Tattoos are definitely in - you see a lot more people with full sleeves and big designs, but I think more so tattooing has become mainstream in the same way that (non-lobe) ear piercings, nose and navel piercings have; I think it's very much a gendered thing - most of the time, the people I see with lots of big pieces (which is seldom) are men, while a lot of women have one or more little tattoos. Personally, I've considered tattoos, but am not keen on getting one right now. One objection is that I won't get anything referential - nothing derived from video games or music or movies. I also want it to be an original design of my own, but I have no drawing skill. Honestly, I just don't feel the same "pull" that certain body piercings have given me; an innate drive to have it. The Galway Tattoo Show is coming up. I might go. And maybe make a Hubski post about it.
It has become so mainstream that (especially in my town) the fact that I don't have a single tattoo makes me stand out more. It's odd. People don't believe me when I say I don't have any. I've thought about getting a big one. I have a lot of friends that are covered and often party at the studios and whatnot. I've had it drawn out and put down my side. It's really badass and has a lot of meaning but would I ever do it? I don't know. Some days I want it and others I don't. Until I wake up every morning wishing I had it, it won't happen.
People seem to expect me to have one because I keep getting asked; it's probably because I've magically become the most pierced person in my social circle, despite only actually having six. On that last note - sometimes I think the reluctance is inevitable. Like having second thoughts before getting married, or feeling nervous the first time you have sex; maybe no matter how much you want a tattoo, a little piece of you will be skeptical until you actually get it. (But there's no knowing until it's gotten, so...)
I guess then, until I grow a wicked pair of balls, I won't have it. :P I don't really think nearly as much anymore. I used to spend a lot more time at the beach and around people and see all their great art. Now I'm in an office.