Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Maria Long.
Hi Adriana Maria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Oh, man. Growing up in a highly conservative and religious family, the world of tattooing was entirely out of reach. The only tattooed person I knew growing up my grandfather, a proud Marine veteran of Korea and Vietnam. He had a colorful, traditional cobra that took up the majority of his arm. Despite family disapproval and his supposed regrets (which he never had), my fascination with tattoos began the first time I saw it. That curiosity was further fueled at around 13 when I first watched an episode of Miami Ink at my grandmother’s house. Seeing Kat Von D at work was mind-blowing. I remember thinking, “A woman can tattoo too? Like, this is her actual job?“
Middle and High School, I turned to creative outlets like writing and art to cope with the aftermath of undealt trauma. Although I felt drawn to the arts, my parents pushed me toward a ‘stable’ career – doctor, lawyer, etc. I knew I couldn’t go the med school route because I’m terrible at math and law school would be nothing like my favorite Law and Order so I went with what I knew best – literature. I decided to become a high school English teacher with the goal of impacting at-risk youth through storytelling, while continuing to make art on the side.
Junior year of college, amidst the pressures of home and studies, I got my first tattoo in secret – a decision I knew could estrange me from my family. It was a liberating moment – the first time I felt in control of my self and future. Eight or so months later, I walked through the doors of Jinxproof Tattoo in Georgetown, just outside of Washington D. C. and my life was forever changed. Misfits was playing on the stereo, traditional flash lined the walls. I did my second and third walk-in, which led to meaningful conversation with a tattoo artist named Tad Peyton who solidified my feeling that at last, I had found where I belonged.
Summer, following my senior year, my mother discovered one of my tattoos. I was promptly disowned and from that point on, there was no looking back. The following years were filled with odd jobs and continued struggles as I attempted to pursue a career in tattooing. My break came in 2016 through an offer to apprentice under Matt Womack, a phenomenal artist and tattooist in his own right, whom I met through my manager at Panera. This generous opportunity, which lasted 2.5 years, eventually led to obtaining my professional license in 2019. I owe my career to Matt, who has since opened Thirteen Roses Tattoo in Maryland Heights, MO.
Now, having worked at Self-Inflicted Studios in downtown St. Louis for nearly five years, my art – primarily in black and grey – draws inspiration from my personal interests including punk and hardcore music, Chicano culture, my love of Renaissance history and fantasy literature, Old Hollywood, and all things macabre. Tattooing has not only been a therapeutic journey, helping to heal the wounds of my past, but it has also introduced me to a new family, community, and the freedom to create without judgment. My journey, if you can call it that, has truly been ‘full-circle’, and I owe every bit of who I am today to those in tattooing that saw my passion and supported me along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My career has been a rollercoaster, to say the least, beginning with the disownment by my family and ongoing estrangement from my father, to obtaining a tattoo apprenticeship. However, the “struggles” were pivotal, as they laid the groundwork for the life I have now. I learned to appreciate the ups and downs as they came, but I would be lying if I said I remained positive over the years. I made several poor choices, felt unsure of my career choice more times than I can count, and at times I wanted to give up entirely. But now, when I look at my little home filled with love, tattoo flash and art, and how I am surrounded by a close-knit group of friends and a supportive shop family, I see everything little me dreamed of. All of this – all I am and have – I owe entirely to the magic of tattooing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Above all, tattooing is a service-based industry. I did just about everything when I started but as the years progressed, I found what I enjoy most: black and grey tattooing. Over time, I’ve honed my skills in black and grey, focusing on illustrative realism. I made the conscious decision in 2021 to showcase this preference in my online portfolio, which led to the clientele I have today. I suppose I’m “known for” combining fine line techniques with traditional tattooing fundamentals, but it more or less just happened the more I drew and tattooed.
What I’m most proud of is the understanding among my clients that for me, tattooing isn’t just a job – it’s a chance to engage with the community and share a part of myself through art. Tattooing allows for a unique connection between client and artist, offering an opportunity to be “present”, to share in mutual human connection, if only for a short while. To further that notion, I find fulfillment in being trusted with tattoos that hold significant emotional value for my clients, witnessing their personal growth, healing, and journeys of self-discovery.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the diversity of St. Louis. The city has a rich blend of cultures, reflected in our dining options, architecture, and arts and music scene. There are countless free activities, from the ever-changing exhibits at the St. Louis Art Museum and community-focused events at our libraries (SLPL) to independent music venues and outdoor festivals. In the warmer months, I enjoy the easy access to both urban life and nature – just a short drive takes you to great spots for hiking, camping, and floating. As a creative that runs on caffiene, I also like that we have a number of independent coffee shops open all hours. If you are looking for somewhere quiet to work, come downtown and check them out.
Washington Avenue, where I work, is flourishing with new family-owned businesses. Supporting local is key to community investment and something I would like to see better supported. The St. Louis tattoo scene is also (in my opinion) under-appreciated, filled with rich tattoo history, talented artists, and long-standing shops that care about the craft.
I know St. Louis is sometimes seen as unsafe, but downtown has so much to offer and is absolutely worth exploring. I encourage everyone to visit and experience the heart of our city, whether for events, sports, shopping, or tattoos. You’ll find there’s something for everyone here.
Pricing:
- Hourly Pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selfinflictedstudio.com/adriana-maria
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyvacantt/
