Success Story with Scott D. Clary Mikhail Andersson - NYC's Most Wanted Tattoo Artist | From Broke Designer to $2,000/Hour Empire
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Aug 31, 2025 Mikhail Andersson, known as the "Michelangelo of the Tattoo Renaissance," has transformed tattooing into a luxury art form with his New York City studio, First Class Tattoos. He shares his journey from a struggling designer in Russia to charging $2,000 per hour for his intricate designs. In this conversation, he discusses the influence of classical art on his work and the impact of AI on the tattoo industry. Mikhail also reflects on navigating the challenges of establishing a successful business and the evolving cultural perceptions of tattoos.
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Early Tattoo Stigma In Russia
- Mikhail learned tattooing in Russia where tattoos were tied to criminal and biker culture and not recognized as a profession.
- He recalls getting stopped on the subway for his neck tattoo and facing social stigma in 2008.
From Design School To Tattoos
- Mikhail studied graphic design, pierced his ear against his parents' wishes, and gravitated to tattoo culture and motorcycle/heavy metal friends.
- He used college art classes and mentorship to shape his path into tattooing.
Learn By Copying Masters
- Copy masters to learn technical approach and internalize composition before developing your own style.
- Force apprentices to trace, then reproduce, to understand artists' decisions and balance.