We had the honor of working with artist Tinnel Lovitt on the 2025 badge art.
In the spirit of Inktober, we asked Tinnel about the inspiration behind the badge art, her favorite Gen Con memory, and what it’s like being an artist in the tabletop gaming industry.
How long have you been coming to Gen Con?
This is my fifth year coming to Gen Con, and I’m hooked! I truly love the convention family I’ve built.
In three words, tell us about your art style.
Vibrant, Whimsical, Atmospheric.
Tell us about your time at Gen Con TV.
When I was working for Peter Adkison, he quickly realized I could wear many hats for various art, illustration, and graphic design needs. Combine that with being pretty dang organized, and I found myself quickly leading the way with the creative visuals for Gen Con TV.
I became the Creative Director and main production artist, working with most hosts on their individual brands. The funniest part was working for Peter’s stream, drawing live for World of Chaldea, and adding to the whimsical chaos the characters created every game!
What inspired the 2025 badge art designs?
When I got the incredible offer to illustrate the badges for Gen Con, I knew exactly how I wanted to create them. I wanted to bring to life the Disneyland-for-gamers atmosphere of the convention, the magic and connection you can only ever experience at Gen Con. So, what better way to do that than to treat the artworks as if they were stills from a Disney movie, like “Genevieve Goes to Gen Con”?
Tell us about your favorite art project.
I was thrilled to be part of the Wizards of the Coast release of The Deck of Many Things. Having the experience of being wanted for my ink work and being art directed to achieve very high standards for painted characters was a dream come true!
I loved the challenge of trying to meet and exceed the needs of a project and working with other creative professionals. The final product is so beautiful, and I’m very proud to have been a part of it.
Do you have a favorite Gen Con memory?
There are so many competing for that title, but I think one really stands out. I met up with some of my work friends before their show, Gamers Live. I’d worked with them for years on Gen Con TV in a completely different capacity. So, I took the opportunity to see what they do out at Gen Con.
And was I blown away! Seeing them on the stage with a packed, roaring audience in their element, it all clicked. The fandom, the hype, the love for the convention, the passion for gaming, and the vibrant community of wonderful people working hard behind all of it, bringing that magic to life for each other over and over every year!
What is your advice for a new artist coming to Gen Con?
Don’t be afraid to talk to your heroes! Meet the artists and game publishers you love and connect with them, genuinely showing them your interest. Take notes if you need to! There’s a strong community out there waiting for you.
Learn more about Tinnel Lovitt on her website and Instagram.