Where to begin for a first time tattoo?

I've been pondering this for a few months now and I think I'm finally ready to start moving forward with this, I just don't know how to start given the style I'm looking for. I really dig abstract designs, sleeves, etc and I'm not sure how to go about coming up with a design, honestly. Do I commission someone with references that look similar to the stuff I'm looking for? Any help would be appreciated. Here's a few artists I've been following on Instagram whose works I've fallen in love with:https://ift.tt/2Eon4ma if anyone has any suggestions for artists in the NYC Metro area that might fit the bill, lemme know (I know Matt Black is out of Brooklyn). https://ift.tt/2XtgQdB