ILLUSTRATIVE
Evocative illustrative design, crafted to tell a vibrant story. From complex narrative concepts to distinctive linework, we convert your ideas into a living canvas of incredible character and illustrative impact.
The Illustrative Philosophy
Distinctive Narrative
Art that tells a story through unique and stylized concepts.
Dynamic Linework
Flowing compositions that enhance the body's natural shape.
Creative Character
A personalized aesthetic that brings your vision to life.
The Power of the VISIONARY
Creating the perfect illustrative piece requires a genuine artistic voice, not just technical skill. Our artists bring their own creative perspective to every piece while keeping your vision at the centre. The result is a tattoo that reflects both who you are and the hand of the artist who made it. That collaboration is what makes illustrative work feel alive.
Illustrative tattooing is the style that gives an artist the most room to bring their own voice into a piece. It is not bound by the rules of realism or the conventions of traditional tattooing. It draws from the visual language of illustration, printmaking, and fine art, and it produces work that feels personal, considered, and completely unlike anything pulled from a flash sheet. The Hyve Tattoo Studio in New Westminster specialises in illustrative tattooing with particular strength in fineline illustrative work and botanical illustration, led by Bri and Payton whose portfolios demonstrate what this style looks like when it is done with genuine artistic intent. This page covers the style, the artists, and what to expect when you book an illustrative tattoo at The Hyve.
What is illustrative
tattooing
Illustrative tattooing takes its visual language from the world of drawn art rather than the world of photography or traditional tattooing convention. The defining quality of an illustrative tattoo is that it looks like it was made by hand with a specific artistic sensibility behind it. Lines may vary in weight to suggest depth and movement. Shading may be soft and graduated or bold and gestural depending on the style the artist brings to the work. Composition is treated as an art direction decision, not just a technical one.
The illustrative style covers a wide range of approaches within that broader definition. At one end sits bold, graphic illustrative work with strong outlines and high contrast. At the other sits delicate fineline illustration with soft shading, intricate detail, and a lightness of touch that makes the piece feel like a pencil drawing transferred to skin. The Hyve’s illustrative artists work primarily in the fineline and botanical illustrative registers, producing work that leans toward elegance and refinement rather than graphic boldness.
What connects all illustrative tattooing is the presence of an artistic point of view. A well-executed illustrative tattoo looks like it was made specifically for the person wearing it, because it was. That is the core appeal of the style and the reason clients who are drawn to it tend to care deeply about finding the right artist rather than the nearest available studio.
The Hyve's illustrative specialists
Two of The Hyve’s resident artists bring distinct approaches to illustrative tattooing.
Together, the two artists give The Hyve strong coverage across the illustrative spectrum for clients whose concepts are driven by botanical subjects, nature compositions, and finely detailed hand-drawn designs.
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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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Specialty: Illustrative Realism, Fineline Floral, Large-scale Floral
Kia ora! Meet Payton, a talented tattoo artist born and raised in North Vancouver. With a rich artistic heritage, his entire father’s side of the family being 100% artists, Payton grew up in a creative environment that deeply influenced his path. His grandmother ran an art studio in West Vancouver in the 1970s, instilling a love for art that has been nurtured throughout his life.
Payton has been tattooing in studios for over 2 years having honed his skills through community teaching before joining The Hyve. His art style is primarily focused on fineline floral designs, often described as illustrative realism. While he enjoys crafting large-scale floral pieces, he also finds peace in incorporating animals, skulls, and organic elements into his work. Additionally, Payton has a passion for portraiture, especially micro pet portraits.
His design process is intuitive and straightforward, requiring a deep trust between him and his clients. Payton prefers to freehand floral designs, drawing the stencil directly onto the skin with markers. This approach removes any barriers between artist and canvas, allowing for a more personal and unique tattooing experience. He believes that each piece should be one-of-a-kind, crafted in direct connection with the client’s anatomy.
Payton embraces the philosophy that tattoos don’t need to have hidden meanings. If a design resonates with you, that emotional connection is meaningful enough. His artwork reflects this belief, celebrating the significance of personal expression through ink.
Inspired by nature and his experiences as a surfer, Payton channels a deep connection to the environment in his designs. He also draws influence from fashion, having previously modeled and enjoyed styling and sewing. This blend of interests often leads him to create tattoos inspired by runway shows, merging his artistic vision with the world of high fashion.
With his unique perspective and passion for art, Payton is dedicated to creating tattoos that not only enhance personal expression but also celebrate the beauty of nature and individuality.
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What subjects work best for illustrative tattooing
The illustrative style suits a wide range of subjects, but certain concepts particularly benefit from the illustrative approach over other styles.
Botanical and floral subjects are the most natural fit for illustrative tattooing. Flowers, plants, leaves, and natural arrangements all have qualities that the illustrative approach handles exceptionally well: organic line variation, layered compositional depth, and the opportunity for the artist to make expressive decisions about how the subject is rendered. The Hyve’s illustrative artists have deep experience with peony, chrysanthemum, lotus, and mixed floral compositions at a range of scales.
Animal subjects, particularly when combined with botanical elements, are another strong category for illustrative tattooing. A hummingbird among flowers, a fox in a forest setting, or a skull integrated into a botanical arrangement are the kinds of compositions where illustration gives the artist the freedom to design a genuinely cohesive piece rather than placing a realistic animal render next to a realistic flower render and hoping they work together.
Storybook and narrative-driven concepts suit the illustrative style well. If the concept has a feeling or a mood behind it rather than just a specific subject, the illustrative approach gives the artist the tools to express that feeling through the visual choices they make in the design.
Text and lettering combined with illustrative elements is another common request at The Hyve. Botanical frames, floral borders, and illustrated surrounds for script work are a consistent part of the studio’s illustrative output.
What to expect from an illustrative tattoo session
Illustrative tattooing varies considerably in session length depending on the scale and complexity of the piece. A small illustrative design, a single flower or a simple botanical element, typically takes one to two hours. A detailed fineline sleeve or large-scale botanical composition requires multiple sessions, usually two to four, spaced four to six weeks apart to allow the skin to heal between each stage.
The design preparation process is an important part of illustrative work. Because the style depends on the artist’s own visual sensibility, the consultation is where the concept is shaped into a design direction. Bringing reference images that convey the feeling and visual style you are drawn to is more useful than bringing a single specific image you want copied. The more the artist understands about your aesthetic preferences, the more the finished piece will feel genuinely personal.
Consultation is recommended for all detailed illustrative work. Walk-ins are welcome at The Hyve for smaller illustrative designs and botanical flash pieces. Visit the studio at 9 6th St in New Westminster, Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm, or book at bookings.
Frequently asked questions on illustrative tattoos in New Westminster
1. Where can I get an illustrative tattoo in New Westminster?
The Hyve Tattoo Studio at 9 6th St, New Westminster offers illustrative tattooing with particular strength in fineline illustration and botanical work. Bri specialises in fineline illustrative and floral compositions. Payton works in illustrative realism and large-scale botanical designs. Walk-ins welcome for smaller pieces Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm. Book at thehyvestudio.ca/bookings/.
2. What is the difference between illustrative and realism tattooing?
Illustrative tattooing draws from the visual language of drawn art, using line variation, expressive shading, and compositional design choices to create work that feels hand-crafted and artistic. Realism tattooing aims to reproduce subjects with photographic accuracy, prioritising dimensional depth and tonal precision. The Hyve offers both styles, with Payton’s work spanning the illustrative realism territory between them.
3. How much does an illustrative tattoo cost in New Westminster?
Illustrative tattoo pricing at The Hyve starts from a minimum of $130 with an hourly rate of $160 to $250 depending on the artist. Smaller illustrative pieces are quoted at the studio minimum. Detailed fineline sleeves and large-scale botanical compositions are quoted individually at consultation based on complexity and estimated session time. Submit your concept at thehyvestudio.ca/bookings/ for an accurate quote.
4. Do illustrative tattoos age well?
Yes, particularly fineline illustrative work done with correct technique. The key factors are needle depth, line spacing, and aftercare during healing. Fineline illustrative pieces built with appropriate line weight hold their structure well over time. Sun protection on healed pieces is important for preserving the delicacy of the linework. Full aftercare guidance is available at thehyvestudio.ca/tattoo-aftercare/.
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.