First I am a huge fan of Miami Ink!!!! It was not until I started watching that I have finally made the decision to go for it!
I turn 40 this year and my gift to myself will be a tat.
My question is how do I choose, where do I go?
I live in Orillia, Ontario Canada and so far artists I have seen here do not excite me,guess I am spoiled by watching the awesome work done at THE shop in Miami
My personal story is one that would be a best seller, Married for 21 years 2 great kids my husband was misdiagnosed and told he had 6 months to live, and then I caught my husband in bed with my cleaning lady that was a funny but serious day, moved out took nothing then a car accident, identity theft and still I remain postive! Life has its weird bumps.. Only reason I explain a bit of personal is to seek guidance as to type of tattoo that represents, freedom ( I look at my divorce as a few months shy of a life sentence LOL) independance and survivor tough one so any help would be really appreciated and is unique.
I turn 40 Aug 16 so have some time to decide then challenge is who and where.
Thanks to all that will help me
Cheers
Kim

Your best bet is to take a trip south to Toronto. Many great artists there. Have a look at some of these websites. Look at all the artists and what they do and find one whose arts you find the best.

You may want to email the artist about appointments, or call, to save yourself the trip down.

When looking for your first tattoo, try and get a general idea of what you want. Do you want it to show your determination and positive attitude through all your struggles?

You have to look at websites and look at magazines to get an idea of what is out there. Do some research. The more tattoos you will see, the easier it will be to find something you want.

It could be a little bit of this tattoo, something kinda like that tattoo. Save all the images and information you have. Bring it all in when you have a consultation appointment with the artist.

Let the artist know the reasons behind your tattoo and what you have been thinking of getting. They will give you ideas of what they can do, what works together, and so on, and draw you something up, made for you and you alone.

Here are some great Toronto shops:
King Of Fools
http://www.kingoffools.com/

Passage
http://www.passage.ws/index2.html

Here are some great Ottawa shops:
The Ink Spot
http://www.theinkspot.ca/

Five Cent Tattoos
http://www.fivecentstattoo.com/

Here are some great shops in Montreal:
PSC Tattoo (this is where I go)
http://www.psctattoo.com

Imago
http://www.imagotattoo.com/

Tattoomania
http://www.studiotattoomania.com/

So check out all these shops to get an idea of what you want, and also to see what GOOD/GREAT artists can do.

I hope this helps

Thank you very much for your response. I had a feeling Toronto was where I should be.
I do have a keen sense of what I don't want! LOL
But yes need to look into more pics and gain ideas. Too bad the Miami Ink Crew were not closer all my problems solved.
Have a super weekend and thanks for the advice
Cheers
Kim

My husband and I got our tats done at Malefic Tattoos in Streetsville (part of Mississauga), Ontario. Ask for Fabien. He does quality work.
http://www.malefictattoos.com/

make sure when u get ur tattoo u are sure about the artist i got my first tattoo this year and its is decent but defiantly could have been alot better