There will be some blood. The amount varies from person to person. To help avoid excessive bleeding, avoid alcohol 24 hours before getting tattooed.
Safety Tip - If you start to feel faint or a little "green," tell your artist right away instead of "toughing it out." There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break. Your artist is prepared for this sort of thing and knows how to handle it.
Safety Tip - Your artist should be wearing rubber gloves any time they are touching broken skin and should change their gloves regularly. This protects both you and the artist from any blood borne pathogens that may be present.
Tattoos can be painful, but not so painful that it stops people from happily coming back to get tattooed again. It helps to get your tattoo while you are well rested and nourished. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. Most people say that getting tattooed is no big deal at all. Some can find it more difficult. Despite the discomfort, most people who are happy with their first tattoo usually get tattooed again.
Tip - Some spots are more sensitive than others. Despite the pain, it's important not to let this affect your decision. Because you will have your tattoo for the rest of your life, it is best to get exactly what you want, exactly where you want it. Long after the pain is gone, you might wish your tattoo was in a better spot. If you get your tattoo in just the right place, for years to come you'll be proud you made the right decision.