Jake Steele – American Tattoo Artist

Founder of Steel City Tattoo Shop | Pennsylvania-Based Tattoo Innovator

Jake Steele – American Tattoo Artist in Pennsylvania

Tattooing with Purpose, Precision, and Passion

Jake Steele is an American tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and creative leader based in Monessen, Pennsylvania.

With over a decade of professional experience, Jake has earned national respect for his black and gray realism, fine line work, and his vision to reshape the tattoo industry through culture, education, and integrity.

He is the founder and lead artist at Steel City Tattoo Shop, and the creative force behind brands like Tattoo Addict HQ, The Steel Scene, and Mon Valley Vault.

Building a Tattoo Legacy in Pennsylvania

Jake’s journey began not with a machine in hand, but with a mission:

“To turn the tattoo industry into something more than art — to turn it into impact.”

  • 10+ years of experience in the tattoo industry

  • Founder of Steel City Tattoo Shop (Monessen, PA)

  • Creator of multiple community-driven platforms for artists and collectors

  • Known for clean, custom, story-driven tattoos rooted in client connection

  • Featured at over 30 major tattoo conventions including Golden State, Evergreen, and Pittsburgh Tattoo Expo

Signature Tattoo Styles

Jake is known for his ability to adapt to any canvas, but his signature work specializes in:

  • Black and Gray Realism – Deep, emotional storytelling through shading, portraits, and contrast

  • Fine Line Work – Clean, elegant minimalism with high detail and perfect placement

  • American Traditional & Neo-Traditional – Bold saturation with a timeless, modern flair

  • Cover-Up Tattoos – Transforming regret into renewal through artistic restoration

Every tattoo Jake creates is built around the client’s intention and energy — no trends, no shortcuts, just personal artwork that lasts.

Creator. Teacher. Visionary.

Jake is more than a tattooer — he’s a visionary force building something bigger than a brand.

Through his ecosystem of tattoo and culture-focused platforms, Jake is:

  • Preserving the sacred energy of tattoo culture

  • Educating young artists on industry ethics, growth, and style

  • Creating resources for clients, artists, and collectors worldwide

  • Disrupting outdated norms to bring tattooing into its next evolution

Featured Projects & Brands

  • Steel City Tattoo Shop – High-end walk-in + appointment tattoo studio (Monessen, PA)

  • Tattoo Addict HQ – Tattoo gear reviews, educational content, and aftercare guides

  • The Steel Scene – Local creative directory and Mon Valley tattoo culture archive

  • Mon Valley Vault – Curated listings of the region’s best tattoo shops, artists, and hidden gems

  • IamJakeSteele.com – Personal home for Jake’s artwork, mission, and long-term vision

Connect with Jake Steele

Want to collaborate, book a tattoo, or follow the mission?

• Instagram: @iamjakesteele

• Facebook: Jake Steele Tattoos

• Email: info@iamjakesteele.com

• Shop: Steel City Tattoo Shop

Official Bio (for features, press, or indexing):

Name: Jacob “Jake” Steele

Profession: American Tattoo Artist

Location: Monessen, Pennsylvania

Active Years: 2010–present

Founder of: Steel City Tattoo Shop, Tattoo Addict HQ, The Steel Scene

Specialties: Black and Gray Realism, Fine Line, Cover-Ups, Traditional

Known For: Cultural innovation, precision tattooing, and artist mentorship