* How did you know you wouldn't regret it?
Faith in myself.

* Does anyone regret theirs?
I regret getting my second one - it's ugly and in such a high-visibility spot. My first I love, but wish it was a touch bigger and easier to show off. My third is my favourite - Ianto's name & birthdate in a rainbow

* Visible tattoos & job prospects - does anyone feel its prevented you from getting a job?
I can't comment here, I already had a job when I got my second (the only one that can't be covered)

* How do you find a reputable artist? Clean equipment etc. What to look for in a studio?
Shop around a little if you must, but most tattoo parlours won't employ someone who will break rules or do a bad tattoo. Talk to the artist that will be doing it, so you feel comfortable with them.

*How does weight gain & weight loss affect it?
My first, on my thigh, has stretched just a touch, but all that's done is make the black ink seem a little lighter, like a really dark grey.

* Where can I find inspiration for designs?
Online is good. My memorial tatt for Ianto, I got the rainbow from clip art. If you can draw, then drawing it yourself is great, it gives it that personal touch. If not, bring some ideas in to the artist, and they can work with you to create something.

* How do you think tattoos look on pale skin?
I think coloured tatts look so much better on pale skin than tanned. It's like a white canvas to paint on Greyscale or black ones do well on any colour skin.

* Pain factor - how much did it hurt?
My first (20 mins, thigh) and third (4 hours, back) were alright - it really just felt like someone was scraping the side of a fingernail across my skin. My second (10 mins, wrist) was very painful - I'm not sure if it was because it was on my wrist or because the "artist" didn't know what she was doing.

* So its a pretty permanent thing, is there anything else I need to consider?
Just make sure that you think through what you want to get. My second is the only one I didn't think through, and it's the only one I regret/hate.