Top Tattoo Artists to Watch: The Steel Scene Edition

Looking for the most exciting and influential tattoo artists rising from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and beyond? These are the top tattoo artists to watch across the Steel Scene — creators pushing boundaries in realism, fine line, traditional, surrealism, blackwork, and anime-inspired ink. Whether they’re already booked out months in advance or quietly blowing minds in private studios, these names represent the pulse of modern tattoo culture in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Featured Artists (Top 10 Spotlight)

1. Matt Vaught – Orange County, CA (Steel Scene Spotlight Feature)

A biomechanical specialist with a futuristic flair, Matt’s layered ink style blends tech and biology in a way few can match.

Instagram: @mattvaughttattoos

Known For: Large-scale biomech sleeves and back pieces.

2. Cody Austin Montgomery – Ohio

Blending pop culture and realism, Cody creates nostalgic yet clean works with masterful saturation.

Instagram: @codyaustinmontgomery

Known For: Anime realism and bold color fusion.

3. Seth Holmes – Pittsburgh, PA

With a style rooted in realism and a presence in multiple high-end studios, Seth is redefining portrait tattoos in the Rust Belt.

Instagram: @sethholmestattoo

Known For: Portrait realism and black & grey.

4. Brett Herman – Denver, CO

Dark surrealist with an illustrative edge, Brett’s large-scale designs are both haunting and beautiful.

Instagram: @brettherman

Known For: Surreal sleeves and conceptual storytelling.

5. Codey Doran – Los Angeles, CA (Originally from the Northeast)

A fusion of mythic motifs and contemporary design, Codey’s work feels ancient and modern all at once.

Instagram: @codeydoran

Known For: Neo-traditional mythological themes.

6. Julia Oravets – Uniontown, PA

Dark feminine and horror-infused tattoos from a private studio with major cult appeal.

Instagram: @juliaoravets

Known For: Blackwork horror, occult symbolism.

7. Jake Karamol – Cecil County, MD

Social media-savvy and clean AF, Jake is one of the region’s most-followed artists for bold, readable tattoos.

Instagram: @jakekaramol

Known For: Script, traditional, and inspirational tattoos.

8. Travis Brown – Palm Beach, FL (Steel Scene Friend Feature)

A standout artist with smooth shading and a refined approach to cover-ups and realism.

Instagram: @travisbrowntattoos

Known For: Soft black & grey and refined cover-up work.

9. Cameron Scaccia – Belle Vernon, PA

Known for painterly realism and abstract color gradients, Cameron brings an artistic depth to each session.

Instagram: @cameronscaccia

Known For: Realistic floral work, abstract blends.

10. Sarah Altamare – Belle Vernon, PA

A rising force in fine line and ornamental work, Sarah combines structure and softness with elegance.

Instagram: @sarahtattooer

Known For: Fine line, dotwork, and sacred geometry.

Additional Artists to Watch

These names are heating up the Steel Scene and worth a deep dive:

  • Jake Steele – Belle Vernon, PA

  • Jeff Thomas – New Jersey

  • Ash Robinson – Lancaster, CA

  • Randy Burnham – Palm Beach, FL

  • Chase Nolan – Boca Raton, FL

  • Kris Masterson – Virginia

  • Eric Hochstadt – Deerfield Beach, FL

  • Bryce Jordan – Canonsburg, PA

  • Michele Estes – Bend, OR

  • Big Meas – Dayton, OH

  • Hannah Aitchison – Pittsburgh, PA

  • DJ Tambe – (Ink Master Winner)

  • Steve Butcher – Southern CA

  • Jon Nelson – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

  • Sarah Miller – Pittsburgh, PA

  • Ryan Clark – Pittsburgh, PA