Meaning of Koi

I have been thinking about getting a second tattoo. I was looking for a symbol to do just for myself to represent my life. A big factor in my life has been overcoming adversity, perserverance, not always making it, but never giving up. I just ran across several definitions of the meaning of Japanese Koi... most of them say almost exactly the same thing, which is basically the Japanese associate koi with perserverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. I love the thought of that, and have always loved Koi tattoos, but am am little worried that they are getting overdone? Is there anyone out there of japanese decscent who can offer some perspective on this? Good choice? Bad? Are there any of you artists who feel this is too overdone, or is it a beautiful theme? Just looking for opinions either way.... Thanks guys and dolls...

AL...I think the koi would fit right in with what you already have...the meaning of the koi that you gave was right on the money as far as my understanding goes.....As far as it being overdone....well it has been done a lot but that does not mean its been OVERDONE...A piece of art like the traditional oriental koi is timeless and has so much historical significance that I think it would be nearly impossible to OVERDO it! That is unless ya get it done at Tattoos R Us or Brunos Basement Skin Art Palace!!!...HEE HEE I say hell yes!! Go for it my friend!...Make it your own....maybe I can be of help to YOU this time and do some artwork as ideas to take to your artist...how bout that dammit? A switch around!...The least I could do after your help in designing the new Painted Angel Logo..So let me know and as soon as I am done with the TattooNOW collaborative project I can devote some time to your gawddam fish!!...LOL!!!...Talk to me baby!!!....TAz

Hey Taz! Wazzup Buddy? Actually that might be really cool! When specifically are you opening in Colorado at the new store? Maybe I could stop up there and talk to you about it.

I amgoin thru a family emergency right now...the lady who raised me during the summers in Missouri is in the hospital in a coma and so the colorado shop has been delayed for a few days but no matter what we will be open sometime in May...worst case scenario we will be open in june...but I can get on your artwork way before that...If ya wanna wait for me I would be happy to do your tattoo for you as long as I can pick the area of your bod it will go on...yer BUTT!!!.....AWWW I'm just joshin ya man....but I will be happy to do that for ya...good advertising bro...you know all about that don't ya?? You can show it off to some of those hot little college girls and..............OW!!!!! Damn! I didn't know TAzette # 2 was in the room...THAT HURT!! DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OK Stay in touch my friend...T

Good luck my friend. Take care of business. I'm in no hurry. Can wait as long as necessary. My prayers are with the lady that raised ya.

Thanks again AL