Artist recommendations and basic questions from a newb

After thinking about getting a tattoo for years I have finally decided to take the plunge. My concerns aren't for the pain factor that's an acceptable part of the experience to have a piece of art created. What I am worried about is finding an artist and my design realization. I have quite a few ideas mostly working on a piece which incorporates my heritage, family, favorite colours, verses, religious beliefs and animal. In no way will it be a small piece (or a few separate pieces) so I plan to space it out evenly, a bit at a time. I am concerned about finding an artist who will be willing to work with me to create my tattoo. I have been into a few shops and have either found the artists appear to be disinterested, abrupt or the shops not exactly clean looking. I have also had the look of 'damn another young chick wanting a tattoo' yet when talking to my partner they appeared much more at ease and helpful. I am liking the tattoos at www.reillytat2.com but when I went in there the young guy who served was a bit abrupt. I want this to be perfect in my mind as it's on my body for life I don't want to feel rushed but I don't want to place unrealistic expectations on my artist. So am I expecting to much. How do I recognise quality work? Is it rude to ask the artist if they are vaccinated against Hep B and the like? When making intial equiries with shops is it rude to just walk in? What do you think of the work at www.reillytat2.com and www.thetattshop.com.au? Any recommendations for Western Australian shops/artists? Anything I should think about, take into account etc please let me know. Thanks in advance.

I like Suzi's work,@reillytat2..i would call up the shop,and make a consultation with her..i didn't like any of the artists at the tatt shop.. [email removed] is good too. chapeltattoo.com has good artists as well..

Thanks for the opinion itats I wasn't to fussed on the other shop either. I really like the look of chappel tattoo, one problem it's a $500 plane flight to get there. Same with my favorite studio http://www.innervisiontattoo.com.au/home/index.html I think that they are excellent (opinions on their work would be greatly appreciated) and am trying to find someone similar in Perth.

Hey Bubblez, All of your concerns are good concerns. Whenever you decide to do something this permanent you should ask as many questions as necessary to make you feel comfortable. You will know you have found the right place when they will answer your questions gracefully, and will show genuine interest in your art. I went to what was supposed to be one of the "Premier" shops in Boulder CO... fucking fantastic artwork, I loved their stuff, and unfortunately, they treated me like an inconvenience. As much as I liked their work, I just couldn't hang... they were rude, aloof and disinterested. I went instead to an incredible shop in Denver that had work that was even better, everyone on the staff was killer friendly, and about $1000 later, everyone is happy, especially me.

OK Al..send pics DAMMITTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow, (Wed night) it gets finished! WIsh me luck!