koi foot tattoo by Aarron Laidig

Koi on a foot
Carp de toes

Koi are one of the few tattoo images that I do all the time that I have not grown to hate.
They are fun, decorative, pretty, simple, and yet challenging.
The challenge is in placement.
A well placed design looks awesome while a poorly placed design looks like crud.
My method is simple...
I start with the location and placement wishes of the client.
I then talk about colors and style.
Then I draw up a koi to fit.
Works like a charm and I never get tired of them.

The watery designs and background work allow for wonderful contours.