1. Get educated. Tattooing is an ancient art form with a rich international history. By reading about it and absorbing a variety of styles, you'll get some background on what led to the global tattoo renaissance that's in full swing today. The German publisher Edition Reuss, for example, publishes stunning coffee table books featuring Asian, abstract, comic-inspired, gothic, and Latino designs. Browsing through books like these will help you make an educated decision (and keep you from ending up with something tired on your shoulder).