Pictoplasma NYC Reveals Speakers And Programming For Its 2026 Conference

Pictoplasma NYC will return to the SVA Theatre on September 17-18, bringing together artists, animators, illustrators, and other creative pros for the 12th edition of its character design conference.

This year’s program will emphasize character-driven storytelling and how characters convey emotion, identity, and meaning across animation, design, publishing, advertising, and the visual arts. A new industry-focused session will examine the use of figurative storytelling in branding and commercial campaigns, including where those approaches succeed, where they fall short, and how they might develop in the future.

The conference’s featured speakers include Japanese animator and illustrator Sawako Kabuki, whose hand-drawn work frequently explores sexuality and the female body with an irreverent sense of humor; New York artist and director Sam Mason, whose credits include music videos for The Strokes, Future Islands, and Mac Miller; and British illustrator and cartoonist Gemma Correll, known for addressing anxiety and mental health through accessible, humorous drawings.

Also appearing are underground artist Brian Blomerth; Karlotta Freier, an illustrator whose clients have included Hermès, Dior, Coldplay, and The Balvenie; Brooklyn-based illustrator and animator Spencer Gabor; and Frank Ape, the “magical yeti” created by New York artist Brandon Sines.

Alongside its artist talks, Pictoplasma NYC will host a curated screening of recent character-driven animated shorts. The program will include work by Rory Waudby-Tolley, Alina Popescu, Rafillo, AJ Jefferies, Conor Kehelly, and others.

Attendees can also participate in portfolio reviews and industry meetups with representatives from Hornet, Snyder, Jacky Winter, B&A Reps, Buck, and additional companies. Community gatherings and cross-disciplinary networking will round out the two-day event.

Founded in Berlin in 1999, Pictoplasma explores contemporary character design through conferences, exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. Its New York event is organized in partnership with the School of Visual Arts and several of the college’s animation, visual effects, comics, and illustration departments.

Regular registration costs $240, with student passes priced at $150. Late registration will cost $320. Program and registration information is available on the Pictoplasma NYC website.