I have been addicted to tattoos 6 years before I was legally able to get a tattoo without consent, when a show called Miami Ink made its debut. It may sound far-fetched seeing that I'm still almost completely bare-skinned, but the truth is, personally, I've always found it aesthetically pleasing.
After watching all three of the TLC Ink series and Discovery Channel's spin-off London Ink in addition to going under the needle myself, I still cannot fully explain to anyone why people get tattoos. But I do believe, on the surface, it is art, just like any other. Like a painting, it catches the attention of your eyes causing your physical body to stop, and thus allows your cranium to stimulate interpretations and questions. Is this not how we approach a stranger who's externally pleasing?