This is finally a topic I can respond to and feel like an expert. I have 2 full sleeves, and a lot of stuff done on my legs. First of all, I'll post links to a SMALL sampling pictures.
http://www.myspace.com/crutchtattoo/photos/26592516
http://www.myspace.com/crutchtattoo/photos/26171453
http://www.myspace.com/crutchtattoo/photos/23611084
http://www.myspace.com/crutchtattoo/photos/21988391
http://www.myspace.com/crutchtattoo/photos/24773108
http://www.myspace.com/mezlove/photos/43427139
http://www.myspace.com/mezlove/photos/40755368
http://www.myspace.com/mezlove/photos/17284296
As you can see, I enjoy art that takes cues from traditional Americana art of the '40s and '50s. The reason behind that is (aside from personal preference) tattoo artwork that is larger, has more defined lines, and uses fewer colors will stand the test of time. It won't always look as good as the day you got it, but it will hold up better than other styles.
Portraits, for instance (look at the last 3 pictures) will not stand up to other forms of artwork in the long run. When I am sixty, those pictures may start to blur together and become an incoherent mess. Personally, I don't care. Look at how rad those damn things are!
Price is something else to consider. Fortunately for me, more than half of my friends are accomplished tattoo artists who have been tattooing for anywhere between 8 and 10 years. I generally give them a tip, but they don't charge me for the art itself. Unfortunately for you, tattoos are expensive. You can expect to pay around 100 dollars an hour for an experienced artist. There are a few pieces of advice I can give you:
1) Find the RIGHT artist. Get to know the artist and learn their hobbies. Chances are, you'll be in their company for a few hours. If you don't connect on any level, it will be uncomfortable for both of you.
2) Be open to suggestions. Trust the artist. They know what they are doing, and you don't. I guarantee you that if you come to an agreement, the artwork will be better than you imagined. Chances are, it will be more fun for the artist as well. If your artist has fun, he will have a new portfolio piece and be more likely to cut you a deal in the price.
3) Tattoo artists are not prostitutes. Just because you give them money does not mean they will do whatever you want. My tattoo artists do not do tribal pieces, only one of them do celtic pieces, and none of them tattoo nautical stars unless it's part of an overall theme (also, no gang stuff, white power stuff, etc.). They simply may not like the artwork or idea you have chosen and decide that they don't want to do it. Come to terms with that. Just because you think it's the coolest thing ever doesn't mean that they will. If they're a reputable artist, chances are they already have enough work laid out in front of them that they can pick and choose what to do. They aren't starving artists.
4) Be calm. Tattoos artists may look intimidating or like rock starts or even inmates. 99% of them are not. You know what they are, though? Nerds. Geeks. Whatever. They all have keen sub-culture niches, and you probably fit into one. I have been tattooed by game nerds, horror geeks, film snobs, alt-country lovers, and vegetarians. I am all of the above. I'm sure you fit into ONE of those. Most artists will have SOMETHING in common with you.
5) If you plan to do your arms, do you elbows FIRST. Believe me, it really, really, really, really, really hurts. The diving helmet in the link above is on my elbow. It is roughly nine inches long and five inches across and smack dab in the middle of my elbow. It was NOT fun.
6) Take care of it. Nothing pisses me off more than someone who spends a lot of money on an amazing piece that turns into a pile of shit because they don't take proper after-care action.
7) Understand that if you get one, you'll probably want more.
8) If the artist works out of their place of residence, DO NOT GET TATTOOED BY THAT PERSON.
9) Don't think too much about it. I know it seems counter-intuitive, but if you stress over what you want, you'll grow to hate it. Most artists hate their first tattoo. Just ask them. Many of mine were done on a whim because myself and the artist thought they would be fun. And we still think they are. This is MY personal preference. Many people on here will tell you the opposite. They are entitled to their opinion, but I like fun tattoos. I don't necessarily like people walking up to me all the time asking "What is that? Why did you get that? What does it mean?" People still do it to me all the time, and I am baffled. What do you mean "Why did I get this?" It's a goddamned double-headed bald eagle, that's why. Because severed cow heads are cool. I also have a giant 666 tattooed on the inside of my arm, and people ask if it's because I worship the devil. I think it's hilarious to piss off Christians, not because I worship the devil. The point is, do what you want. If you want a tattoo right now, go get one right now. There is no need to wait until you "find the right piece". The right piece will strike you and the moment, and your artist will help you come to a decision.
Anyone is free to PM me if they need suggestions on artists in their area or need any other info.
Hope some of that helps.