My first tattoo was flash right off the wall and done kind of spur of the moment (I was 19). I loved it for about ten years and then decided to cover it up. I did a lot of research in the area where I was living at the time (this was now the mid-1990s, so the internet wasn't really a "thing" yet). I just did legwork. Checked out shops, portfolios, talked to artists. Found someone I was comfortable with whose work I admired. He did I great job. I've done the same kind of research for my most recent two tattoos, but the legwork started online and ended with meeting the artist in person, talking design, etc. I'm very happy with him, and very lucky that he works not too far from me. But I'm also kind of heading into a new phase here on LST and getting an even better education about what makes a "good" tattoo. I'm reading a lot, checking out the artist interviews, absorbing things. It's been a real education and I plan to stick around so I can become even more informed. Best way to find out what makes a good tattoo? Spend time with people who HAVE good tattoos!