What in hell? - Everyone else is doing it and so will I.

Ironically, I think it actually works better as a statement on samsara than it does on animal rights. The monkey as Buddhist seeker of enlightenment has a distinguished pedigree.

(n.b.: You specifically cited Taoism, but I'm much more familiar with the death/rebirth cycle via Buddhist thought. To some vague extent, they historically blend, but I haven't done the research enough to say more.)

How to pick an artist depends a lot on your goals for the tattoo. I finally only got mine when I could get it put on by someone who I trusted to handle the metaphysical half of the design. In most (i.e.: not my) cases, you're probably better off going by recommendation and/or résumé. If the most important factor is the quality of the artwork, find someone with great tattoo skills. If the most important factor is reassuring you about the physical application and providing follow-up advice, find someone local that you can build a good rapport with. Etc.

The musical-score tattoo is awesome, actually. :D

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Also, one word of advice: Don't get the tattoo anywhere publically visible unless you can explain it in a soundbite. If it's visible, people will ask about it.

This doesn't have to be complete or even terribly coherent; "it's a stylized flame with some personal spiritual significance" works for mine. But you will get asked, and you'll want an answer.

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