Do not just go to anyone for a tattoo. Check out some artists online that are well known, email them tell them what you want etc. And do it that way if you can't manage to get in ASAP.
Absolutely 100% agree with this ... I wish someone had have told me that with my first three tatts, I went to the same guy and they are the WORST jobs. Thankfully I found a reputable guy through a friend who is really heavily done and I have the most gorgeous back piece.

I don't think going out of your own town is such a bad thing either

Nae x