Tattoo Parlor

I don't know any by name in IL, but make sure they're licensed. Each tattoo artist should have a certificate visible on their wall. Reputable shops will have no problem answering questions and showing you their sterilizing equipment, unopened (ergo, new) needles, machine coverings, gloves, etc. Do your homework and you'll be fine! Good luck :)

I think this is one of those things you actually have to do the leg work on yourself. Getting a tattoo is soooo personal you can't or shouldn't have just anyone do it. When I want a new section of ink done (typically my uncle in law) but before I had him I would go to local tat shops, see the work, talk to the artists, talk to the people there, get other suggestions and make a choice that just felt right. Many artists will draw out or peice for free if it is in your head but only if you have them do it - if you take their work and have someone else ink it they will probably charge you to leave with the drawing. Honestly, take your time on the whole thing do not rush into one and make sure it all feels right. I have 4 and I know what I want for my 5th, just waiting for all the peices to fall into place, I like the perfection of it all ;)

Wish you were in Atlanta! We have some fantastic parlors here. And don't worry about what it will look like when you get old -it all depends on your skin tone and aging first of all and if we all went by that, then would any of us have kids? Would we ever go outside and get any sun?Geeeez my belly skin bears no resemblance to what it looked like 20 years ago -and it's not better! Life is meant to be lived and most of our bodies won't look so hot when we're old -with or without ink!

Also, licensed, reputable tattoo parlors are checked by the health department and use fresh, medical-grade and pre-sealed needles each time as well as autoclaving all other instruments (just like your doctor). The artists wear gloves. Ask around. Reputation is everything when getting a tattoo. Look on sites like Yelp and when you see someone with a great tattoo -ask them if they got it nearby. Good luck and have fun!

Before you get a tatto, think of how it will look when you start to draw Social Security or gain 30 pounds.

Most tattos I've seen looked truely awful on senior citizens.

Just a thought, you can't tell which needles are invfected with HIV or AIDS or some sort of STD.

Good luck to you and yours.

It is going to require leg work on your part. Go to as many as possible in your local area. Also grab a couple of tattoo mags and look at those to see if any of the local places have made it into them. If you see a couple in your area you like google them online and see if you can find any reviews of them.
Of the ones you like talk to the owners/artists. Ask to see their health certificates. Ask about their needle disposal practices and asking about their cleaning methods. Ask to see portfolios. If they don't want answer your questions or seem put out by answering...turn around and LEAVE.
Ask how many years the artists have been working and how long they trained before working.

The Consable on Route 59 and Renwick - I think it is in Plainfield. I will try to attach a link here. It is clean and reputable - has been around for years in many capacities. Family owned. My step-daughter got some ear piercings there, and a friend of ours got a piercing and a tatoo. We are both nurses and feel this is a good place.
http://constabletattoo.com/fr_home.cfm

Fox Valley Tattoo is a great place. My entire family goes there--my mom & dad, uncles, brother, cousins, and my husband & myself. I will actually be heading back there for my 2nd tattoo next weekend. They did my first tattoo as well as my belly piercing. They open up brand new needles in front of you when you are getting ready to be inked. They are a small shop, with only 2-3 artists. They are very well known as well.
They can draw out images that you describe, or they have tons in their portfolios that they gladly show for ideas as well.
I really do highly recommend them as a clean, professional, and fun tattoo shop!!