Featured Creators of the Steel Scene
The visionaries, the rebels, the artists who make our region unforgettable.
The Steel Scene is powered by a growing movement of creators — tattoo artists, illustrators, musicians, oddities curators, vintage sellers, and visionaries crafting bold new culture across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, Maryland, and Virginia. This is our handpicked list of creators making waves, shaping scenes, and leading movements.
1. Jake Steele – Belle Vernon, PA
Tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Steel City Tattoo Shop, Jake Steele is on a mission to redefine creative culture in the Mon Valley. Known for bold realism and anime/neo-traditional hybrids, Jake is also building out a tattoo supply company, collectible marketplace, and multimedia empire.
Specialties: Realism, anime, blackwork
Instagram: @iamjakesteele
Website: steelcitytattoos.com
2. Sarah Altamare – Belle Vernon, PA
Fine line tattooist with a romantic, ornamental style, Sarah brings a soft but powerful aesthetic to every piece. Her detail work and personal style are pushing the envelope for female artists in the region.
Specialties: Fine line, floral, ornamental
Instagram: @sarahtattooer
3. Cameron Scaccia – Belle Vernon, PA
Illustrative realism meets abstract emotion. Cameron’s tattoo and fine art work blend surrealist textures with human energy — making him one of the most emotionally expressive artists in the region.
Specialties: Painterly realism, color gradients, abstract
Instagram: @cameronscaccia
4. Julia Oravets – Uniontown, PA
Dark surrealist tattooist with a cult following. Julia’s blackwork and occult designs are pushing boundaries across the Tri-State area.
Specialties: Horror, blackwork, occult
Instagram: @juliaoravets
5. Jake Karamol – Cecil County, MD
One of the most visible artists online, Jake combines powerful script work with bold fundamentals. A motivational voice in tattooing and creative discipline.
Specialties: Script, black & grey, motivation
Instagram: @jakekaramol
6. Corey Anderson – Palm Beach, FL / Steel Scene Regular
A traveling artist frequently seen in PA & WV, Corey specializes in large-scale illustrative and floral tattooing.
Specialties: Illustrative floral, fine line, custom
Instagram: @coreyandersontattoos
7. Matt Vaught – Orange County, CA (Steel Scene Ally)
Biomech visionary and supporter of Rust Belt tattoo culture, Matt’s work is like science fiction on skin.
Specialties: Biomech, organic surrealism
Instagram: @mattvaughttattoos
8. Michele Estes – Bend, OR / Tri-State Tours
One of the most technically gifted blackwork and fine line artists to pass through the region. Her guest spots in Pittsburgh & Altoona sell out fast.
Specialties: Dotwork, sacred geometry
Instagram: @micheletattoos
9. Bryce Jordan – Canonsburg, PA
Rising creator in the tattoo and digital art world — known for haunting imagery and stunning monochrome work.
Specialties: Monochrome realism, horror, digital
Instagram: @brycejordanart
10. Tyler Nolan – Boca Raton, FL / Steel Scene Guest
Renowned blackwork and sacred geometry artist with a massive following and roots that inspire Northeast creators.
Specialties: Blackwork, geometric, spiritual iconography
Instagram: @tylernolantattoos
Creator Index
Featured Creators: Next 20 Artists to Watch
11. Paul Acker – Bensalem, PA
Renowned for his horror realism tattoos, Paul Acker creates hauntingly detailed pieces that have garnered international acclaim.
Specialties: Horror realism, portraiture
Instagram: @paulackertattoo
12. Elijah Geschwindner – Lehigh Valley, PA
Founder of Famous Tattoo Works, Elijah specializes in customized and Japanese tattoo styles, bringing years of experience to his craft.
Specialties: Japanese, custom designs
Website: famoustattooworks.com
13. Madison Rae – Morgantown, WV
A micro-realism and fine line artist, Madison operates out of The Glass Factory, offering delicate and detailed tattoo work.
Specialties: Micro-realism, fine line
Instagram: @whatcha_inkin
14. Mina Strange – Charleston, WV
An artist and model, Mina brings a unique blend of creativity to her tattoo work, influenced by her background in various art forms.
Specialties: Custom designs, illustrative
Website: minastrangetattoos.com
15. Chris Powell – Columbus, OH
Owner of Thousand Oaks Tattoo, Chris is known for his realism tattoos and contributions to the tattoo community through his podcast.
Specialties: Realism, black and grey
Instagram: @chrispowelltattoos
16. Jen Love – New Philadelphia, OH
At Divine Ink Studio, Jen focuses on fine line tattoos, creating intricate and delicate designs for her clients.
Specialties: Fine line, minimalistic
Instagram: @__divineink
17. Jacob Gordon – Pittsburgh, PA
Known for his bold and colorful designs, Jacob brings a unique flair to his tattoo work, often incorporating traditional elements.
Specialties: Traditional, bold color
Instagram: @handshakesnaketattoos
18. Dave Wah – Baltimore, MD
Operating out of Stay Humble Tattoo Company, Dave specializes in vibrant, illustrative tattoos with a focus on composition and color.
Specialties: Illustrative, color work
Website: davewah.com
19. Ryan Kaufman – Damascus, MD
At Damascus Tattoo Company, Ryan offers illustrative and realism tattoos, bringing depth and detail to each piece.
Specialties: Illustrative, realism
Instagram: @ryankaufman_tattoo
20. Kirsten – Glen Burnie, MD
Working at Black Lotus Tattoo Gallery, Kirsten is known for her versatility and ability to tailor designs to her clients’ visions.
Specialties: Custom designs, various styles
Website: blacklotustattoos.com
21. Jesse Najera – Alexandria, VA
Owner of Old Town Ink, Jesse offers a range of tattoo styles, focusing on clean lines and personalized designs.
Specialties: Custom, line work
Instagram: @jessenajeratattoo
22. Kira Yamanashi – Virginia Beach, VA
Known as the Virginia Swamp Witch, Kira combines traditional tattooing with paramedical and cosmetic procedures.
Specialties: Traditional, paramedical
Website: virginiaswampwitch.com
23. Johnny Renteria – Virginia Beach, VA
At Studio Evolve Tattoo, Johnny specializes in custom tattoos, bringing clients’ visions to life with precision and artistry.
Specialties: Custom designs, various styles
Website: studioevolvetattoo.com
24. Fawn Baker – Columbus, OH
Based at RedTree Tattoo Gallery, Fawn is recognized for her fine line and illustrative tattoos, often inspired by nature.
Specialties: Fine line, illustrative
Website: redtreetattoo.com
25. Sharon Kissel – Columbus, OH
At Greystone Tattoo Company, Sharon offers a range of tattoo styles, focusing on creating meaningful pieces for her clients.
Specialties: Custom designs, various styles
Website: greystonetattoo.com
26. Jen Laskowski – Bradford, PA
Working at A.F. Sullivan Tattoo Gallery, Jen is known for her attention to detail and ability to create personalized tattoos.
Specialties: Custom, detailed work
Facebook: Jen Laskowski Tattoo Artist
27. Sarah Zeller – York, PA
Owner of Leaf and Arrow Tattoo, Sarah specializes in custom tattoos, offering both walk-in and appointment services.
Specialties: Custom designs, various styles
Website: leafandarrowtattoo.com
28. Jesse Smith – Richmond, VA
Founder of Loose Screw Tattoo, Jesse is celebrated for his vibrant, cartoon-inspired tattoos that showcase his unique artistic vision.
Specialties: Cartoon, illustrative
Website: loosescrewtattoo.com
29. K Alexandra – Beckley, WV
At Studio31 Fine Art Tattoo, K Alexandra offers upscale, custom tattoos, focusing on creating a personalized experience for each client.
Specialties: Fine art, custom designs
Facebook: Studio31 Fine Art Tattoo
30. Geo McCandlish – Baltimore, MD
Co-founder of Fruit Camp, Geo creates a supportive, inclusive space for queer and trans clients, offering tattoos that reflect personal identity.
Specialties: Inclusive designs, custom work
Article: The Guardian