meaning of the koi tattoo: swimming upwards or downwards?

Question

ok, well I'm planning on getting a koi tattoo in the future (I already have a tattoo, so I know what to expect)
I love what it signifies, because it will have some meaning to my past.
I have read up on koi tattoos for a while, and I know the whole history and stuff, but my question is:

does it matter if the koi is swimming upwards or downwards?

I have done plenty of research, and I can't find a definite answer

(and please to those who don't know what they're talking about, don't answer!)
I'd prefer to have a tattoo artist answer this question, or someone who knows alot on Japanese/Chinese history

Thanx allot!

sorry I didnt include this earlier, but I was looking at many koi designs and the two that I really like are swimming downwards..
I just didn't want to send the worng message..
some people have said it had to do with your sexuality (whether your straight or gay), but I highly doubt it... (I don't think that person knew what they were talking about)

I don't know if the following info could help, but here goes..
I know what the koi signifies from going on many websites, but the hardest times that I've through take place in the past, but I will have many challenges ahead also.

Some say that a koi swimming upwards means that you are still going through your hard times, and one swimming downwards means that you have already gone through your hard times...

Answer 1

From what've heard.. 'heard'
it doesn't matter, just make it work with your curves as long as it's not swimming backwards or it's head is covered it's okay.
I don't think up or down has significance

Answer 2

I have never actually heard if it matters or not... But judgeing by the ledgend that I know I would try to make it look like it's swimming upstream. I would talk to your artist about it though.

I'm thinking of the same story as you right... it turns in to a dragon... right...

Answer 3

It means what you want it to mean!!!!!!!!!