So I just wanted to know what I am supposed to be looking for when I go and interview tattoo artists and tattoo stores. Any advice?

Well, my brother gave a good word to the place he goes too.
His arms are covered as proof that they are good. So i go there. And I lucked out with a tattoo artist who was friendly and made me feel comfortable. He is Irish so I had a good laugh with him. But he goes back to Ireland in October for good So I'm squeezing in as much as I can before he goes
ANYWAYS...
You can ask your friends. See where they like to go. Check online for the places you would consider and see their work.
As for the actual tattoo parlor, see if it's clean.
I've walked by a couple and peeked inside and instantly i knew I didn't like the place. It gave me vibes.
I guess it's a matter of whether you feel comfortable getting tattooed there.

^^^ Yeah, what she said. But, especially, look at their work. Some tattoo artists can be total buttholes, but their work is extraordinary. Others can be totally nice and have crappy work, ect, ect. Just look at their work.

A friend of mine has always said, "If the guy can draw better than I can, then I definitely want his work on me." But, if drawing is not your thing, if you're blown away by their work, go for it.

You can usually spot the really good artists by how fast they help you think of a design or how fast they draw a rough sketch ect. ect. Good luck!

Word of mouth and good recommendations are really the way to go. A good and safe tattooist will always be happy to show off their reputations and will have no qualms about showing you the way that they clean their equipment and the levels of hygiene involved. I dont know about anywhere else but in the UK they have to be registered by the Health Authority and I believe that they are regularly inspected. I love my tattoo lady - we play terribly wicked tricks on her husband when he goes to scrub up or change inks!

Well I'm not really sure. I have a place in mind and they have their work displayed online. I wanted to check them out, but no one will go with me. I have heard good and bad things about them. My friend krazee swears by their work but another friend of mine said they messed up her nipple piercing.

So when I go in should I watch them work or what would be the best thing for me to do just to interview them?

Yeah, I think the best thing to do is just go and check them out. Ask stuff like, how long they've been doing it, what their are of 'expertise' is, what they do better (b&w or colour), maybe ask to see profile and see if anyone is getting tattooed there...you can always watch, as well....stuff like that.

I remember when I got my first tattoo, I just walked into the first shop I found.
Nothing wrong with them but i never set foot in there again.