A unique blend of literature and body art is captivating fans at the inaugural LoveLitCon, where tattoo artist Bird showcases her romance-inspired tattoos. This three-day convention, taking place in March 2024, celebrates the joy of romance literature, allowing fans to meet authors and commemorate their favorite stories in a novel way.
Bird, a passionate reader of fantasy and romance, found her artistic niche by merging her love for tattoos and literature. In a video greeting, she introduced herself while standing near an intriguing display featuring the vertebrae of an unnamed creature. Wearing a black beanie adorned with a line from the popular series *Twilight*, she embodies the spirit of the event. Her tattoos, characterized as “Neo-Romantic,” infuse elements of fantasy and emotion into each piece, creating stories in ink on the skin of her clients.
The artist, who has been tattooing professionally for about four years, completed her apprenticeship during the pandemic. Her fascination with tattoos began in childhood, inspired by her grandfather’s ink. Now, she works at Delicate Heart Tattoo and shares her unique vision with a growing audience.
Bird’s artwork draws heavily from Renaissance paintings and fantasy themes. “I wanted to do fantasy,” she explained, noting how her initial fan art sketches sparked interest among her followers. One particularly notable piece featured Manon Blackbeak, a character from Sarah J. Maas’ *Throne of Glass* series. The response to this fan art encouraged her to explore tattooing as a means of connecting with fans who share her literary passions.
Bird’s participation in LoveLitCon marks her second convention in March 2024, and demand for her tattoos is already high. Attendees can expect a range of designs, from minimalist line art to more elaborate pieces. Popular designs include a heart on fire and open books set against scenic backdrops, as well as meaningful phrases from beloved novels.
“I love the chaos of the cons,” Bird remarked, emphasizing the excitement of interacting with fellow book lovers. Each tattoo session becomes a shared experience, allowing her to connect with clients over their favorite stories. She believes that these tattoos symbolize more than just a story; they represent the emotional resonance of the characters and themes that readers cherish.
The pricing for Bird’s tattoos varies by size, with smaller pieces (1 to 2 inches) starting at $80 and larger tattoos (4 to 5 inches) priced at $250. With bookings filling up quickly, Bird encourages convention-goers to stop by her booth, engage in conversation, and perhaps leave with a meaningful tattoo that commemorates their love of literature.
As LoveLitCon unfolds, Bird’s presence at the convention exemplifies the growing intersection of body art and literature. For many attendees, getting a tattoo inspired by their favorite book is not merely a form of self-expression; it’s a lasting tribute to stories that have profoundly influenced their lives. The convention, with its vibrant atmosphere and shared enthusiasm for romance literature, promises to leave a lasting impact on both fans and artists alike.
