Frequently asked questions
A few of the questions I get asked most often about fineline tattoos and booking. If yours isn't here, send it in your enquiry and I'll answer when I reply.
What is a fineline tattoo?
Fineline is a style of tattooing done with a very fine needle grouping, producing thin, delicate lines. It suits small, considered pieces and ornamental design where placement and proportion matter more than density of ink. The look is quiet by nature, closer to drawing than painting.
Do fineline tattoos fade or age well?
All tattoos soften and lighten over years; fineline pieces are a little more sensitive to it because the lines are thin and the ink shallower. Choosing the right placement (away from heavy sun and friction), wearing SPF on the area as it heals and ages, and looking after your skin are the biggest factors. Touch-ups are normal and welcome at the 1–2 year mark if you'd like one.
Are fineline tattoos painful?
Fineline pieces are usually gentler than larger or heavier tattoos because the needle is smaller and sessions are shorter. Sensitivity still depends on placement: bony areas and the inside of arms or thighs are sharper than fleshy ones. Eat a full meal, hydrate, and breathe; most clients describe the feeling as a warm scratch rather than a sting.
How small can a fineline tattoo be?
Smaller is possible than people often think, but the smallest pieces age fastest, since the lines have less room to settle and soften. As a guide, single elements work well around 3–5 cm; very small detail under 2 cm is something we'll talk through together so you know what to expect over time.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry through the booking page with as much detail as you can: what you have in mind, placement, approximate size, and any references. Liahn reads every enquiry personally and replies within 2–3 days to talk through your design. Once you've agreed on a direction, a deposit link locks in your slot.
What is the deposit?
A $100 AUD non-refundable deposit secures your appointment once the design is agreed. It is not a payment for the design; it's a goodwill commitment that protects the slot. The deposit is credited toward the final price of your tattoo.
What happens if I need to reschedule?
One reschedule with at least 72 hours' notice is no problem; your deposit moves to the new date. Cancellations or last-minute changes forfeit the deposit, but you're welcome to start a fresh enquiry whenever you're ready.
How are designs created?
Each piece is drawn for one person and never repeated; see /work for recent examples. After your enquiry, Liahn talks through what you have in mind. Once you've agreed on a direction and the deposit has cleared, sketching begins. You're welcome to request up to three rounds of modifications before your session so the design feels right, and small adjustments on the day are part of the process too.
Can I bring my own design?
Yes, references and rough ideas are very welcome. Liahn doesn't copy other artists' work, but she'll take what you bring and translate it into a piece drawn specifically for you, in her own line.
How long will my appointment take?
Most fineline and small ornamental pieces sit between 1 and 3 hours. Larger or more detailed work is split across sessions. You'll get a clear duration estimate when your appointment is confirmed.
How should I prepare?
Eat a full meal beforehand, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol the night before. Wear something comfortable that gives easy access to the placement area, and bring a snack or drink for longer sessions.
Can I bring a friend?
One support person is welcome. The studio space is intimate and sessions are kept calm, so please no extra guests beyond that.
What about aftercare?
Keep the area clean and lightly moisturised, avoid direct sun, swimming and saunas for two weeks, and don't pick or scratch as it heals. Detailed aftercare instructions go home with you on the day, and Liahn checks in afterwards.
Are there things that mean I shouldn't get tattooed?
Yes. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, blood thinners, recent isotretinoin (within 6 months), open skin conditions in the area, and certain ink allergies all mean a session should be rescheduled or skipped. The booking form asks about these so we can plan around them.
Or read about Liahn.