If you are thinking about getting a Tattoo
Im 24 and have covered most of my body in tattoos now,(I am an office worker though so hands and face are not tattooed)
I can give some advice on how i chose my tattoos to getting them done:
1st:
For every design that i liked i would save it for 5 years, now i know it sounds like a long time but it really was the best decision I've made - over the years growing up i kept collecting ideas/photos and kept them in a folder that i would keep in date order.
I had ideas from when i was 15-16 that i wouldn't want on my body(don't rush it just because you are legal to), I would go through them every now and then and get rid of any ideas/photos that i didn't like. Then, eventually, i would end up with a few from 5 years ago and if i still really loved the idea i would plan to get it permanently.
2nd
Pick your artist wisely!
Always do your research on your chosen artist, look at their portfolios - make sure the tattoo you want will be a style that the artist is good at. (An artist that may be good at realism may not be good at geometric dot work etc) Find an Artist that matches to the style of artwork you want, work with them to design something - at the end of the day you will be paying for the service. Provide as many reference photos as you can, ask them if you can have a look at their ideas and don't by shy to ask them to change certain things after all it will be on your body. This is also personal conversations I've had with friends that are tattoo artists that if you go for an artist who is passionate about the work that they are drawing it helps(e.g if they like tattooing fantasy themed art the artist tends to be more excited about the prospect of the tattoo where they can let their imagination run wild - its really nice to see someone passionate about something that you want as well and it gives something to talk about specially if you are sitting for 6+ hr sessions) And do not skimp on the cost, there is a reason the artists charge what they charge!
Messages
As someone who has been working as a tattoo artist for years:
100% agree with this! These are some words of wisdom here y'all, I could've not said this any better myself!
5 years might sound a long time but it's better to wait than rush and regret later. Somewhat third of the tattoos I've made are cover-ups, things that have been a trend years ago (old tribals from 25-10 years ago, kanji that doesn't even mean anything or mandala tattoos few years ago) or names of ex-partners. Most of the times I refuse to tattoo names, sad thing to say that in many cases the tattoo lasts longer than the relationship.
But some tattoos made on a whim have actually been really fun, at one convention I made a Geodude for a dude who had just finished his master thesis in geology :D
But in general, wait a while and think if the tattoo is really something worth waiting for.
Choose the artist wisely, someone who makes great black and white portraits might still not be the best guy to make colorful old school Chinese dragons.
About the pain, it solely depends on person. Some people have even fallen asleep while I've been making a whole sleeve for 6 hours, some people can't stand more than 15minutes on biceps. And it's okay, we all have different tolerance in pain. But just fyi, fully colored tattoo that covers your whole insteps... I can't recommend to anyone, I have both my feet done, was the most painful experience, and I have A LOT of experience... But the pictures are dope, so no regrets :'D
Last advice: don't get a picture you have seen on someone else's skin in some Instagram picture. It's not a nice thing to do, not for you or for the original artist. If you want a great tattoo, you want it to be unique and made just for you. And most importantly the copyrights, respect every artist and let them do their thing. Also, it will be awkward if you ever meet someone with the same piece, even more embarrassing if they have it done a lot better than yours...
Tattoo is a piece of art on your skin, also a handprint of some particular artist you have supported. Choose wisely, take care of your art and love your skin