PICTOPLASMA NYC
2026 Event Recap
In its 12th NYC edition, the Pictoplasma NYC conference returned for a dense 2 day celebration on September 17-18th.
Pictoplasma is the world’s leading platform for contemporary character design and art. The project pushes forward interdisciplinary discussion, development and promotion of a new breed of visual vocabulary – from illustration to animation, game to interactive design, urban to graphic arts.
This conference was full of fresh inspiration, speakers and visual storytelling. Pictoplasma's event presented ten hand picked key lectures by influential artists and talent.
On September 18th, Scholar, along with nine other companies, participated in Pictoplasma's rapid-fire networking event.
"Coming from a CG and commercial production background, it was really refreshing to step outside of that world and see how artists from completely different disciplines think about characters, whether through illustration, animation, sculpture, or something entirely unexpected. There was a real sense of community throughout the experience."
CREATIVE DIRECTOR LIAM ELIAS
GUEST SPEAKERS
The speakers at Pictoplasma NYC 2026 conference were Brian Blomerth, Camila Rosa, Duolingo, Frank Ape, Gemma Correll, Karlotta Freier, Kevin Walker, Samuel Jerome Mason, Sawako Kabuki and Spencer Gabor.
"It’s energizing to be around artists and a good reminder of what a gift it is to make art for a living. I loved the talks. Always a reminder to trust the process, enjoy the process, and see where your individuality can take you."
JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR KYLE SWITZER
PORTFOLIO REVIEWS + ADVICE FOR ARTISTS
In a round-robin setting, ten artists had the opportunity to showcase their work to Scholar's Creative Director Liam Elias and Junior Art Director Kyle Switzer. This gave artist the chance to gain feedback on illustration portfolios and receive further advice on how to advance their projects and careers.
For those wondering what should be in an Illustration Portfolio, Liam recommends having a focused selection of work rather than trying to show absolutely everything. "Bring the work that best represents what you want to be doing next," he shares. "Not necessarily just everything you’ve done before. I’d also come prepared with a few specific questions or things you’re trying to figure out about your work or career."
Kyle suggests going in with confidence on who you are as an artist, but it's always okay to admit if you are still figuring out your path. He also recommends having all work pre-downloaded if possible, because you never know if you'll run into any internet troubles.
"I really enjoyed getting to meet artists at different stages of their careers and having genuine one on one conversations about their work. As a reviewer, it was rewarding to hear what they were trying to achieve, understand where they wanted to go next, and hopefully offer a perspective that could help them get there."
CREATIVE DIRECTOR LIAM ELIAS
