My first tattoo was kind of a spur of the moment decision. I was with a buddy of mine while he was getting his tattoo, and I'd wanted one for a while, but I wasn't going to get one that day, but he said since I was leaving the state I should get one, kind of a momento I guess. I got a wolf tattoo, very beautifully done, I don't regret it.
I got the wolf tattoo because they've always been my favorite animal, I like to think it represents my wild side. I'd like to get my second one here someday, got it on my right shoulder and I want one on my left shoulder, an opposite wolf image, would be pretty sweet, for now, I'm content. Just make sure it's something you really want.
And tattoos DO hurt, I mean...they're putting a needle into your skin rapidly to ink your skin a certain color, of course it hurts. I like to think I don't have a great tolerance, average really, but it wasn't such terrible pain I wouldn't do it again.