How do I go about getting a tattoo?

[Luke Warm]

I was going to get a tattoo when I turned 50 and I'm a bit past that now but the urge has struck again. I'm going to be in Denver in a few weeks and I thought that might be the place to get it done. So how do I find a reputable place? How do I get them the design I want? Do I have to make an appointment? Is it expensive for a fairly simple color tattoo?

[soccerluvof4]

I would simply google Tatoo shops if no one answers and see who has been around a long time as well as read the reviews. I got an tatoo in 82 and it was 27$ about an 1.5" x1.5" and today it would be 100$ based on the one my son got.  The tatoo shop I went to is still around.  I also got one on my ankle in the mid 90's and that place is still around. I'd recommend calling and asking approximate pricing.

[nereo]

I was going to get a tattoo when I turned 50 and I'm a bit past that now but the urge has struck again. I'm going to be in Denver in a few weeks and I thought that might be the place to get it done. So how do I find a reputable place? How do I get them the design I want? Do I have to make an appointment? Is it expensive for a fairly simple color tattoo?

How detailed are we talking about here?  Any reputable shop can churn out basic letters and common symbols like hearts.  If you want something that has a very particular style you need to find an artist that has that in their portfolio.  Which means... check out the artists' portfolios.  Saying "I want a tattoo, where should I go" is a lot like saying "I want to commission a small piece of art to hang on my wall, where should I go".  Some will have a niche in inking realistic portraits from photos.  Others specialize in styles more akin to japanese watercolor.  Or bold/bloody/gore biker-type tattoos.  Go to their website, look at the various artists and choose one with a style you like.  (most tattoo parlors have websites with artists' portfolios).  then, call and ask for an appointment.  They'll ask you about size and complexity and figure how much time it will take and if you need multiple sessions.  If you have a specific idea of what you want you can often send them photos.
g'luck.

[Just Joe]

Well, first you get arrested... Once you're in the big house ask around for the resident artist... j/k

[Jouer]

I used local referrals to choose my tattoo artist. Note: he was in high demand so I had to wait 8 months after the initial meeting before I could get an appointment in his chair.

In the initial meeting, I brought him a general outline design and some pics of things I wanted included and we sat down together and figured out the placement, size, etc. of all the elements. (He didn't trace the pics, he used them as inspiration when drawing it himself.)

[Luke Warm]

thanks for the replies. once i get inked i'll post a pic (if i don't chicken out).