Koi fish tattoo ideas

What a koi tattoo usually means

Koi come with a well known story: in Chinese legend, carp that swim up the waterfall at the Dragon Gate turn into dragons. That is why a koi tattoo is so often about perseverance. Two koi circling each other are often drawn as a yin and yang, a pair of opposites in balance.

Size and placement

• Koi have a natural S curve, so they fit spots that curve too: the forearm, calf, shoulder blade or ribs.
• Scales take room. If you want them detailed, plan on a palm-sized piece or larger; a small koi reads better as a simple outline.
• Japanese style koi traditionally swim through water, waves or clouds, which can grow into a sleeve later.

Before you take it to your artist

• An AI design is a starting point. Some tattoo artists say AI designs are often too detailed for the spot they are meant for, so expect your artist to simplify it.
• The free stencil is a clean line version that shows the line work. Your artist will still redraw it to fit your body.
• Check the size before you book: try the design on with a daylight photo of the spot.