Okay, time for the tattooed chick to chime in:
Picking an artist
The best tattoo artists in the biz are the ones who PREFER not to do Flash work. Flash work is the handy, poster-sized portfolio of generic designs at the front of the shop. These artists work best with original designs.
Picking a design
Like English said, take your time with this decision because it's on your body for life. At the same time, your tattoo becomes a part of your life. Every drop of ink on my skin has a personal meaning with my life. My wedding, my child, my miscarriages etc. My suggestion, and what my artist always prefers, is to come up with a list of items you want in your design, then let the artist sketch up an image for you. If you don't like it, SAY SO. This is not the time to be nice. You're not going to hurt your artist's feeling by being picky. They get it, really they do!
Picking a location
Okay. Like English, I have some that are visible in warm weather, some that are only visible to Reechard. In 2015, you're going to be hard-pressed to find a job that isn't okay with TASTEFUL ink. That being said, I would actually caution you in getting the forearm done as your first ink. There are some things in life that you should go balls-deep on, and I am of the mindset that your first ink is NOT one of them. Subsequent tats...absolutely. My first tattoo went unnoticed by my closest friends and family for months because I wanted to make sure it was in a place I could cover it up if I decided I didn't like being inked. Tattoos are not for everyone, so I urge you to choose your location wisely for your first time.
Price
Just...don't even think about bartering, or going to the shop when they are having a "sale". It's bad juju, and you're going to end up hacked, believe me.
Hope this helps