Couple of practical points I didn't mention because I got upset, sorry.
Expense: I pay £50/hour for a top class skin artist whose clients travel across Scotland to get him and has a 3-4 month waiting list. He's in Cupar 8 miles from me so I consider myself fortunate in that regard. He takes a £20 deposit on booking and the rest at the end of each session with the deposit rolling forward til completion, however long it takes. The previous one in Feb 2010 was around £80 total for a 3-4 hour one off and they didn't do it quite as I asked because I wasn't looking as it was done, on their advice. The job was done fast but would be hard to correct to my original design. I took that as educational but the foot part needed redone as it fades faster anywhere the skin is covered and rubbed ie shoes, belts. The guy I go to now, we chat, he draws, I check, he works and it is a real two way creation and we chat more.. Also colour costs more than single black/shading, takes longer and is a matter of choice so think about how much time/money/discomfort you are wanting to invest.
Pain: Strangely I wouldn't say it hurts as much as some untattooed people assume and I anticipated. It is more discomfort but it does get sore overnight the first night, a bit like being scratched at the time and sunburn later. When actually underway, watch and talk to the artist, don't look away and try to ignore what is happening - I don't know why but it is easier if you're interested and more likely to be what you want if you're watching it grow. Also let the first few minutes go by before you assume you'll not manage a long sitting as endorphins kick in and it actually becomes relatively pain free I find. I most recently treated myself to a starting session of 2 hours when I had sold some personal possessions and had a bit spare, and at the end I'd have been willing to sit for another 2 at the end if there were time and cash spare to arrange it! So don't assume the worst and remember all kinds of people get them now, not just hardman types - it's not a feat of stoic endurance of agony above your capacity and fear will make it worse (adrenaline instead of endorphins) so try and relax into it, a good artist will keep you occupied chatting until you get settled.
Also, afterwards, treat it properly and keep it clean/moisturised - ignore anyone that recommends the old cling film treatment as that increases risk of getting infected, that is painful but the worst is trying not to scratch like any superficial wound scabs or aftersun peeling! Avoid bony areas first time around til you know what to expect. And for ladies, something nobody told me, the time of the month is significant to pain sensitivity so check with your artist but I THINK it is avoid tats when ovulating, can't remember and I no longer bother but my redo of the foot was way more pain than the first or any subsequent sessions for that reason.
I hope that this is of more help than my first response and, having recent experience I am more than happy to answer any questions by pm or here, if I had the money I'd probably have more, it's not like I show my body to anyone other than medical professionals these days, and if nothing else it's a conversation starter!
Oops, sorry, one more thing, just an opinion rather than factual this time
Don't fall for the trends of the time as they get dated, go for something unique and significant to you, like your animal idea. Tramp stamps, unreadable Chinese symbols, text along the forearm, tribal/celtic armbanding, all a bit like permanently going out with a 1970s hairdo - only if you're really into your retro look! If you're going to make a statement, make it your statement and forget what everyone else is wearing this season - and the next 20-60 seasons..!
