off for my first tattoo aged 60

[PithyLion]

any advice? expectations? how to choose a tattooist? Well there is only one tattoo parlour in walking distance, so am thinking of just rocking up there this afternoon, but is there anything I should be looking for? Any red flags? The pictures in their windows look nice

A walk in on a Saturday is unlikely. If you can get one, I’d want to see the quality of the work first. The pictures in the window are likely to be flash sheets and not done by the artists working there.

And they call them studios rather than parlours.

I’d get on their social media pages first. Have a look at the artists work and see the different styles they do. Do you want colour? Black & grey? Realistic? Etc. one you’ve found an artist you like, arrange a consultation with them. Most won’t book an appointment without a deposit.

It might be worth travelling a distance to get one. There are huge differences in quality from studio to studio and if you’re going to get one, you should at least choose a good artist. The old adage applies; cheap tattoos aren’t good and good tattoos aren’t cheap!

well this one is called a parlour - is that a bad sign?

Not necessarily. Just unusual. Have you seen any of their work? Is it good?