If, and ONLY if the tattoo has significant meaning, then I view it as a work of art, no matter how poorly done. If the tattoo has absolutely no meaning, only gotten to look cool, then I find it absolutely stupid.
For instance, I saw a dad who had his children's footprints tattooed on his arm. The footprints were prints the day they were born. To have a lasting memory of his children within his view at all times was pretty admirable. Also, the way he acted around his kids, despite knowing how difficult and stressful his career is, I knew this was a man that put his children before anything and tried the best he can to never have them worry. Great dad there.
I see more often then not though, gang tattoos, guns, skulls, etc. that I find so pathetically stupid. So what if it's part of a gang tribute, so what if it's cool looking, it ruins your skin. It should always be something of a heartfelt reasoning.