From what you described, it sounds like a decently sized tattoo. As far as placement goes, it is really up to you. You could go with a upperback/shoulder blade, or (my favorite) thigh.

I have a cherry blossom branch on my right forearm, its a fairly large piece, it is in memorial of my friend who passed away in a car accident, she was 17. I also have a butterfly on the opposite wrist, its sort of an optical illusion because the wings are also skulls, most people only see one or the other.

I have as my husband calls it a tramp stamp that I designed and it didn't hurt. I also have a large one on the top of my right foot that wraps up to my ankle and that one bloody hurt. The rest I have r just there no meaning. If u r planning on getting one I would design it myself and make sure it has meaning to u cause it's there for life unless u get painful expensive tat removal and for ur first I would suggest a place where u have some meat on ur bones. They r a whole lot less painful.

I agree with what hartlover said. Especially if it's your first, make CERTAIN it's something that you can connect with. I wanted one when I turned 18. I made myself wait almost ten years to get it, to make absolutely certain I was sure it was what I wanted (same design). Now, at 38, I don't hate it, but I could certainly do without it.

I'll have to agree with everyone here, with the wanted detail it sounds like it'll have to be medium sized... which warrents only a few places on your body... but with the design, I think the back would be best; between the shoulder blades would be my choice... but ultimately it's up to you, that's just my advice. ^_^