Thermal transfer recording is carried out through the steps of: applying a heat or electric energy in a pattern to a peripheral surface of an ink roll having the peripheral surface composed of a heat-transferable ink, thereby to form a melted or softened pattern of the heat-transferable ink; causing the peripheral surface of the ink roll to contact a recording medium to transfer the melted or softened ink pattern onto the recording medium; and smoothing the peripheral surface of the ink roll.