help with first tattoo

i'm turning 18 in a little over 3 monthes and have been waiting for that day for, well, almost 18 years. i've wanted tattoos ever since i got into music and started playing in bands. its been almost 9 years since then. i just need some basic advice and help on where to start researching good tattoo shops, good tattoo artists, and just basic things i should know before i start to cover my body.