Jake Steele — Founder & Lead Artist

Jake Steele is the visionary behind Steel City Tattoo Shop — an artist whose style bridges realism, neo-traditional, and illustrative storytelling with bold precision and emotional depth.

Specializing in black and grey realism, fine line detailing, and anime-inspired work, Jake’s tattoos are grounded in clean technical execution and fueled by personal passion. His favorite subjects — movies, music, icons, anime, and animal imagery — are more than just inspirations; they’re the building blocks of deeply personal art that connects with clients on a soul level.

Jake is best known for turning nostalgic influences and pop culture references into timeless tattoos, all while maintaining a versatile skillset that includes cover-ups, lettering, and large-scale compositions. His work captures the heart of the story you’re trying to tell — whether it’s a haunting animal portrait, a legendary anime character, or an homage to the music that raised you.

Beyond the needle, Jake is a dedicated mentor, empowering the next generation of artists through hands-on apprenticeship and honest industry insight. Every piece that leaves his station reflects not just his experience and technical strength, but his deep love for the craft and the culture around it.

If you’re looking for a tattoo that speaks — Jake Steele is the artist who listens.