1) you get what you pay for
2) the more time, effort, and planning (and custom art) you put into/ invest in your tattoo, the more serious the artist will be when it comes time to do it, and the better it will turn out.
Your attitude about it becomes the artist's attitude about it. If you are all fucked up and come in and pick some stupid fucking clip art out and come back the next day all hung over to get it done, no artist is going to take you seriously. If they are a pro, they will still take their job seriously and do a good job, but it opens you up to way more a chance for mistakes.
If you come in sober and coherent with sketches, lettering samples, etc... and have a consult with the artist, put cash down, etc... they are going to work hard on adapting or turning your concepts/ sketches into viable ink art, and then do a good job when it is time to throw down.