Titanium is ABSOLUTELY the best metal to use. You will not have an allergic reaction to it, which I think is what the piercer may have said; any wound can get infected.

A good piercer will pierce with a large gauge needle, they'll just push it through the skin, then follow through with the earring. It's not totally painless, but it's a DAMN sight less painful than with a gun.

And oh man, where are you getting your ink? Mine is on my ankle, it was the best thing EVER it didn't hurt it just felt awesome. I can't wait to get more done.