There is many ways to be able to have an awesome social life and also being able to have a fantastic well paid carrer wich can be translated to "anything in the artistic world", actually there is more ways to achieve the same goals in life.
Even though Tattoos are accepted more than many years ago one can find those who still have what some call "a conservative mentality" which I call something else. Most jobs that require Tattoos to be hidden or concealed (Same as Body Piercings or modifications) tend to be those who require their employees to work face to face with the public (customers). A business might not have anything against Tattoos/Body Modifications but they need customers so they can feed their families (if) and also to be able to pay your salary as well.
Some business owners might be the conservative ones and simply judge a person based on that person's personal style. A business corporation (for example) might not hire someone because of the tattoos, etc. even if the person is more than qualified for the position, but the same company might hire you for a different position with better pay where you don't have to be stared or treated differently by customers, etc. (That actually sounds better).
It is not right for someone to feel less because of their style and there is no need for regrets when you know you can have a great job, dress casual and get paid more than lots of people out there. People have plenty of time to think where they want their tattoos simply because thats what will allow you to have a career path and if that career path is to work around "prude people" (HA) then you should know where in your body you should get the work done.