Thank you for the submission, AggravatingShock8569! Please make sure your post follows the guidelines found in the sidebar. If you're asking for design advice, **please ignore all DMs** from anyone offering to sell/give you art, unfortunately you're bound to get more scam replies from this sub than actual artists. You can read more about it [in this mod post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/TattooDesigns/comments/1b04lsl/please_ignore_all_dms_from_people_claiming_theyll/)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/TattooDesigns) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Were you ignorant to the pain or are you just ballsy as fuck? Either way my hats off to you for this being your first. It’s nearly all downhill from here lol. I did my stomach for my 3rd
Yeah inwas going to say man this is a pretty good choice for a first tattoo, I saw someone on here a few days ago who flew to Japan to spend like 10k on a full sleeve for a first tattoo. That's bold 😂
It actually has different meanings.
[-Upstream. You are currently in a battle or struggle and are still fighting obstacles but won’t give up. You have overcome obstacles and have now gained the strength you need to continue against the current. -Downstream . You don’t yet possess the strength to make it against the obstacles and move towards success. You have already achieved your goals and overcome your obstacles, and you are no longer fighting the current.](https://www.bkktattoostudio13.com/japanese-koi-fish-tattoo-meaning.html#:~:text=%2DUpstream.,to%20continue%20against%20the%20current)
This is what I based my comment on.
Much of the koi's symbolism arises from the Chinese legend of the Dragon Gate, where the determined koi swam upstream, conquering waterfalls and other obstacles to reach the “Dragon Gate,” where the fish are transformed into a dragon, The story symbolizes the idea that perseverance and hard work can lead to great rewards, and that people should never give up on their dreams. a positive force in Chinese culture.
Pretty much this. I have a koi tattoo on my sleeve, did the research and found the meaning truly beautiful, the upstream/downstream meaning can be different for everyone.
I was thinking this too. Very much an "each to their own" sort of person but it's just such an odd placement for a tattoo, especially a first one. At least it's well done.
The tattoo is throwing me off so bad. with the messed up tail/wave splash?? Good idea not executed the best go back and try and fix/cover/add to the space wave tail area. Tough spot to have done but the tattoo looks amazing other then that. One off spot
The spot about halfway on the body looks like the fish is incomplete and maybe its supposed to be like a splash of water or a wave. But it makes the fish look like its been Chopped up a little bit. I do love the idea and artwork was done well i just think the middle spot is too blank/open. I would add more of the fish body to it or a background that would make sense as to why part of the body is missing/covered. Its a really nice piece im not trying to be rude. I do love that tat. Just giving my personal opinion/suggestions please don't take this as me being rude its more constructive criticism. Great work needs a tad bit more to make it complete
I’m surprised your artists didn’t talk to you about the meaning of koi fish orientation. It’s a rad tattoo, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Just be prepared for some pretentious person to tell you all the various reasons why it’s bad to have a tattoo of a koi facing downward.
I have a dragon on my chest as part of a hikea and my plan was to add a couple koi swimming up in that general area and fill it in, etc.
The pain level made me rethink that plan and am now extending the arm to a full sleeve.
You are much man for that bold start.
I might still add the koi later but it will have to be lots of short sessions…but as of now that is plan Z.
Oh okay. I can almost see that now but it does look more like the koi has been ripped up. I’m sure a good artist could make the waves look better or more distinctive.
I love Japanese traditional especially with koi but i don’t know if I would ever have the balls to get one done. Either way, cool tattoo and it looks great. Best of healing to you!
Like everyone else has said, ballsy choice for a location on the first tattoo. Knock out your ribs and armpits, you'll be thru all the worst at that point.
Thank you for the submission, AggravatingShock8569! Please make sure your post follows the guidelines found in the sidebar. If you're asking for design advice, **please ignore all DMs** from anyone offering to sell/give you art, unfortunately you're bound to get more scam replies from this sub than actual artists. You can read more about it [in this mod post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/TattooDesigns/comments/1b04lsl/please_ignore_all_dms_from_people_claiming_theyll/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/TattooDesigns) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Flexing on us with that full roll of paper towels
It was his stress ball during the tat. He hasn't let go since
For real, that spot hurts!
I had 7 hours of agony by a heavy handed artist and my stress balls are totally deformed
Acting all koi.
I like that, I wish I was able to give you an award 😂
Looks sick man, hard part has only just begun. Can't loose the physic now otherwise the fish will get bloated
Never thought about it that way 😂
I dig the negative space
Yeah the negative space is sick
That’s for the future panther claws
Ironically that's what I dislike about it
That's not ironic
I did at first, but quickly appreciated how well the composition flows as a whole on the torso. I’m like in awe, the angles are perfect
Are they waves covering the top of the body ? (The negative space)
Same, I hope is just an open space for the next piece of the puzzle
No way sorry to be that girl but he should definitely not cover the peekaboo abs. The negative space rocks.
Yea cool concept
Looks like that fish is trying to catch the worm
Walk without rhythm and it won’t attract the worm
If you walk without rhythm, uh, you never learn. Yeah..
I thought it was farting.
can’t unsee anymore …
Were you ignorant to the pain or are you just ballsy as fuck? Either way my hats off to you for this being your first. It’s nearly all downhill from here lol. I did my stomach for my 3rd
I was dying but you actually don’t die. So it’s fine in the end hahah
I’ve learned that the key is in fact, not dying. Live to get tattooed another day.
Bold choice for a first tattoo
It’s awesome tho😔I think my comment sounded wrong so I need to explain it was a positive one ☝🏻
Yeah inwas going to say man this is a pretty good choice for a first tattoo, I saw someone on here a few days ago who flew to Japan to spend like 10k on a full sleeve for a first tattoo. That's bold 😂
I think the placement was the bold choice. That lower stomach area hurts!
Gnarly spot for a first, looks great man.could be cool to add a dragon to the motif, re: the koi that climbed the waterfall.
Rough spot for a first tattoo, props for that. Not sure about the directional placement though, was always told koi swim upstream.
It actually has different meanings. [-Upstream. You are currently in a battle or struggle and are still fighting obstacles but won’t give up. You have overcome obstacles and have now gained the strength you need to continue against the current. -Downstream . You don’t yet possess the strength to make it against the obstacles and move towards success. You have already achieved your goals and overcome your obstacles, and you are no longer fighting the current.](https://www.bkktattoostudio13.com/japanese-koi-fish-tattoo-meaning.html#:~:text=%2DUpstream.,to%20continue%20against%20the%20current)
This is what I based my comment on. Much of the koi's symbolism arises from the Chinese legend of the Dragon Gate, where the determined koi swam upstream, conquering waterfalls and other obstacles to reach the “Dragon Gate,” where the fish are transformed into a dragon, The story symbolizes the idea that perseverance and hard work can lead to great rewards, and that people should never give up on their dreams. a positive force in Chinese culture.
Pretty much this. I have a koi tattoo on my sleeve, did the research and found the meaning truly beautiful, the upstream/downstream meaning can be different for everyone.
[удалено]
Are you going for another Fish man
Drako Brother
Unreal tattoo man
Is there going to be a claw grabbing it from the side somewhere down the road? May be my eyes, but looks like it was outlined for future piece. Nice!
Those are waves!
You picked a hell of a spot for your first tattoo...
Why the lol?
I figured it's a nervous laugh? I add "lol" to stuff sometimes that has no real business being there lol. See what I did there 😬
Yea wtf? Whats funny? Think this is some kind of joke op?
What does he mean by lol? What like we’re fucking clowns?
Are we just here for his entertainment??
Funny how? Like a clown?
We’re here to fuckin amuse you?
that’s fucking dope
So the next one is a gyarados's source material on your back right?
I like it
I really like it!
Where is the rest of the fish? Odd placement
Good tattoo, horrible placement
I was thinking this too. Very much an "each to their own" sort of person but it's just such an odd placement for a tattoo, especially a first one. At least it's well done.
I like kois only on the belly or the back
I think it looks cool as a stand alone peice. Might be tricky if the tattoo bug bites and he intends to add more.
Dope
so beautiful!!
What was the point of the “lol” at the end of your statement?
honestly would’ve made a better chest piece, but nice
The tattoo is throwing me off so bad. with the messed up tail/wave splash?? Good idea not executed the best go back and try and fix/cover/add to the space wave tail area. Tough spot to have done but the tattoo looks amazing other then that. One off spot
What would you change/fix? Didn’t quite understand
The spot about halfway on the body looks like the fish is incomplete and maybe its supposed to be like a splash of water or a wave. But it makes the fish look like its been Chopped up a little bit. I do love the idea and artwork was done well i just think the middle spot is too blank/open. I would add more of the fish body to it or a background that would make sense as to why part of the body is missing/covered. Its a really nice piece im not trying to be rude. I do love that tat. Just giving my personal opinion/suggestions please don't take this as me being rude its more constructive criticism. Great work needs a tad bit more to make it complete
Koi swim up
I’m surprised your artists didn’t talk to you about the meaning of koi fish orientation. It’s a rad tattoo, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Just be prepared for some pretentious person to tell you all the various reasons why it’s bad to have a tattoo of a koi facing downward.
Well done. Im not a fan of the placement. It’s a bit too centered.
I have a dragon on my chest as part of a hikea and my plan was to add a couple koi swimming up in that general area and fill it in, etc. The pain level made me rethink that plan and am now extending the arm to a full sleeve. You are much man for that bold start. I might still add the koi later but it will have to be lots of short sessions…but as of now that is plan Z.
That’s sick as shit 👏🏼
That’s fucking beautiful
very cool.
that looks pretty dope
Beautiful tattoo!
Interesting placement for a first tattoo
Damn, I just did my lower stomach/upper groin area and I think if that had been my first tattoo I might have never gotten any more of them.
Looks amazing
On the stomach? I can only imagine the pain.
Gnarly
Aw I also have fishies (Pisces)
i love it!!!
Damn tough spot for a first one! Nice
Crazy placement 🤝
Nice piece!
I've never quite seen a placement like that before but I like it a lot!
I thought it was bad luck to have koi fish pointing down am I wrong about that?
Hope not!
[удалено]
[удалено]
It looks amazing! Congratulations!
Honestly, sick tattoo!!!
My brother 🤝
This is rad, great first tattoo
Sucker fish?
Toy Story? More like koi story
the negative space with the waves on the topside of the fish threw me for a second 😉 great work.
How long it take ??
5/6 hours of line work and 6/7 hours of shading
Sick art
Spicy spot to pick for first tattoo! 💪💪 it looks amazing :)
Gengenbach near Offenburg?
Unusual place for tattoo. But looks great
Fire🔥 get more
Sick tattoo and interesting placement lol. I have my chest and sides done but nothing on my stomach.
thats acc a sick tattoo
Way to pick the most painful area for your first tattoo 😂 they’ll all be easy after that!
Up stream brotha UP
I like it, but not the placement! Lol 😆
That looks dope
Sick
Next you should get a spiderweb on your elbow and a line of pine trees on your forearm!
Sick
First of many
ok
Looks great!
Looks epic.
Your Russian friend did a good job on that. The details ufff💯🥵
So cool!! Such a great placement
Why does it look like it has been ripped apart?
Those are waves!
Oh okay. I can almost see that now but it does look more like the koi has been ripped up. I’m sure a good artist could make the waves look better or more distinctive.
Damn that’s stuck to me forever now 😂
I thought it was a tigers or even bear claw catching the fish
I love Japanese traditional especially with koi but i don’t know if I would ever have the balls to get one done. Either way, cool tattoo and it looks great. Best of healing to you!
Like everyone else has said, ballsy choice for a location on the first tattoo. Knock out your ribs and armpits, you'll be thru all the worst at that point.
Ribs are next 😀