ive done 6 tattoos. turned out great but experience is definately a plus. but too, ive got a friend who use to work at a shop here in newnan, had 15 years into the hobby, and after 6 years of it, he had arthritis(sp?) pretty bad. so he recently lost his job cuz he had to take extra time to do the tatts. u want someone to take their time so the ink comes out lookin good, but some tattoo shops dont want them takin all day. personally i want to be certified and do em at my house. but yea, ask questions...then after a while order you a kit. practice on the putty thats available, then after u get the hang of it, offer to do ink on a friend. but if ur not certified, dont do one on a complete stranger cause ive had a couple friends get locked up for it.