Peonies are the king of flowers. They symbolize confidence, good fortune, bravery, and honor. In Japanese culture, as far as flowers go, they feel masculine.

They’re one of my favorite flowers to tattoo. Bold and powerful, but actually pretty simple when you break them down. I like doing them simple and contrasty. When I do them in black and gray, I often only shade the inside so the contrast stays punchy.

They pair well with almost anything, as long as you have room. You have to do peonies at a decent size or they won’t read. Too small and they turn into something else.

Mine tend to be a little simpler with the cuts and notches. That evolves. They’re one of the things I draw and tattoo the most, so the way I do them keeps changing. Color, black and gray, either one, I’m always stoked to do a peony.