I have seven tattoos. I got my first tattoo for my 20th birthday, and my last one for my 33rd birthday a couple of months ago. (You can see pix of 6 of the 7
here)
I grew up in an "alternative" lifestyle.... My folks were bikers, and all their friends were, too. Every single person I knew growing up (with the ironic exception of my parents, go figure) had tattoos. I knew several artists and have never seen tattoos as a "rebellious" thing. However, I am (rather painfully) aware that not everyone shares my point of view about tattoos and other body mods. My seven tattoos are all in places where they can, for the most part, be displayed if I want them to be, and covered if it is necessary that I cover them. My art, and my method of expressing it, is personal and should never be inflicted on anyone who doesn't share my appreciation. Just like I'd rather not have their religious/political/whatever views inflicted on me. It's simply good form, imho.
Every single piece of art on my body has particular significance to me. Most of them involved meticulous, careful searches for art
after I had dreamed the concept. Sometimes, after I've found the perfect piece of art, I dream about it's placement on my body.
I'm currently in school, trying to get a degree in English so that I can teach. Once I've found a job in a school, I might think about expanding my body canvas to include my arms and other more visible places.
Good luck finding what you want, and kudos to you for the thought and care you are putting into it. Tattoos aren't for everyone.