The Team
Who We Are

Owners & Founders
Joe & Kimsha Byrne
Joe and Kimsha have been partners in love and business for the past 16 years.
Kimsha attended the Art Institute receiving a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts. Using this along with her analytical skills has been a critical part in developing the business infrastructure as well as keeping Joe in line, she’s the glue that pulls us all together.
Joe tattooed professionally for 15 years until he was unable due to health conditions and finally retired in 2023. He is now honored to pass on the knowledge of this sacred art form by founding RAVEN STUDIO TATTOO ACADEMY.
Joe and Kimsha started developing the academy in 2020. Wanting to help the growing number of people in the world that want to follow their dreams of becoming a tattoo artist.
“We are very passionate about finding ways to inspire and uplift people in all that we do. We brought this passion to Raven Studio Tattoo Academy by making it our mission to give anyone an opportunity to learn the art of tattoo in a structured, supportive and respectful environment.” ~ Joe & Kimsha

Instructor
Kenna Nieman
My name is Kenna Nieman, and I’m a queer, disabled tattoo artist. I’ve spent the past five years working in special education while pursuing a Bachelors degree of Regular and Special Education. Art has always been my passion, no matter what form it comes in, and through Raven Studio I’ve been able to make a career out of my passion.
Since I was five years old, I’ve been enamored by tattoos and the art of tattooing. I love that humans thousands of years ago not only made art, but created a way to carry it with us all our lives. Tattooing is a deeply emotional and connected experience, and my goal as an artist and a teacher is to create a safe and joyful environment for everyone to learn and thrive.

Academic Coordinator
Katina Johnatakis
As a tattoo artist and mentor assistant, I’m passionate about bringing your ideas to life through personalized, custom tattoos.
I enjoy exploring all styles of tattooing to create unique, meaningful pieces. I especially love realism, script/quotes, touch ups and using bold colors.
Your comfort and safety are my top priorities, and I ensure a highly sterile, professional environment throughout the entire process.
Whether it's a small design or a detailed, large-scale piece, I’m dedicated to making sure your experience is as positive and memorable as the art itself.

Marketing & Recruitment Manager
Lil Banks
I have always had a passion and a love for art of all forms. With that passion as my foundation, and many hours tattooing--and being tattooed myself--It confirms that I had found a way to make being an artist my career.
Being a Raven has forever changed my path. I am beyond honored to have the clientele who trust me, value me, and allow me to do what I love for the rest of my life. While being able to bring any concept to life for my clients; I have found my niche specializing in stippling, micro-realism, and introducing a modern, feminine take to Japanese traditional work.