Pictoplasma NYC 2025 Brings Global Character Design To Manhattan

Berlin-born character design platform Pictoplasma will once again land stateside this September for its 11th edition in the Big Apple, promising two days of inspiration and networking at Manhattan’s SVA Theatre. Running from September 25 to 26, Pictoplasma NYC 2025 will feature keynote lectures, animation screenings, portfolio reviews, and industry meetups, all centered on contemporary character creation.

Pictoplasma’s NYC edition continues to position itself as a major platform for artists and designers exploring the evolving language of characters in art and media. This year’s theme reflects a growing interest in how emerging tools, from generative image models to real-time rendering, are shaping the future of visual storytelling.

An International Lineup of Visionary Talent

The 2025 speaker lineup will feature appearances by:

• Isolina Minjeong, a ceramicist blending Korean folklore with personal mythology through striking sculptural forms.
• Jon Burgerman, the British-born Brooklynite whose colorful creatures and freestyle drawings have graced galleries and museums worldwide.
• Fran Meneses (aka frannerd), whose comics and YouTube videos offer heartfelt insight into the creative life.
• Julian Glander, the 3D animation auteur behind Boys Go to Jupiter, known for his blend of lo-fi surrealism and deadpan humor.
• Laser Days, a real-time rendering duo creating immersive, animated worlds that bend the rules of physics and form.
• Lauren Martin, whose charming illustrations elevate the emotional beauty of everyday life.
• Danny Casale (Coolman Coffeedan), the viral animator whose “bad drawings” have captured millions with their sincere and absurd spirit.

Character-Driven Animation and Cross-Disciplinary Connection

In addition to artist talks, attendees can expect screenings of notable contemporary works from creators like John Kelly, Cat Johnston, Zohar Dvir, Will Anderson, and AJ Jefferies (who promises “all sorts of Ducks”). The event will also host portfolio reviews, industry meetups, and community gatherings designed to foster cross-pollination among animators, illustrators, visual artists, and creative technologists.

Early bird registration is open now, with passes starting at $180. Full program details and tickets are available at nyc.pictoplasma.com.

About Pictoplasma

With annual festivals in Berlin and New York, as well as curated exhibitions, publications, and educational initiatives, Pictoplasma continues to facilitate groundbreaking and evolutionary work in the field of character design.

Pictoplasma NYC is presented in partnership with the School of Visual Arts (SVA). With 7,000 students and a 70-year legacy, SVA remains one of the most influential creative hubs in the world.