FINELINE
Exquisite fineline craftsmanship, engineered to endure. With meticulous precision and delicate details, we transform your skin into an intricate work of subtle art, defining elegance with every stroke.
The FINELINE Philosophy
Subtle Sophistication
Intricate linework that defines elegance with absolute grace.
Micro-Detail Mastery
Capturing the smallest nuances with incredible surgical focus.
Minimalist Resilience
A clean aesthetic designed to remain sharp and clear for years.
The Power of the SINGLE-NEEDLE
Creating the perfect fineline piece requires a keen eye for “tension”the steady, unwavering path of a single stroke. Our artists utilize a meticulous approach, starting with precise anatomical placement and finishing with soft, intentional shading to ensure your tattoo remains crisp and legible for decades. Whether it’s a delicate floral script or a complex geometric piece, we treat every drop of ink with architectural precision.
Fineline tattooing is one of the most technically demanding styles to execute well. The margin for error is almost zero. A line that is too thin will fade within years. A line placed with incorrect depth will blur and spread. The delicacy that makes a fineline tattoo beautiful is exactly what makes it unforgiving to produce. The Hyve Tattoo Studio in New Westminster offers fineline tattoos by Bri, a co-owner and fineline specialist whose botanical and illustrative fineline work demonstrates what this style looks like when the technical foundation is genuinely there. This page covers what fineline tattooing involves, what to expect from the process, and how to choose the right design for the style.
What Is
Fineline Tattooing
Fineline tattooing uses very thin needles and precise technique to create designs characterised by delicate lines, subtle shading, and a lightness of visual weight that distinguishes them from bolder tattoo styles. Where traditional tattooing uses thick outlines and solid fills to ensure longevity, fineline work operates at the opposite end of the technical spectrum, using restraint as its primary tool.
The appeal of fineline tattooing is aesthetic and personal. The style suits clients who want something that feels refined and understated rather than bold and declarative. It is particularly popular as a choice for first tattoos among clients in their twenties and thirties who want work that is visible and meaningful without being visually dominant. It is also a popular choice for placements that other styles handle less well, such as the inner wrist, collarbone, ribs, and behind the ear.
Fineline work covers several distinct sub-styles. Botanical fineline, where flowers, plants, and natural subjects are rendered in delicate single-needle or fine-gauge linework, is the most consistently requested category at The Hyve. Geometric and architectural fineline, where precise lines and forms create structural compositions, is another strong category. Script and lettering in fineline is also commonly requested, particularly when combined with illustrative botanical elements.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Specialty: Fineline, Floral, Script; small to large floral
Meet Bri, a talented tattoo artist with six years of experience in the industry and co-owner of The Hyve Tattoo Studio. Originally starting her journey in permanent makeup, Bri was given the incredible opportunity to learn tattooing under the mentorship of Bien. This experience allowed her to develop her skills and eventually branch off to create her own distinctive style.
Bri’s artistic background includes working in a home-based studio and at Inkspiration in Delta, where she honed her craft and gained valuable insights into the tattooing process. Though she has benefited from mentorship, Bri is primarily self-taught, showcasing her dedication and passion for the art.
Specializing in fine line, floral, and script tattoos, Bri excels in creating both small and large floral designs that beautifully capture the essence of nature. Her creative process begins with online consultations, allowing clients to collaborate on custom designs.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature and florals, Bri infuses her artwork with elements that resonate deeply with her clients. With her unique style and commitment to creating personalized tattoos, Bri is dedicated to making every tattoo experience special and memorable.
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LISA
Artist
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Specialty: Blackwork, Fineline & Ornamental Tattoos.
Award-winning artist specializing in birds, florals, abstract designs, blackouts, and meaningful script tattoos.
Meet Lisa Kao, a tattoo artist born and raised in Vancouver, BC. With six years of professional tattooing experience, Lisa has built a reputation for creating custom tattoos that help people feel more confident while expressing their individuality. Art has always been a part of her life, and from a young age she knew she wanted to use creativity to make a lasting impact on others.
Lisa developed her skills while learning from the talented artists at Strictly Tattoo and Third Eye Tattoo. She has also collaborated twice with @zennietattoo, combining her signature fine line florals with realism to create distinctive collaborative pieces that showcase both artists’ strengths.
Lisa’s current focus is Blackwork, Fineline, and Ornamental tattooing. She discovered her passion for Blackwork unexpectedly while tattooing a simple black armband. Fellow artists consistently complimented her ability to pack solid black ink, which encouraged her to recognize the style she had naturally been creating all along. Today, she is always excited to work on projects featuring birds, florals, abstract compositions, blackout tattoos, and meaningful script written in the handwriting of someone special.
Every tattoo begins with a personal consultation where Lisa works closely with each client to discuss references, placement, and the overall vision for the piece. She spends one to three days creating a custom design before meeting with the client again on the day of the appointment to refine every detail. When the design allows, she also freehands directly onto the body to ensure the tattoo flows naturally with each client’s anatomy.
Lisa’s dedication to her craft has earned recognition throughout the tattoo industry. She received her first Blackwork and Geometric award at the Edmonton Tattoo Convention in April 2025, followed by Second Place in Blackwork at the Vancouver Tattoo Convention in June 2025. She also earned another Blackwork and Geometric award at the Fraser Valley Tattoo Show in September 2025. Her work has been featured in DGN Magazine, where she placed Second in the Blackwork Category and Third in the Geometric Category in 2025.
Known for her dark, gothic aesthetic, Lisa enjoys incorporating spider webs, fractured textures, and eerie details into her work to create tattoos with depth and character. She draws inspiration from human anatomy, fashion, architecture, and botanical forms, while her fascination with vampire culture influences the romantic and dramatic mood found throughout her portfolio. Black remains the foundation of her work, with red serving as her favorite accent color because of the striking contrast it creates.
You can find Lisa’s latest work on Instagram and TikTok @kao.ink. She welcomes clients looking for bold, meaningful, and custom tattoos that are designed to last a lifetime.
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Choosing the Right Fineline Design
The most common mistake clients make with fineline tattooing is choosing a design that is too detailed for the scale they want it at. Fineline work depends on having enough space between elements for each line to read clearly. When a complex design is compressed into a small area, the lines merge over time and the piece loses the definition that made it appealing in the first place.
As a practical guide for fineline design choices, simpler compositions with fewer elements tend to perform better at smaller scales. A single botanical subject, a clean geometric form, or a short piece of script reads clearly at wrist or collarbone scale. More complex compositions with multiple subjects, layered elements, or detailed shading need a larger canvas, a forearm, thigh, or shoulder, to maintain their clarity over time.
Placement is another important consideration. Fineline tattoos in areas of high sun exposure fade faster than those in protected placements. The inner arm, ribs, and upper back hold fineline work better than the outer forearm or hands, which see consistent UV exposure and friction. Bri will discuss placement options during consultation and give honest guidance on what will age well in your chosen location.
How to Care for a Fineline Tattoo
Fineline tattoos require careful aftercare during the healing period, particularly in the first two weeks. The thin lines that define the style are more vulnerable to damage during healing than the thicker work of bolder styles. Avoid soaking the tattoo in water, keep it out of direct sunlight, and apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser regularly to prevent the skin from drying out and cracking over the healing linework.
Once healed, sun protection is the single most important factor in preserving the quality of a fineline tattoo long-term. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen to any fineline work that is regularly exposed to direct sunlight. This is especially relevant for forearm, wrist, and collarbone placements during summer months in the Greater Vancouver area.
Touch-ups may be needed on fineline work after the initial heal, particularly if any lines have faded unevenly during the healing process. Bri assesses all healed work at a check-in appointment and advises on whether any touch-up is needed. Full aftercare instructions are available at tattoo-aftercare.
Frequently asked questions on black linework tattoos in New Westminster
1. Where can I get a fineline tattoo in New Westminster?
The Hyve Tattoo Studio at 9 6th St, New Westminster offers fineline tattoos by Bri, a fineline specialist and co-owner of the studio. Her work focuses on botanical fineline, fineline illustrative, and floral compositions. Walk-ins welcome for smaller pieces Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm. Book at bookings.
2. How much does a fineline tattoo cost in New Westminster?
Fineline tattoo pricing at The Hyve starts from a minimum of $130 with an hourly rate of $160 to $250 depending on complexity and session time. Smaller fineline designs are quoted at or near the studio minimum. Detailed botanical sleeves and larger fineline compositions are quoted individually at consultation. Submit your concept at thehyvestudio.ca/bookings/ for an accurate quote.
3. Do fineline tattoos fade faster than other styles?
Fineline tattoos can fade faster than bolder styles if the technical execution or aftercare is not right. Lines placed too shallow will fade quickly. Lines placed too close together will blur and merge over time. At The Hyve, Bri‘s fineline work is executed with longevity in mind, using line weights and spacing that hold up over years. Proper aftercare and sun protection are the client’s contribution to maintaining the piece long-term.
4. Is fineline a good choice for a first tattoo?
Yes. Fineline is one of the most popular choices for first tattoos, particularly for clients who want something elegant and understated. Smaller fineline botanical pieces and simple illustrative designs are a strong starting point. Walk-ins are welcome at The Hyve for smaller first pieces. Visit 9 6th St, New Westminster, Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm.
Ready to make your MARK?
At The Hyve Tattoo Studio, we are confident that you will find an artist whose style resonates with your vision. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional artistry and ensuring your tattoo experience is both memorable and satisfying.
Explore our portfolio, meet our artists, and let us help you create a tattoo that’s as unique as you are. Book your consultation today and see why we’re considered one of the best tattoo studios in Vancouver!
TATTOO SERVICES
The Hyve side is the right side
Greyscale
For a classic, timeless look that emphasizes shading and depth.
Neo-Asian
Combining traditional Asian styles and elements with modern techniques for a unique fusion.
Anime
Bringing your favourite anime characters and scenes to life with vibrant detail.
Realism
Capturing lifelike precision and intricate details for an authentic appearance
Illustrative
Featuring artistic, hand-drawn designs that tell a story or evoke a sense of whimsy.
Fineline
Offering delicate, detailed work with minimalistic lines for a subtle, elegant effect.
Black Linework
Highlighting bold, precise black lines to form intricate and impactful designs.
Coloured Tattoos
Infusing your tattoo with vibrant colours for a dynamic and eye-catching look.