Art imitates life. However, art is most often born in the places that we fear the most. In this episode of MercyCast, I had the honor of sitting down with the very talented tattoo artist and owner of First Class NYC, Mikhail Andersson. From the first moment we started talking, it was clear this wasn’t just a conversation about ink or murals—it was about the stories we carry, the pain we try to process, and the beauty we’re capable of creating in the midst of it all. Mikhail opened up about his journey as a tattoo artist in New York City—a place that’s as relentless as it is inspiring. We talked about what it means to connect deeply with people, even in the brief moments shared across a tattoo needle. Each tattoo becomes more than art—it becomes a marker of resilience, a memory inked into the skin, and often, a step forward in someone’s healing process. We also explored how urban spaces, when transformed through street art, become galleries of hope and defiance. And honestly, this conversation reminded me that art—in all its forms—isn’t just about expression. It’s about survival. It’s about connection. It’s about being seen. Highlights and takeaways from the conversation: Street art has the power to transform entire neighborhoods into spaces of resilience and beauty. Tattoos are more than body art—they’re often deeply personal symbols of life's pivotal moments. The act of creating art can help process emotional pain and foster healing. There's something uniquely therapeutic in the bond between an artist and their client. Living deeply—taking in both the highs and lows—can fuel authentic artistic expression. New York City will test you, but it’ll also grow you if you let it. Long-term success requires showing up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it. Having hobbies and creative outlets outside of work can be a much-needed lifeline. Human connection isn’t optional—it’s essential for growth and understanding. When we invest in what we love, unexpected doors begin to open. I walked away from this conversation reminded that we are all storytellers in some way—whether through words, art, or simply the way we choose to show up in the world. And when we take the time to really see each other, healing can begin. Thanks for being part of this journey. Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review. Follow Mikhail on Instagram.. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content