NEO-ASIAN
Fusing classic Eastern motifs with contemporary tattoo concepts. A bold blend of traditional ink work and modern flair, we create unique designs that honor the past while defining the future on your skin.
The Neo-asian Philosophy
Dynamic Flow
Composition that follows the natural anatomy of the body.
Vibrant Reimagining
Bold palettes and electric contrasts to reinvent classic motifs.
Cultural Narrative
Honouring the symbolism of dragons, koi, oni, and warriors with meaning and intention behind every element.
The Power of the NEW TRADITION
Mastering Neo-Asian tattooing requires deep respect for historical roots paired with elite technical skill. Our artists take iconic elements, breathing new life into them through exaggerated proportions and intricate linework to ensure every scale and petal remains striking for decades. Whether it’s a full bodysuit or a standalone statement piece, we treat every stroke of the needle as a bridge to the modern canvas.
Neo-Asian tattooing is one of the most technically and culturally demanding styles in the industry. It asks an artist to carry genuine knowledge of traditional Asian visual language and the skill to push it forward into something that feels contemporary without losing its roots. The Hyve Tattoo Studio in New Westminster specialises in Neo-Asian tattoos, led by founder Bien whose Vietnamese-Canadian background gives the studio an authentic connection to this style that most studios in the Greater Vancouver area cannot match. This page covers the style, the artists, and what to expect when you book a Neo-Asian tattoo at The Hyve.
What Is Neo-Asian
Tattooing
Neo-Asian is not a single style it is a family of related approaches that draw from traditional Japanese and Chinese visual traditions and reimagine them with modern technique and sensibility. The traditional foundations include Japanese Irezumi, Chinese ink painting, and the iconography shared across East and Southeast Asian cultures: dragons, koi, phoenixes, oni masks, foo dogs, hannya masks, warriors, and botanical elements such as cherry blossoms, lotuses, and peonies.
What separates Neo-Asian from straight traditional Japanese or Chinese tattooing is the freedom to reinterpret. Neo-Asian artists adjust compositions, introduce new colour palettes, blend realism into traditionally stylised subjects, and combine elements from multiple cultural traditions into a single cohesive piece. The result is work that carries cultural weight while feeling completely alive and current.
At The Hyve, Neo-Asian tattooing is executed in both black and grey and full colour. Black and grey Neo-Asian work tends toward the dramatic high contrast, bold compositions, strong structural linework. Colour Neo-Asian work at The Hyve ranges from rich traditional palettes through to more contemporary interpretations with vivid, saturated tones.
The Hyve's Neo-Asian 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.
If your concept draws from Japanese iconography, Chinese mythology, or a fusion of East Asian visual traditions, The Hyve has the artists and the cultural depth to bring it to life properly. Submit your idea at thehyvestudio.ca/bookings/ and we will match you with the right artist for your specific concept.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Specialty: Large-scale black and grey Neo-Japanese.
Also equipped to work with large & small scale realism, neo-traditional, floral and geometric designs.
Meet Bien Suico, also known as Muybien_thehyvetattoo, a talented tattoo artist and co-owner of The Hyve Tattoo Studio. With eight years of tattooing experience and three years as a business owner, Bien has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry.
Specializing in large-scale black and grey neo-Japanese tattoos, Bien’s artistry is characterized by its intricate details and storytelling elements. He is also adept at creating stunning realism, neo-traditional pieces, floral designs, and geometric work, making him versatile in his craft.
For Bien, in-person consultations are essential when booking a tattoo. He believes that understanding each client’s vision is crucial for creating meaningful art. During these initial meetings, he focuses on gathering key components from the client to ensure that every design paints a vivid picture or tells a compelling story, especially for large-scale projects.
Known for his trademark lady faces and smooth transitions, Bien brings a unique touch to every piece he creates. His dedication to artistry and client satisfaction makes him a sought-after tattoo artist at The Hyve Tattoo Studio, where he continues to share his passion for ink with clients and artists from all walks of life.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Specialty: Large-scaled Neo -Traditional Asian (Japanese/Chinese) and Dragons
Based in Vancouver, BC, Phil is a dedicated tattoo artist specializing in large-scaled Neo-Traditional Asian tattoos, with a focus on Japanese and Chinese styles. Phil began his artistic journey at the tender age of 7, after a curious incident involving a new puppy, Jake, who chewed through the wires of his N64 and led to the demise of the Toshiba projector TV. With no other distractions, he picked up drawing as a hobby and continued to develop his skills over the years.
Although Phil never pursued a career in art initially, a pivotal moment came in 2016 following a breakup, when he made the life-changing decision to become a tattoo artist. His formal training began with an apprenticeship at a private studio, followed by further education at The Dutchman Studio. Despite forming strong connections with fellow artists his time there was cut short due to an unfortunate mentor mismatch.
Phil’s first year as a full-time tattoo artist was spent at a shop on Commercial Drive in 2022. His artistic journey also includes guest spots at Gold Hollow and Seven Eight in Toronto. Throughout his career, Phil has had the privilege of learning from an array of talented artists including John The Dutchman, Patrick O’Neil from Seven Eight, and Hector Valenzuela from Bushido Studios.
Phil draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources including anime, comic books, video games, and the rich folklore of Chinese and Japanese cultures, as well as movies. His approach to tattooing involves meticulous research and design creation, drawing from books, stories, and real-world references to craft detailed and meaningful art.
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Popular Neo-Asian Subjects at The Hyve
Certain subjects come up consistently in Neo-Asian commissions at the studio. Each one carries its own symbolic weight and its own technical demands.
Dragons are one of the most requested Neo-Asian subjects at The Hyve. In Chinese tradition, the dragon is a symbol of power, good fortune, and protection. In Japanese tradition, the dragon is a water deity associated with wisdom and strength. At The Hyve, dragon tattoos range from forearm and calf pieces through to full sleeve and back compositions. The scale of the dragon concept should match the canvas a dragon that wraps a full sleeve has the space to breathe in a way that a dragon compressed onto a forearm does not.
Koi fish carry specific symbolic meaning in both Japanese and Chinese traditions perseverance, transformation, and the courage to push upstream against difficulty. Koi are also one of the most technically rewarding Neo-Asian subjects because the interplay of scale texture, water movement, and colour or tonal contrast gives a skilled artist significant room to work.
Oni masks, foo dogs, warriors, and botanical elements complete the core Neo-Asian repertoire at The Hyve. These subjects work as standalone pieces and as components within larger compositions. The studio’s artists are experienced in designing pieces where multiple Neo-Asian elements coexist without competing a discipline that requires compositional fluency as much as technical skill.
What to Expect from a Neo-Asian Tattoo session
Neo-Asian work at scale is a multi-session commitment. A detailed half sleeve will typically require two to four sessions of three to five hours each depending on the complexity of the design. Full sleeves and back pieces are longer journeys often six to ten sessions spread across twelve to eighteen months. The sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart to allow the skin to heal fully before the next layer of work is applied.
For smaller Neo-Asian pieces a standalone koi on the forearm, an oni mask on the calf a single session of two to four hours is typical. Walk-ins are welcome at The Hyve for smaller Neo-Asian designs Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm. For anything requiring custom design preparation or multiple sessions, booking in advance is strongly recommended.
The studio is located at 9 6th St in New Westminster, a straightforward drive or transit trip from Burnaby, Surrey, and central Vancouver. The ambient, low-pressure studio environment is designed specifically to make longer sessions more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions on Neo-Asian Tattoos new Westminster
1. Where can I get a Neo-Asian tattoo in New Westminster?
The Hyve Tattoo Studio at 9 6th St, New Westminster specialises in Neo-Asian tattooing. The studio was founded by Bien, a Vietnamese-Canadian artist with deep cultural knowledge of Asian visual traditions and years of experience in large-scale Neo-Asian work. Walk-ins welcome Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm. Book at thehyvestudio.ca/bookings/.
2. How much does a Neo-Asian tattoo cost in New Westminster?
Neo-Asian tattoo pricing at The Hyve starts from a minimum of $130 with an hourly rate of $160 to $250 depending on the artist. Large-scale Neo-Asian pieces including sleeves and back pieces are quoted individually at consultation based on complexity, reference material, and estimated session time.
3. How long does a Neo-Asian sleeve take?
A Neo-Asian half sleeve typically requires two to four sessions of three to five hours each. A full sleeve is usually six to ten sessions spread over twelve to eighteen months. Sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart to allow full healing between each stage of the work.
4. What is the difference between Neo-Asian and traditional Japanese tattooing?
Traditional Japanese tattooing follows strict conventions around subject matter, colour palette, composition, and background treatment. Neo-Asian takes those traditional foundations and reinterprets them with greater creative freedom adjusting compositions, blending in realism, introducing contemporary colour approaches, and combining elements from multiple Asian cultural traditions. The Hyve’s Neo-Asian artists draw on traditional knowledge while working in a contemporary idiom.
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.