Now listen closely, this is something that's extremely important

You need to know the skill level of the artist that you'll be working with BEFORE you get inked! And I mean you REALLY need to know how good (or bad) the artist you're hiring is...
Not exactly the earth-shattering advice you were expecting?
I know, but hear me out, and take a minute to consider this stunning fact...
Clinton Sanders, a tattooed professor at the University of Connecticut, has studied body alteration practices and tattooing extensively...
He states that 22% of those who are tattooed regret the technical quality of their ink. Which means they picked a poor artist. Don't let this happen to you.
Be sure you ask your friends for a reputable artist. Ask to see their portfolio. Look for pictures of highly detailed and razor sharp tattoos. Don't settle for mediocre results.
My point is, be careful about selecting an artist. Make sure they are good, great. You only have one shot at getting it right, so do some research first.
But the secret to a great tattoo goes waaayyy beyond the artist...