Chris Nunez is one artist who is not just about talent; through experience and hard work, he has been able to distinguish himself from others. His works speak of his dedication and respect for the tattoo industry.
He is an American tattoo artist, reality TV star, and enterpriser who has been practicing his trade for over two decades. He appeared as the main cast on the reality TV show, Miami Ink where he showcased himself as an embodiment of talent and skills. Nunez serves as the owner of a Florida-based art studio - Handcrafted Tattoo And Art Gallery. Read up on fascinating details about him below.
Chris Nunez' Early Life
The ink aficionado was born on April 11, 1973, in Miami, Florida. He is of Cuban descent. Growing up in Miami, Nunez was drawn to the beauty that art embodies and desired to be a creator of such effects. Thus, he began painting graffiti in his teen years as he beautified many street walls with his extraordinary artistic skills. Interestingly, his father gave him a nudge in the right direction by giving him full support. He grew a special bond with him, which left him devastated at his demise when he was eighteen years old.
Following the absence of a fatherly influence in his life in his late teen years, Nunez began partying incessantly, thereby, leading a reckless lifestyle. The youngster who was once close to his family became rebellious and ventured into a life of independence. However, Chris Nunez turned a new leaf in his early twenties and then became an apprentice in a local tattoo outlet.
He started practicing things he believed would help him achieve his goal of a better and happier life. He engaged in sacred practices like using Shamanic Amazonian snuff - Rapé, as well as meditation, and praying with beads; thereby enriching his life and finding more fulfillment and peace than he had in previous years. This, also became an advantage to his career, as it helped enhance his love for the arts.
Meanwhile, Chris Nunez got obsessed with tattooing after honoring his parents by inking their names on his body, when he was just sixteen years of age. Thereafter, he decided to hone his skills as well as get accustomed to the rudiments of tattooing through apprenticeship.
He then traveled to Brazil, a few years later, where he spent four years developing his artistry in the field by working as a tattoo artist. More so, he traveled to Europe and several other countries before finally returning to his base; Miami, where he mostly built his career professionally and won a large fan base as well.
How Did He Become Famous?
Chris Nunez has become a big name in the tattooing community. During the early days of his career, despite opening a shop, he still juggled the trade with part-time construction work, although that was not to be for long. He then grew his art and developed his artistic skills and abilities in various styles, although the traditional Japanese Style remains his best-known genre.
He moved on to open a Florida-based art shop, Handcrafted Tattoo And Art Gallery in Fort Lauderdale, and later co-owned Love Hate Tattoos on Miami Beach with Ami James. His rise to prominence came about when he was featured on several reality shows that gave a nod to body art. He was a cast member of the TLC network's reality show, Miami Ink where his daily activities were displayed. During such time, Nunez garnered a huge fan base through the depictions of his amazing artistic skills. He is also known for being a judge on Ink Master alongside fellow tattoo artist Oliver Peck and rock musician Dave Navarro.
In addition, Chris is a partner of the media corporation Ridgeline Empire, which operates the subsidiaries Ink Skins and Upset Gentlemen. He also formed a collaboration with its animation studio arm that produced two animated series (Hoodrats and Toothians) which were released in 2014. He is also a mainstay on a Facebook community, The Tattoo Shop where some of the best tattoo artists display their artistry. Therein, he displays his new works as well as the new direction he seeks to take. Thus, building a massive fan following.
Despite being one of the best tattoo artists out there, Nunez remains humble. This is, of course, one of the many attributes that have endeared him to his fans. Chris Nunez who is an embodiment of talent and skills has a net worth that is estimated at $7 million.
Controversy
Although Chris Nunez has put a stop to the reckless and rebellious lifestyle he led as a youth, he hasn't stopped making controversial headlines on the news conduits. In the year 2014, the reality TV star was the subject of two major controversies. A lawsuit demanding unspecified damages was filed against him by Nicoletta Robinson, a former participant in Inks Master. She accused him and Oliver Peck of sexual harassment and unlawful retaliation during her time on the show.
Later in September 2014, Chris Nunez was arrested for driving under the influence of either drink or drugs, having jumped a stop sign. His mugshot was taken as he was jailed for two hours before being granted bail. In the subsequent years, he has managed to stay away from any controversy and has primarily focused on his creative works which have made him a household name in the United States.
The talented artist doesn't cut out the look of a family guy but, he has since proved his worth as a proud father to his beautiful daughter, Andreanne Kali. According to online sources, he also has a son named Anthony and was previously married to a woman called Carole-Anne Leonard who is reportedly the mother of his two kids.
She resides in California with his son while Chris Nunez stays in Miami with his daughter. He shares adorable pictures of his daughter on his social media handles and also spends quality time with her, despite his busy schedule. In June 2019, the two were sighted strolling the streets of New York City, enjoying their time together.
Furthermore, Chris Nunez has had a fair share of romantic relationships. In 2017, he was linked to actress, Marguryta Anthony who is best known for her role as an extra on Harry Potter. She is also recognized as the ex-girlfriend of the movie star, Daniel Radcliffe. While together as a couple, Nunez, who is very good with the inks, drew a tattoo of his name in Spanish on the inner thigh of the actress. Currently, the well-known enterpriser is single, and he is not linked to any romantic partner.