1. Do some people watching. When you see someone with a tattoo of the sort of "style" you like, ask where they got it and, if local, who the inker was. By style, I mean: are you looking for something full color and full of detail and shading? or something with solid color and straight lines? Photorealistic? Iconic and feminine?

2. When you've got a few names of people you like, go to their studios and flip through their book. Ignore all the stuff on the walls or posters, go straight to what looks like a photo album. In there should be real people, smiling, with puffy red skin and brand new tattoos.

3. If you like the look of most of what's in the book, schedule some time to meet with the tattooist. See if you like that person's vibe. Talk about the symbols you'd like to incorporate and what they mean to you. Even point out the things on the clip art inspiration that you *don't* like. Give some non-negotiables ("It *has* to be a 53-tooth ring" or whatever). It's also good to have a general idea of where you'd like it to be and how big.

4. Put down a deposit (usually goes towards the cost of the tattoo) and give your artist some time to draw. You should be able to go back in a week or two and he or she should have some mock-ups. Make any final modifications. Sometimes you can even get a ditto of the line art as a test-placement on your skin to see how you like the shape and location.

5. Get your ink like a pro! Congrats on your achievement!!

-- gnat! (Great, now I'm thinking about my next one)