I do agree with Nibble, placement is very important and also you need your tat's to mean something to you. I have a Cherokee Indian heritage and all 3 of my tat's are Indian related designs. Also, I have always worked in a professional business/office atmosphere. So yes, I wanted to be able to keep them covered while at work. I have 2 on each shoulder blade on my back and then one small one on my ankle. When I do wear a dress/skirt it's not noticeable at all unless you're really looking.
As far as hurting goes I'm not gonna lie to ya it's not a fun feeling. And certain places on your body hurt worse than others. Another thing, most really good tatoo artists won't do you if you go in there when you've been drinking. What you see on TV is a myth. The alcohol in your blood does something with the ink. Or something like that. Another thing Mike explained to me 7 years ago that I just don't remember.
Someday I'll take pics of my tat's and mebbe post 'em. They really are pretty cool.
To Rones: There are ways to get tat's done where they do work. Again a lot depends on placement.
To Nibble: That is a cool avatar, but I would definitely have it tattooed on a very small scale. Just so you know, getting a tat on your back in the middle area is one of the more painful places. I believe the worst place is a guys chest, the neck, and the inner arm (like when people get bands on their arms ). Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.