So what's the first step? Well, I highly recommend that you jump on the Internet and do a search on "tribal tattoos" or whatever category of tattoo art appeals to you. There are numerous tattoo galleries online where you can freely view various designs. Take your time and bookmark the sites, and designs, that appeal to you. I'd also suggest printing them out. You can also download electronic flash books, which are books of tattoo designs. Equally, the various tattoo shops nearby should have various collections of flash books. Visit those shops and ask if you can flick through their books.

Whether or not you find inspiration from images you see on the web or from a flash book, you may or may not wish to choose the image "as is". It's ideal to discuss your ideas with the staff at your chosen tattoo shop. They may have some alternative suggestions. Alternatively, if you haven't found the exact image you want, but have something specific in mind, you can discuss this with the tattoo shop and they may be able to sketch out some ideas.

It's also important to think about what kind of image is likely to look good on you. While an image may look great in a flash book - or indeed on someone else - it may not have quite the same impact on you. By way of example, a certain image may not look good on your arm. For instance, an image of a soaring eagle with a wide wingspan may not suit someone with a thin arm. The reverse is also true: an image that doesn't look quite so good on someone else may look great on you. In any case, the tattoo you decide on is going to be permanent, so be careful to decide on one that you'll be proud of in the future.

Lastly, when you're sure of what you want and have chosen a tattooist to do the work, you just want to check that they use only hygienic procedures. Tattooing is not only the creation of art - it's also an invasive procedure. As such, the tattoo artist in question should work in a clean area, with only sterile tools. If all that's fine, then the only issue left is putting up with a little pain, while the tattoo artist does his or her work. After that, you'll have your tattoo and can express yourself in the way you've always wanted.