Ask others who have tats who did their work. Ask if they had a good experience. Go to that shop and look around. Ask to see the artists album. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck.

I have done that though, but I'm still skeptical.

You might not be ready then yet. I have been to 2 different studios for the 7 tats i have, I was happy with both. I did ask around to get recommendations, and I also looked at everyone's books. I also went in to just talk to the artists myself and found the one I was comfortable with. If it is a good artist, they will not mind your questions and they will make you feel comfortable.

Step 1. Ask around
Step 2. Go look at the artist's book
Step 3. Talk to the artist.

If your friends liked him/her, and you like his/her work and you like him/her, it's a pretty safe bet. You'll never get a guarantee that the experience will go the way you want it to go, and what you're describing sounds like a classic case of the first tat jitters. (We all - or at least most of us - got them).

What you want to make sure of is that the artist is nice to you, that the shop is clean-ish, and MOST IMPORTANTLY they MUST let you watch them set up for your session. If you don't WATCH the artist take the needles out of a sterile package, haul ass.

My advice, after taking steps one through three, jump in with both feet. Getting a tattoo is an awesome experience and you won't regret it.

Hon, you can sit a be skeptical the rest of your life and never really experience getting a tattoo. Go to a trusted shop, take someone w/ you, study their work, and do the damn thing. :o) Good luck!

Def., research... What I have found, is that the old skool artist are the best.. Just my opinion... it is good, that you just are not letting anyone tattoo you, it is going to be on you for life..
Peace...