So, the other day I was thinking about getting a tattoo, and not just any tattoo, but something with a bit of depth, you know? I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture – the whole samurai thing, the zen gardens, the beautiful calligraphy, it all just speaks to me on some level. So I thought, why not combine that with my love for meaningful quotes? That’s how I landed on the idea of a Japanese quote tattoo.
First thing I did was dive deep into the internet. I spent hours browsing through websites, Pinterest boards, and Instagram pages, looking for Japanese quotes that resonated with me. I wasn’t just looking for cool-sounding phrases, I wanted something that reflected my personal values or a philosophy that I admire. It was a bit overwhelming at first, there are so many beautiful and profound quotes out there!
I started making a list of my favorites. Some were about strength and resilience, like those old samurai sayings. Others were more about mindfulness and living in the moment, which I find really important in today’s crazy world. I even found some poetic ones about nature and the changing seasons, which felt very artistic and unique. I kept adding to the list, refining it, and trying to narrow it down to a few that truly stood out.
Then came the tricky part – figuring out the design. I’m not an artist myself, so I knew I needed some help. I spent days sketching out rough ideas, playing with different fonts and layouts. I even tried to incorporate some traditional Japanese elements like cherry blossoms or waves, but it all looked pretty amateurish, to be honest.
That’s when I decided to reach out to a tattoo artist who specializes in Japanese designs. I found this amazing artist in my city who had a portfolio full of stunning Irezumi work. I booked a consultation, showed them my list of quotes and my messy sketches, and we started brainstorming together.
- We talked about the meaning behind each quote.
- They showed me different calligraphy styles.
- We discussed placement options on my body.
It was a really collaborative process, and I felt like the artist really understood my vision. Finally, we settled on a quote that truly embodies my personal journey, and the artist created a beautiful, custom design that incorporates the calligraphy with a subtle, artistic touch. The quote we went with was simple yet profound: “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” To me, it’s a powerful reminder of perseverance and resilience, something I’ve had to learn the hard way in life.
Getting the tattoo itself was an experience. It took several hours, and yeah, it hurt a bit, but it was totally worth it. Seeing the finished design on my skin for the first time was incredible. It wasn’t just ink, it was a piece of art, a permanent reminder of my values, and a connection to a culture I deeply admire.
Now, every time I look at my tattoo, I feel a sense of pride and inspiration. It’s a conversation starter for sure, and I love sharing the story behind it with people. It’s not just a tattoo, it’s a part of me now, a little piece of Japan that I carry with me wherever I go.
