Carp Tattoo Photo #15075

The koi swimming upstream represents perseverance, determination, and overcoming obstacles. In Japanese culture, koi that climb waterfalls transform into dragons, symbolizing achievement and transformation.

By placing thousands of tiny dots at controlled spacing, dotwork artists achieve smooth gradients and intricate patterns. This labor-intensive method gives tattoos a unique texture that stands apart from traditional line-based work.

The ribcage offers a private placement that only shows when the wearer chooses. Its curved surface adds dimension to designs, though the area is known for being one of the more sensitive spots to tattoo.