Decide on the style you like – tribal, jap, Chinese, modern etc then research artists. Talk to some of the artists, decide on one.. Trust in the artist and go with the flow. It’s an experience that you should thoroughly enjoy (if tattoos are for you).
Try to avoid picking one out of a book or getting one where the artist uses a transfer. You ideally want it sketched onto your skin first so you can see the design and work on it with the artist. Then once your happy, out comes the ink gun and the journey continues.
I’ve just posted mine on tazzys thread. Ive got pics of this one in various stages – when it was being drawn on, then when it was being inked over the sessions. I’ve even got a bit of video from each stage.
Remember it doesn’t matter what other people like, it’s what you like that counts – unless of course you’re going to tattoo hitlers left testicle to your chin in which case my advice would be don’t do it..