It is a good idea to do your own research online and come up with your own conclusions about a tattoo shop or a particular artist. The next thing would be to visit the shop and experience what it feels like since you can get a vibe and decide if you like that place or not, you're always free to move to the next one. Sometimes they way a tattoo studio feels when it comes to the vibe, environment, decoration and customer service skills of their employees is very important since you're going to spend your hard earned cash.
If you have questions don't be afraid to ask, you can always receive good advice and you can also give or receive suggestions and ideas. The best thing to do when you're getting tattooed (Inked) is to make sure that particular design is what you want in order to avoid plan B which can be a cover-up tattoo.
Sometimes people are afraid of getting someones name tattooed because they wonder "what if we break up?" and that's when plan B comes in mind. There is nothing wrong with having the named of a loved one encrusted in the skin, some people simply do it and others do it but are more strategic about location or design.
The reason to allow an artist to provide advice is because as a professional can answer all questions and doubts and also to forget about the fear lots of people have "is it going to hurt?". Honestly that is something no one should actually have in mind even though it can be hard to avoid. Once a person gets the first tattoo it can become a little addictive since a few months or even weeks later you feel the need to go thru the same thrill again and again (awesome).