Grigoriy Mirzoyan’s fate is a classic “new American” story, rewritten for the modern realities of the tattoo industry. A former software engineer from Ukraine, whose career and plans in his homeland were shattered by war, he has not only assimilated into the USA but has made a dizzying ascent in one of the most closed and conservative creative fields. Today, his name appears on the judging panels of major festivals, and his studio, Life Needle, occupies a prestigious address in the heart of Manhattan’s financial district.