The first thing you do before getting your tattoo in reality, do your research. I say this because as much as I love the art of tattooing, I've also heard many stories of disappointment and tattoos gone wrong. All of which could have been easily avoided by doing some research.
Besides the fun and exciting part of the search or design your own special tattoo design, you need to spend time researching the various tattoos and tattoo studios.
It is important that the tattoo studio you go to has a reputation for maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness and professional about his business. If you walk into a tattoo shop and the staff are drinking beer, while the tattoo, then that's a sure sign to get out the door immediately.
However, if you find you are having to pay a little more to go to a tattoo studio that uses high quality machines and needles and inks of high quality, then it is definitely worth it. The last thing you want is to get a skin infection or disease because the equipment was not sterilized tattoo properly, or the inks were low grade.
As for the tattoo artist, also wants to make sure they have a high level of personal hygiene and artistic ability. You're basically allowing them to stick a bunch of needles in that it would be a good idea to ask him / her about your experience with tattoos. Find out how long they have been doing and ask to see a portfolio of their work. See examples of his work will help you choose the right tattoo artist, as each artist has his own style, which may or may not be what suits you.
