Honestly….I just crank my favorite tunes. Luckily my artist plays my ipod at the shop when im getting work done 😀

Sorry to double post, but I just realised that you wouldnt be able to fit a good looking upward swimming Koi with the space you have in a half sleeve…you would have to make it 3/4. but IMO with the roots into waves idea….it would look sick as a 3/4 sleeve.

I think it would look out of place horizontally because of the meanings associated with the Koi swimming up or down. But, If you were to add roots to the tree, and have the Koi swimming upwards…as if the roots turned into downward waves, I think it would blend very nicely and it would go with the hardships and struggles of being a father.