Does It Hurt To Get A Tattoo?

I just turned seventeen yesterday at 6:00AM, and just last night, asked my parents if they'd let me get a tattoo. They actually said they would consider it, but my dad seems a little hesitant to agree. Mom says that she will give consent for the people working at the tattoo parlors to do it, if they both say yes. I just got done talking to my mom, and she just finished telling me how painful it apparently is, strangely, she has no tattoos, but claims to know. So tell me, is it painful, or is it not? And please, don't lecture me about all the reasons I shouldn't have a tattoo, or why I shouldn't have one at my age. And above all, don't concoct a tale that grossly exaggerates any pain, just be honest. Also, I was planning on getting a tattoo that says "Ford" with a Christian Cross, all on the upper part of my right arm, so that it doesn't give a signal to as many nerve endings, and so it doesn't prevent me from getting a job. Both of my parents are seriously considering it, so yeah.