I like the carp idea, because of the story… swimming upstream and becoming a dragon.
However, I am in Japan, and that tattoo=instant ostricisation from everyone I work, live, eat with etc. apart from all the shady gangster types that hang around the bars and brothels.
I really like genki sudo’s tat… the bird across the shoulders.
Personally, I’d only have a tat if I designed it myself and it was something timeless and simple and meaningful.
That was actually my original plan, but after looking at it for a while, I think it’ll look better symmetrical.
I think the worst thing you can do with a tribal tattoo is go too small. I see huge guys in the gym all the time with little rinky dink tribal bands on their arm. It reminds me of Chris Farley when he did “fat guy in a little jacket”.
Well, yeah, you get what you pay for… but I can’t afford my first tat now (the smaller), would’ve have it done last week, but got fired and need the money.
Here’s to you not getting a Kanji tattoo.
(Although they can be quite humourous, especially when stencilled on in reverse.)
Here’s to me not getting any tattoos.
I just think of what I would have got 10 years ago that I would want to still have today. (That “Zoso” tat would be wicked!)