We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joe Byrne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Joe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I began my journey as many do, apprenticing at a tattoo shop only to leave it feeling lost and frustrated.
Reflecting on my experience, I would have spent more time to find a place that offered tattoo education in a structured and comprehensive way. It would have saved me so many years of confusion and struggle.
In the beginning, I thought the most essential skill would be the technique, and although it’s important in order to produce quality work, without a solid— ethical business practice technical skills mean very little. A lot of apprenticeships don’t offer much beyond how to tattoo leaving many artists struggling to make tattoo a profitable career. It can be very difficult to bridge the gap of hobby artist to profitable business ownership.
I now know the biggest obstacle along the path of becoming a professional in the tattoo industry isn’t finding an apprenticeship—it’s the absence of organized, comprehensive education.
Joe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey into tattooing set the stage for who I would become and how I would impact the Tattoo Industry. I realized over the years that many aspiring artists are exploited as free labor or mere entertainment, spending years trying to find someone—anyone to teach them only to waste many more years struggling to turn their dream into a profitable career.
It has been the driving force in the development of <b>Raven Studio Tattoo Academy</b> and the purpose for my book “<b>Drawn to Tattooing</b>: <i>an Inkspiring guide to starting your journey</i>”. My purpose is to empower anyone with a dream, to prove that you can no matter what anyone else says. We all have the power to achieve what ever we imagine it only takes believing you can.
At <b>Raven Studio Tattoo Academy</b>, we offer a comprehensive curriculum that combines technical skill development with ethical business practices. Our programs are designed to equip students with the necessary tools to transition from dreamers to successful professionals in the tattoo industry. In addition to our in person courses, we offer a hybrid online learning system that allows anyone in the world the ability to attend with realtime support.
In <b>Drawn to Tattooing,</b> I strive to demystify the process of becoming a professional and provide readers with a realistic perspective on what it takes to succeed in this field. The award-winning book encapsulates my experiences and insights, aiming to inspire and educate those passionate about entering the tattoo industry.
Our <b>Free Tattoo Tips with Joe Byrne</b> Facebook group, has over 63,000 members from around the globe. Ranging from aspiring artist, seasoned pro’s and a healthy mix of enthusiasts that come together to support each other and uplift one another in following our dreams.
What sets us apart is our inclusivity and open door belief in nurturing both the artistic and entrepreneurial aspects of our students, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel in all facets of the industry. Our commitment to fostering a positive and uplifting community is reflected in our personalized coaching and structured curriculum. We take immense pride in transforming our students dreams into a reality through our comprehensive academy that empowers the next generation of tattoo artists. Our goal is to continue inspiring and uplifting individuals, ensuring that our students not only gain a solid foundation of the craft but also uphold the integrity and professionalism that the industry deserves.
Through Raven Studio Tattoo Academy, Drawn to Tattooing, and Free Tattoo Tips with Joe Byrne, we aim to elevate the standards of tattoo education world wide, nurturing talent and passion within a framework of excellence and respect.
I invite anyone with a dream of becoming a tattoo artist to join our community, where they can transform their passion for tattooing into a fulfilling and successful career.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Absolutely! The mission behind my creative journey—and the foundation of Raven Studio Tattoo Academy—is to create a welcoming community where <b>ANYONE</b> can learn the craft of tattooing through comprehensive training and mutual respect. To elevate tattoo education and empower artists by providing the highest quality and innovative training. My goal is to ensure that aspiring tattoo artists receive not only technical training but also a strong understanding of ethics, cultural awareness, and professional standards.
I want to break down old beliefs that only the chosen few should be allowed to learn tattoo and eliminate the gate keeping barriers in the industry by making high-level education accessible and fostering a supportive community where artists of all levels can grow with confidence. I believe by providing high quality, hands-on mentorship, online learning with real time, live support for anyone across the globe, we can push the industry forward in terms of what tattoo education should be.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
That I have to please everyone. The fact is, it’s simply not true.
No matter how hard we try, it’s just not possible to make everyone happy. It’s taken years for me to overcome that need, to be accepted by everyone, but the moment I let that go I was able to fully embrace my true potential, and feel the peace inside that comes from doing what I am meant to do.
My way is paved…
You can discover more about my story at <i><b>www.drawntotattooing.com </b></i>
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.drawntotattooing.com
- Instagram: Ravenstudiout
- Facebook: Joesbyrne
- Linkedin: Joe Byrne
- Other: Www.ravenstudiout.com