Edonte

Also, maybe once you're feeling more confident from looking online, don't hesitate to look at portfolios in a shop! The pictures are so much better even if you've seen some of the same images on Instagram, plus you can get a sense of whether your prospective tattooer will be kind and helpful for your first tattoo.

My general rule of thumb is to act online how I would in person. I might as well be a decent person.

Thanks for the advice and artist suggestions guys! I really appreciate it!

My general rule of thumb is to act online how I would in person. I might as well be a decent person.

My general rule of thumb is to act online how I would in person. I might as well be a decent person.

I got my first about six months ago...a month shy of my 61st birthday. Got my second last Saturday. After many years of finding excuses not to do it, I finally decided it was time to make it happen. Where do I go from here? I have no clue...but you never know.

My general rule of thumb is to act online how I would in person. I might as well be a decent person.

My general rule of thumb is to act online how I would in person. I might as well be a decent person.

My general rule of thumb is to act online how I would in person. I might as well be a decent person.

Amid all the discussion we've had of late about how we interact with new members and people wanting advice, this is the epitome of a perfect interaction. Advice sought, open to suggestions and the advice given and grateful for what is provided. Whether or not any of it is used, we all come away feeling good. Nailed it.

Thanks for the advice and artist suggestions guys! I really appreciate it!

Thanks for the advice and artist suggestions guys! I really appreciate it!

if it were me - i'd keep an eye on this guy:
http://instagram.com/julianbast
also this shop
http://instagram.com/absolutearttattoo
you can check the interview section too to listen to Mike Rennie and Brian Bruno from Absolute talk tattoos

Welcome to the forum!! There are lots of great people here who can offer a wealth of wisdom. By all means, take your ideas of what you want/like and talk with some local artists. Look at their work and see how they respond to your ideas - and you are not looking for someone who will give you whatever you want. You need to find the one who understands your ideas and desires and then will create the right tattoo for you - the one that not only represents your ideas but that also fits, flows, is properly placed and sized and that is technically and artistically correct. Notice that I didn't say "perfect." You will always be disappointed if you expect perfection. This is art, it is done in real time and it is one of a kind. Great? Yes. Awesome? Oh yeah!!! Find the right artist and awesome is guaranteed.

start local - instagram makes it super easy - i like the concepts you're thinking of - but yeah ultimately you'll be bringing those ideas to a solid tattooer who can make something you'll be proud to wear - keep having fun with the art though - some of my earlier tattoos were based on drawings i made - enjoy