pagans did tattoos to worship a false god.. part of their ritual.
tattoos, much like anything, i feel is a case of, use not abuse. if you are going to do tattoos, dont over-do it and dont do it for the wrong reasons.
with that said, i still say the safest way would be not to get a tattoo, but at the same time, i think its safe, as long as you check in with God before hand.