Convention Connection: After 27 Years Tattooing, Poch Went Back to Being a Tattoo Apprentice
Edward “Poch” Best came up in the Bronx in the early ’90s as a Black man trying to break into tattooing. He says people like him weren’t allowed in the industry back then. He even got beaten up by Hell’s Angels. He taught himself to tattoo and built a reputation as one of the most respected realism Tattoo Artists around.
Then, more than 20 years in, he admitted something hard: he’d gotten too comfortable and too egotistical. So he stepped back and spent almost two years as an understudy to a Tattoo Artist with just seven years in the industry. He calls it the best thing he’s ever done. Chico Cortez, his brother from another mother, sat down with Poch at the Empire State Tattoo Expo in New York for Convention Connection.
Key Takeaways
His come-up: As a Black Tattoo Artist from the Bronx in the early ’90s, Poch faced real physical danger and taught himself to tattoo.
His growth: Working in California alongside Nikko Hurtado, Abrego, and Carlos Torres pushed him to develop new techniques.
His humility: After 20-plus years, he studied under realism Tattoo Artist Steve Butcher for almost two years.
His take on the industry: He loves how young Tattoo Artists are pushing techniques, but says respect for the people who paved the way is disappearing.
His advice: Everyone needs to be more open-minded, from OGs to newcomers.
Who Is Poch and Why Did He Go Back to Being a Tattoo Apprentice?
Poch is a realism Tattoo Artist with 27 years in the industry. He’s from the Bronx and now lives in Arizona, which he plans to call home for good. He’s traveled everywhere he can think of, but Arizona is where he found happiness.
A hard road in
Poch says coming up in the early ’90s was rough, especially as a Black man trying to make a name for himself in tattooing. He says people like him weren’t allowed in the industry at the time. He was beaten up by Hell’s Angels. Because of that, he takes tattooing very seriously.
He could draw and use colored pencils well, but tattoo technique was all self-taught. He developed as he went along.
Leveling up in California
Poch got the chance to work in California with Tattoo Artists like Nikko Hurtado, Abrego, and Carlos Torres. Surrounding himself with that talent helped him develop new techniques and a different style. He realized, for example, that he hadn’t understood depth of field.
Choosing to start over
More than 20 years into his career, Poch was working at a tattoo studio when he realized he’d gotten complacent. “Too egotistical,” he admits. “I’m going to be real.”
He decided to take a step back and humble himself. Steve Butcher, a realism Tattoo Artist, had been in the industry about seven years, but he had a different approach. So Poch stopped what he was doing and spent almost two years as his understudy.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done, bro,” he says.
Chico says that decision shows how humble Poch is. He calls Poch one of the most talented Tattoo Artists he’s ever seen come up through the ranks.
Why Does Mentorship Matter Even After Decades of Tattooing?
Poch’s story shows that even top Tattoo Artists can get stuck. He had decades of experience, but a Tattoo Artist with a different approach still had something to teach him.
He also believes in learning from the people who came before. When he was coming up, he made a point to learn who Tattoo Artists like Mark Mahoney and Jack Rudy were. He educated himself on who paved the way, and he still pays them respect.
Today, he says, many newer Tattoo Artists don’t bother. “You don’t have to know me,” he says. “But understand who paved the way for you.” He sees people skipping seminars and learning from YouTube instead, without understanding why those pioneers matter.
Chico takes some responsibility. He thinks OGs gatekept too much instead of explaining. Back then, older Tattoo Artists even criticized Chico for teaching too many people. Poch agrees, but says it goes both ways. Younger Tattoo Artists also need to listen. “It’s hard to understand and listen if you’re talking,” he says.
Pro Tip: Poch’s lesson is simple. When you feel too comfortable, it may be time to become a student again.
What Is the Convention Connection and Why Do Tattoo Conventions Matter?
Convention Connection is Ink Different’s interview series filmed at tattoo conventions. Poch says conversations like this are exactly what the industry needs.
He says quick social media videos often paint OGs as people who just complain. Longer, real conversations help younger Tattoo Artists understand why. He loves that Convention Connection isn’t staged and asked Chico to keep it going.
Poch says conventions are still needed. He’s been doing them so long that he’s thought about stopping, but people tell him to keep coming back. Before, clients rushed to book him because he was rarely in town. Now, with so many conventions, they figure he’ll be at the next one.
Chico sees a slow movement back toward the old convention culture. He remembers some shows being ghost towns just two years ago. He also has ideas to make them better:
Cater to Tattoo Artists, without spoiling them. He suggests meet-and-greets.
Make Thursdays matter. He remembers when Tattoo Artists hung out on Thursdays. He suggests mandatory Thursday setup, maybe with a cheaper booth rate and a pre-party.
Show up fully. He says some Tattoo Artists arrive late and leave early on Sunday, leaving paying visitors walking past closed booths.
Poch admits he showed up late on Friday himself. But he agrees he’d love conventions to feel more like family. He rarely gets time with Chico, even though they’re close.
Why Is It Never Too Late to Learn in the Tattoo Industry?
Poch went back to learning after more than 20 years. That’s proof the door never closes.
He’s also excited about what newer Tattoo Artists are doing. He loves seeing new techniques and young Tattoo Artists pushing the envelope. At the Empire State Tattoo Expo, he saw Tattoo Artists just two years in doing work he admires. He says it’s easier now. You don’t even have to be an artist first, because the tools and applications help so much.
Chico points to an entitlement problem among some newer Tattoo Artists. He believes if they were more humble and accepted that OGs opened the doors, everyone could meet in the middle.
On AI, Poch has a clear view. He’s for what it can help with, but not for it replacing his everyday work. Tattooing is still a human craft, which is why Tattoo Artists are still essential.
How Can You Keep Growing as a Tattoo Artist at Any Stage?
Step 1: Be honest about your ego. Poch admitted he’d gotten too comfortable. That honesty started his growth.
Step 2: Learn from anyone with a different approach. Steve Butcher had far fewer years in the industry, but Poch still learned from him.
Step 3: Surround yourself with great Tattoo Artists. Working with Nikko Hurtado, Abrego, and Carlos Torres helped Poch develop his style.
Step 4: Know your history. Learn who paved the way, like Mark Mahoney and Jack Rudy.
Step 5: Stay open-minded. Poch believes everything will be fine if everyone is more open-minded.
Step 6: Take care of yourself. Right now, Poch is focused on sharpening his skills, keeping his mental health on track, and taking care of his physical health.
Step 7: Master safety. Every Tattoo Artist must follow the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard.
What Does the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship Include?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is an 18 to 24 month, four-phase tattoo apprenticeship that takes beginners to job-ready Tattoo Artists.
Ink Different has trained Tattoo Artists for 15 years. No prior art experience is required.
Four-phase structure: From fundamentals to supervised client work.
Hands-on mentorship: You learn in person from experienced Mentors inside a working tattoo studio.
Licensing support: Guidance through your state’s requirements.
A guaranteed job offer: You’ll receive a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.
This is a career that comes with confidence. You’ll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is available at 60+ tattoo studios nationwide.
What Is the Master Mentorship Program?
Ink Different’s Master Mentorship connects Tattoo Artists with Master Mentors, including Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, Jordi Pla, Marcel Oliveira, and Kara Gutierrez.
Poch’s story is exactly what Master Mentorship is about. Even experienced Tattoo Artists can break through a plateau by learning from someone with a different approach.
Working Tattoo Artists can also help shape the next generation. Learn about becoming an Ink Different Mentor at inkdifferenttattoos.com/affiliate.
How Does Ink Different Make Tattoo Training Accessible?
Ink Different offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego.
Poch came up at a time when the industry wasn’t open to people like him. Ink Different’s “Good Humans” culture is built on the opposite idea: a supportive community where everyone has a fair shot to learn.
Ready to Become a Tattoo Artist?
Edward “Poch” Best survived a brutal come-up, taught himself to tattoo, and became one of the most respected realism Tattoo Artists in the game. Then he chose to be a student again.
He hasn’t lost his fun side either. At the convention, he was tattooing a Woody piece. He calls himself a nerd who still eats cereal and drinks juice boxes, and he embraces never separating himself from being a kid.
As for what’s next, he’s living in the present. But Chico has other plans. He’s manifesting a TV show with Poch right by his side, and Poch promised to do it. Chico also wanted viewers to know Poch is single and just got an Arizona apartment with a community pool. Poch laughed it off.
Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.
For aspiring Tattoo Artists: Apply now to Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building an AI-proof career with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios. Prefer to explore first? Fill out our quick questionnaire to see if it’s right for you.
For working Tattoo Artists: Keep growing through Master Mentorship, or learn how to become an Ink Different Mentor at inkdifferenttattoos.com/affiliate.
Follow Poch on Instagram at @poch_arts, and follow Chico at @m4l_chico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Edward “Poch” Best?
A realism Tattoo Artist from the Bronx with 27 years in the industry. He now lives in Arizona.
Why did Poch go back to being an apprentice?
After more than 20 years, he felt he’d gotten too comfortable and egotistical. He spent almost two years as an understudy to realism Tattoo Artist Steve Butcher.
Who has Poch worked with?
He worked in California with Tattoo Artists including Nikko Hurtado, Abrego, and Carlos Torres.
What does Poch think about AI in tattooing?
He’s for what AI can help with, but not for it replacing his everyday work.
How long does the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship take?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases, with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.
Do I need prior experience to start?
No. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is built for beginners.
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