The image of the koi fish is often used in tattoo designs not just because of its obvious elegance and vibrant colors, but more because of the symbolism surrounding it.

“Koi” is simply “carp” in Japanese, but the expensive fish that we are all familiar with are carp that have been especially bred since ancient times in China. This special breeding has produced the multi-colored varieties of koi fish that people now collect.

Koi are vigorous fish that can swim upstream. An old Chinese legend tells of koi brave enough to swim up the waterfalls of the Yellow River, and that any fish that could reach the point in the river called “Dragon Gate” would turn into a dragon.

While the fish originated from China, it is the Japanese who have made it a household name. The koi is a celebrated symbol in Japan-mostly associated with exceptional courage. It is said that this fish, if caught and placed on a cutting board, can lie still and wait for the knife to drop-without a quiver. That it can remain stoic in the face of imminent death is a quality likened to the samurai warrior’s unflinching courage to face the sword.

Generally, koi fish tattoos’ meanings include strength of character and the temerity to face adversity and seemingly impossible odds. With regard to the Chinese “Dragon Gate” legend, koi fish are also seen as symbols of high aspiration and accomplishment. Koi are also referred to as “living jewels,” and so are likewise associated with luck and good fortune. The image of five golden koi are said to mean “eternal wealth” and wellbeing.

Still another interpretation of the koi’s ability to swim upstream is “non-conformity.” It is an advisable tattoo motif for people who put great importance to being an independent thinker.

Koi fish tattoos’ meanings can vary for different people. Others also believe that the meaning of the koi tattoo design differ depending on the placement, colors and position of the fish, as well as other aspects of the design. Of course, the ultimate meaning of any tattoo would always be unique and personal for the person who has it.

Because koi are beautifully patched fish, it is best to have a koi tattoo design that has any of its natural combinations of the colors gold, white, yellow, red, and black.

T-shirts are found with various designs these days. The current trend of fashion brings tattoo designed t-shirts in the market. Sports, animals and pets, zodiac, patriotism, flowers and fantasy are some of the themes for tattoo design. You can enjoy wearing t-shirts with different designs. 

T-shirts with round neck or with V-shape are normally found in the market of clothing. They are available today in long sleeves or in short sleeves. Besides these different shapes and styles, tattoo designs give t-shirts beautiful and attractive look. 

Tattoo design for t-shirt is found in huge varieties. The fantasy section is one of the varieties which gives interesting concepts of designs like fairies, angels, demons, monsters, dragons, wizards, and many more to adore your attire. 

Religion also plays important role in shaping the tattoo design for t-shirts. The way you wear t-shirts made up of tattoos of gods and deities, reveal your faith in religion. Cautions or warnings, signs are beautifully designed tattoos for t-shirts. Other designs are also available that deal with themes like patriotism or military. 

One of the most popular patterns of tattoo design for t-shirt is lower back design. Flower, Celtic, dragon, and Kanji are some of the designs for lower back tattoo but tribal tattoo and butterfly designs are very popular. 

The popularity of lower back tattoos lie in the way celebrities have just started wearing them nowadays. Julia Roberts has got butterfly tattoo on her back. Such lower back tattoo design for t-shirt does not exhibit obscenity; it is rather mild, elegant, and aesthetically pleasing.

Been contemplating getting a butterfly tattoo? Well they are very hot right now among women to tell the truth they are the most searched for tattoo design for women and have been for a long time. It really is no surprise how often people are looking for this tattoo considering how beautiful butterflies are with their wide range of colors and the wonderful symbolic life they live? The problem is many women know they want to get a butterfly tattoo but finding the right design can be difficult. It can be frustrating to be stuck looking at endless tattoo flash that doesn’t express the feeling or tone you want for your tattoo. Often looking online leads to further frustration. So if you are in that place and have been spending hours looking online then you will want to read this article for sure. 

The Common Butterfly Tattoo Styles Designs 

Even though these tattoos often get all lumped together under one banner there really are many different styles and forms of the butterfly tattoo. If you are considering getting one then it makes sense to take some time and explore the different styles available and discover what you like best. This will help focus your searching efforts and help you to better communicate 

Celtic
Celtic styles always feature Celtic knotwork. These are always a series of endless knots that weave over top and under each other to make a delicate and intricate net work forming a butterfly. Often these are done in black and white but sometimes they include some color. 

Tribal 
Tribal butterflies are always done in black ink and are a series of edgy lines that form a kind of tribal looking design in the shape of a butterfly. These are strong bold butterflies that can be seen at a distance and are not as intricate or colorful as some of the other designs but the boldness makes them unique and interesting. 

Realistic 
Realistic butterflies can be kind of a broad range but any type of butterfly that is instantly recognizable as a butterfly would typically fit in this category. These designs typically are done with bright or even brilliant colors and often feature a wide range of colors. 

Cartoon 
Cartoon butterflies are not so much a cartoon like Snoopy but instead these are designs of big beautiful butterflies that look semi realistic but have a black outline and are somewhat simplified over the more realistic looking designs.

Combinations 
Of course there are some that will not fit into any category. So this category is a little harder to find a typical design for but combination designs are when a butterfly is just a part of a larger overall tattoo. For example it might be a back piece with faeries, flowers, and butterflies all together. 

Finding Examples 
The next thing you will want to do after deciding on the overall design of butterfly is to find some source pictures of tattoos that have things you like about them. For example do a google image search and find 5 different designs that you really like. Print them out and then write down what you like in each one and generate a list of the styles and elements you want to have in your design. 

Select An Artist 
After you have finished the above steps and chosen your style and found some pictures to express your ideas you will want to next find a tattoo artist that will work with you in creating a custom design. You can always take a shortcut and just choose some common flash on the wall at a local tattoo shop. However, typically you will not be very pleased with the result. By taking the time and having a custom design done you can really ensure that the tattoo you have done is something you will love for many years to come. 

By taking your time and narrowing down what style you want, finding resource photographs to work from and finding a professional tattoo artist you almost guarantee that you will love the tattoo you end up with for the rest of your life! Tattoos are expensive no doubt about it but paying that extra is money well spent. Most of all take your time in selecting the design and have fun with the journey. It is not always about the end result of a tattoo but often the journey to getting one that will last in your memory.