have time to work full time.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been an amazing journey so far but it has had many obstacles and challenges along the way. I spent 10 years slowly building clientele before finally opening our first Raven Studio, on the island of Oahu In November of 2019. Due to Covid-19, we were forced to close our doors just 3 months later and over that first year, we were only open for 6 months. It was a challenging time for sure but due to my AMAZING wife Kimsha we were able to keep the first Studio open during 2020.
In late 2020, after being closed for half of the year and worried that we might go out of business, we made the decision to double down. After doing some research on thriving economies, we moved to Utah and opened our second Studio in North Ogden.
It was a scary decision but one that saved us and our business. We have been received with Love and have been able to create a thriving business here in Utah. We continue to learn from our mistakes and grow from our failures, it is the only way to succeed and are excited to see how they will shape our future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After leaving corporate America, I attended the Art Institute of Dallas before my tattoo apprenticeship. I loved being an art student and have always enjoyed art as an emotional outlet. As a Tattoo Artist, I have chosen to specialize in black and grey realism but what sets me apart is the way I communicate with my clients and translate their story’s into tattoos.
I believe that tattoo is so much more than just a cool design on a body. To me, it represents who we are, a journal, a road map to our past, present and future. I believe that Tattoo is one of the most powerful ways for a human to not only express their individuality but to overcome hardships and remind us of who we are or want to be.
Because of this, I start by asking WHY. By knowing the reason why my client wants a tattoo, it allows me to connect with them on a spiritual level and gives inspiration to the art that I believe is impossible to achieve otherwise. In this way, my clients are connected to their tattoos deeply and no matter the outcome or how old the art becomes, they will always love it due to that connection.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Life is what we make it to be, so be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be you, for you and you will be happy every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.ravenstudiout.com
