Personally I think going big for your first tattoo is a great idea! I see more and more people actually doing that lately.

I suggest you do some searching on the internet. Find some peices you like, make an appointment with an artist and bring in a couple ideas. He should be able to get a good idea of what you want from what you brought in and can put some things togethor for you. Basically drawing you up something kinda "orginal".

I almost have a half sleeve. It stops a little shy of my elbow. I went with black & grey work only and japanese themed (peonies, windbars, cherry blossoms). I do have to wear long sleeves to work each day, and yes sometimes I guess it does get super annoying. But its worth it to me...and that's all that matters really.