Pictoplasma Berlin 2026 is celebrating the art of character-led storytelling – and we’ll be there

If you’ve never heard of Pictoplasma, let us get that out of the way right now. Now in its 22nd edition, the Berlin-based conference is a global gathering point for artists, animators, illustrators, game makers and character-related creative thinkers, and is one of the most truly inspiring events on the creative calendar.

This year’s theme is “Character Inside and Out,” which asks a simple question: How do characters serve as narrative devices that shape emotion, identity, and meaning?

Pictoplasma 2026 will take place from 7 to 10 May in Berlin’s stunning Silent Green venue (a former crematorium transformed into a thriving cultural space), promising four days of creativity, experimentation and genuine human connection.

Extraordinary speaker lineup

The speakers program alone is worth a visit. Christoph Niemann, the German artist and writer behind countless iconic New Yorker covers (and a favorite of our podcast), will explore the possibilities of visual storytelling. Gemma Correll, beloved for her deceptively simple line drawings imbued with narrative and humor, also makes the list, as does Brooklyn-based illustrator Karlotta Freier, known for intricate detail and strikingly personal work.

Also speaking were award-winning animation director Zohar Dvir, who blends 2D and 3D with a wondrous sense of surreality; Amedeo Capelli, an Italian artist whose handcrafted analog automata sit somewhere between art and mechanics; German illustrator Stephan Dybus, who creates escapist tiny worlds to cope with the awkwardness of existence; bold and brazen French illustrator Marylou Faure; Brazilian-Spanish graphic artist Jun Ioneda ‘s work interweaves science fiction, fantasy, queer and Japanese influences into something entirely unique.

These are just a few of the more than 20 confirmed speakers – panel discussions, workshop topics and attendee stages enrich the conference agenda, giving everyone a chance to share and have their say.

Animations, seminars and more

Pictoplasma has always been more than just a conference for talking and listening, and 2026 will be no exception. The festival brings over 100 short films across seven carefully curated screenings – narrative shorts, music visuals, experimental works and hybrid formats – with many of the creators on hand for Q&A sessions. Industry forums provide portfolio reviews, pitch meetings and networking for anyone seeking direct access to studios, agents and producers. The Character Lab department maintains practice through workshops, artistic improvisations, roundtables and after-hours gatherings.

On Sunday, the entire event will be open to the public with an open house, including a lively Character Market, where attendees and local artists sell original creations, toys, magazines and apparel, while complete reruns of the animated show will be shown.

we will be there

Creative Boom will once again be attending Pictoplasma Berlin, so expect you to get coverage, conversation and lots of inspiration from the conference. Watch this space.

Tickets and full program details are available at conference.pictoplasma.com.