Start with what you want the tattoo to feel like
Style is more than a label. Black and grey, colour, geometric work and other approaches can make the same subject feel completely different. Start by thinking about the mood, level of detail and visual weight you want.
Use references as direction, not a template
References help communicate composition, line work, shading and details you enjoy. They work best as a shared visual language between you and the artist rather than something that has to be copied exactly.
Looking through a tattoo portfolio is one of the easiest ways to discover which approaches consistently appeal to you.
Consider where the tattoo will live
Placement and size affect how a design can be composed. The artist can help adapt an idea to the shape and movement of the area so the final piece feels intentional rather than simply placed on the skin.