"I try not to measure my tattoos by number, but by square inch"
That's how my BF describes his work. Personally I measure my tattoos by number of hours of work. I have about 10 1/2 hours of work so far. My first was when I was 14. A small yellow rose on the inside of my ankle. Then, after I was 18 and didn't need permision anymore, it was an Egyptian eye of Horus on my low-lower back. To watch over the many loved ones that passed that year. Then I did two tiger lilies on my foot/ankle beside the rose. Then the big-kahuna, 5 hrs. , 10 inches tall, a dancing Goddess on the the lower-middle of my back. And most recently I have extended the lilies on my foot with some other blue-button type flowers up the outside of the ankle/calf.
I am planning to continue the wildflowers all the way up and around my right leg with a warrior fairie centered on my calf, and filling in a full back-piece around my Goddess.
My words of advice for you Virginia... do your research!!!! As it has already been said, make sure everything is sterile. Make them unwrap the needles in front of you. Ask to see the autoclave if you'd like. Other than that, find an artist that you feel comfortable with, as a person and as an artist. Ummmm, eat before you go and it never hurts to bring some juice or water to drink if you know you'll be there awhile.
And most importantly, have fun!
Blessings
-Washu-