In the world of tattoos, few artists have dared to combine humor and ink in a way that pushes boundaries and captivates audiences. Chris Trovador, the creator of Ink Addicted, a unique comedy show based on his life as a tattoo artist, has spent 15 years weaving together his passion for tattooing, music, and comedy into a creative tapestry that is unlike anything seen before. His journey from a shy apprentice to a show creator has been marked by struggle, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of self-expression.
The Beginnings
Trovador’s journey into the world of tattoos started as a child with a passion for drawing. From the moment he could hold a pencil, he was sketching characters like Bugs Bunny, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Ninja Turtles. Growing up as an only child in a strict, religious household, tattooing wasn’t exactly encouraged. Yet, after high school, inspired by the popular show Miami Ink, Trovador decided to pursue tattooing.
However, his path wasn’t a straight line. Before picking up a tattoo machine, Trovador explored the world of music, writing poems and producing beats, which eventually earned him a scholarship to the Florida Institute of Recording Arts and Technology. His time there taught him the art of live performance and sound engineering, lessons that would prove invaluable later in his career.
After working multiple jobs and facing financial instability, Trovador realized that his passion for tattooing had never faded. Armed with his sketchbooks, he approached several tattoo shops, only to be rejected—until Danny Wells at Stigma Tattoos gave him a chance. This opportunity marked the beginning of a new chapter in Trovador’s life.
From Music to Tattooing: How the Two Connect
Trovador believes that music and tattooing are two sides of the same coin. “You start with an idea or vision, and then you figure out how to make it real,” he says. Both forms of art require deep focus, a mastery of technique, and a drive to tell a story. For Trovador, both tattooing and music are about self-expression and connecting with people. These experiences in music helped him approach tattooing with a unique perspective—one that allowed him to blend his talents in ways that were far from conventional.
Tattooing & Comedy Fusion
While tattooing may have been his main career, Trovador was always the jokester. As an apprentice, he was initially focused on being taken seriously, but his mentor encouraged him to let his humorous side shine. “I’d joke around with clients, dance while I created a stencil, or even rap for them,” he recalls. His lighthearted energy made his clients feel comfortable, turning each session into an experience that was as fun as it was artistic.
One memorable moment stands out: “This older woman was nervous about getting her first tattoo. So I told her, ‘If it hurts too much, just squeeze my hand.’ Then, I pulled out a silicone fake hand that I practiced tattooing on. She laughed so hard the nerves disappeared,” he says. It’s these little moments of improvisation that eventually inspired Trovador to create Ink Addicted, where he fuses tattoo culture with stand-up comedy and live performances.
Recently, Trovador reflected on his involvement in the Melrose Film Festival as a guest panelist, discussing his creative process as both a writer and creator. His short film No Refunds, about a tattoo artist dealing with a client who can’t handle the pain, was showcased, and he was thrilled to work with the crew from The Only Productionz to bring his vision to life. ‘I’ve always been a big fan of Jackie Chan, so it was awesome to do some action stunts,’ Trovador added.
Overcoming Doubts & Struggles
Despite his success, Trovador faced doubt from fellow artists who didn’t understand his passion for comedy. “They would say things like, ‘Why the hell do you continue to do comedy? Stick to tattooing, man.’” Early on, the criticism stung, but Trovador kept pushing. As he began making waves in the entertainment world, the doubts of others only fueled his drive. “I realized people project their own insecurities. I’m more afraid of not living to my fullest potential than I am of trying something new,” Trovador explains.
One of his biggest challenges in creating Ink Addicted was writing the show itself. As a perfectionist, he struggled to narrow down years of funny anecdotes and tattoo-related stories into a cohesive performance. With the help of his director, Frank Caeti, Trovador was able to craft a show that blends comedy, tattooing, live art, and even moments of vulnerability. “Being emotionally open on stage in front of strangers is hard,” he admits, but it’s part of what makes Ink Addicted so powerful. The show is not only about the laughs—it’s about the human experience.
Ink Addicted: Bringing it Full Circle
In 2023, Trovador’s vision for Ink Addicted came to life, thanks in part to a sponsorship from The United Arts of Central Florida. The show became a hit, blending tattoo culture, comedy, and live performance into a unique and entertaining experience. “I wanted to create something that was evergreen, something I could perform for years,” Trovador says.
For Trovador, the ultimate goal isn’t just to entertain, but to elevate the intersection of comedy and tattooing. He sees social media trends forcing tattoo artists to create entertaining content, but Trovador is looking beyond the gimmicks. “I want to leave my mark on entertainment, to redefine the boundaries of comedy and tattooing.”
Looking Forward
After a successful international tour with Ink Addicted, Trovador reflects on how far he’s come. “Man, I was just relieved I survived the tour!” he laughs, recalling the intense preparation involved in taking his show on the road. One of the highlights came near the end of the tour when, despite spraining his ankle, Trovador powered through the pain to finish his performances. “I limped on stage, but as soon as the adrenaline kicked in, I forgot all about it.”
Fifteen years into his career, Trovador has successfully blended his passions for tattooing and comedy, creating something truly original. Through doubt, struggle, and relentless creativity, he’s redefined what it means to be a tattoo artist in the modern world. Ink Addicted is more than just a show—it’s the culmination of a life spent pushing the boundaries of art, humor, and self-expression.
Trovador’s journey shows us that when you follow your passions—no matter how unconventional—you can create something that resonates deeply with people and leaves a lasting mark on the world.
Find more articles like this, here!
