Quote Originally Posted by cassandra
So I've decided I'm an adult and I can get a tatto if I want, dangit...most likely something snakey related.

Anywho, what advice can you give me on:
- body location: I was thinking on the ankle.
- how to shop for a tattoo artist/shop.
- best practice for looking for/creating a design: I kinda don't want a "cookie cutter" tattoo since I don't want to see someone else with the same thing but I'd like to hear best practices for working with the artist to get what I want.
- how much I should expect to pay: the design swimming in my head is, I think, pretty simple. Maybe 2" x 2" all black silhouette of a stylized snake. Thoughts?
- how should I prepare the skin or other physical attributes to prepare for the actual tattooing: wash/don't wash the skin, shave/don't shave, drink lots of water, take advil?

Thanks in advance!
Hey,the ankle can be a little more awkward to get a tattoo on as it has the bone there(doesnt hurt but you feel the vibrations of the needle)
The shoulder,belly area or the lower back are common areas to get a first tattoo on,and easy to get tattooed there.
as for finding an artist to do the tattoo for you,dont go for the first one you find or the cheapest.look around and find someone who has a good rep, and plenty of experience in the business.sometimes a cheap tattoo is a bad tattoo by someone who hasnt had enough practise.
as for preparing the skin for the tattoo, just keep it clean as you usually do.the tattooist will shave/clean the area before the tattoo is done anyway so really you dont have anything to worry about there.
take your time in looking for an artist,and ask to see some of his work before you commit to getting them to do one for you.
ohyeah,,dont take any painkillers unless the artist advises you to,some of them can make you bleed more making it harder for the artist to do the tattoo for you.as for working with the artist,all you have to do is make it clear to him/her about what you want,but be prepared for them wanting to make changes to the design if they feel it will look better.

Hope this helps.