Stephan Dybus

●●International Conference on
Character Creativity

Berlin

7–10 May 2●26

In its 22nd edition, the world’s leading conference on contemporary character-driven creativity sets its focus on story: How can characters act as narrative devices that shape emotion, identity, and meaning – beyond affect, empathy, or cuteness?

● In and Out of Character ●

Over four bustling days, Pictoplasma investigates the art and impact of adventurous figurative representation across creative genres and cultures. The conference welcomes artists and producers to a transdisciplinary exchange of strategies and ideas, bridging illustration, animation, art, games, story-telling, branded worlds and social media personas. The stage is open to every practice that gives characters agency.

20+ featured lectures and artist talks explore the edges of contemporary creative practice

Vibrant discussion and networking spaces connect creative and commercial contributors

Daily workshops, jam sessions and demos await all to get hands-on with new mediums

Cutting-edge animation screenings dive deep into next-level world building

CONFERENCE

Artist Talks, Panels & Professional Exchange

The central Conference presents lectures, panels and talks by a hand-picked line-up of the world’s most adventurous artists, avant-garde filmmakers, upcoming talents, cutting-edge illustrators, innovative designers, and creative thinkers.

An accompanying Symposium track explores the genealogies of characterism, peeling back multiple layers of influences, trends and contexts, to expose implications in today’s visual vocabulary; and a dedicated Attendee Stage gives Picto-participants a podium, mic and opportunity to share their projects and character-driven creation.

Contributing Artists, Speakers and Presenters:

Amedeo Capelli

IT

Italian artist bridging the realms of art, craftsmanship, and mechanics, specialized in automata – mechanical sculptures animated by intricate, non-electronic mechanisms

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Form Play

UK

Duo known for their hand-drawn character animation and playful storytelling, that have collaborated with brands such as Google, Sephora and IKEA to find humour in the everyday

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Gemma Correll

UK/US

British illustrator and cartoonist imbuing her simple line drawings with narrative and humour, creating illustrations that catch the eye and tell a story

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Helga Stentzel

UK

Multidisciplinary artist sculpting intricate narratives from everyday elements that unveil messages hidden within the seemingly mundane tapestry of life

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Ilse Valfré

MX

Mexican-born visual artist whose surreal, narrative worlds reflect on identity, femininity, and the emotional complexity of modern life

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Jun Ioneda

BR

Brazilian multidisciplinary graphic artist blending science fiction, fantasy, queerness, and Japanese influences to create visuals ranging from whimsical to introspective

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Marylou Faure

FR

French artist and illustrator known for her distinctive character design, bold use of colour, and striking graphic compositions

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Murat Palta

TR

Istanbul-based artist creating miniatures that resemble pages from an Ottoman-era manuscript, yet incorporate elements of contemporary pop culture to explore the relevance of mythology, philosophy, and historical events in today’s world

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Stephan Dybus

DE

German Visual Artist and Illustrator creating 3D miniature escapist worlds as coping mechanism with childhood trauma and existential dread

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Zohar Dvir

IL

Award-winning animation director blending two and three-dimensional elements with a healthy dose of surrealism, inspired by some of the bigger questions of philosophy and psychology

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and many more …

… to be announced soon!

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ANIMATION FEST

1●●+ Fresh Short Films Debuted in 7 Curated Screenings – Submit Now!

The official 2026 animation selection presents 100+ short films in seven screening programmes that feature the latest and freshest generation of characters in motion, be it narrative shorts, music visuals, experimental animation, and anything in between – with many of the creators present to discuss their work in Q&A sessions.

Deadline for animation submissions to be considered for the 2026 official selection is February 1:

SUBMIT YOUR ANIMATION

INDUSTRY FORUM

Portfolio Reviews, Meet Ups, Panels, Networking Sessions

Makers, meet Shakers!

Do you want personal feedback on your portfolio or to practice your animation’s elevator-pitch? Do you crave a hook-up with “the industry” or need advice from someone to help recalibrate your character project? From rapid-fire industry speed-dating sessions to portfolio reviews, panels and private meet ups — Pictoplasma offers attendees face-to-face time with some of today’s most prolific industry leaders, agencies, production companies and talent scouts.

CHARACTER LAB

Workshops, Art-Jams, Round Tables, Parties

In addition to hands-on workshops, art happenings and after hour jams, Pictoplasma provides a plethora of possibilities for attendees and featured artists to mix, mingle and meet – from spontaneous sticker swaps and speed dating sessions to intimate round table talks and all night parties.

OPEN HOUSE

Character Market, Exhibitions, Animation Screenings, Art Activities

On Sunday May 10, Pictoplasma welcomes all attendees (plus the Berlin public) to its legendary Sunday Open House & Character Market at silent green:
Attend (or sell at*) the bustling art market, packed with original works, quality prints, toys, zines, clothing and more – and meet their international makers; revisit the complete animation programme, offered in full for one last viewing: 100+ short films across 7 diverse screening programmes (parent discretion advised); admire gallery showcases of the event’s featured speakers and the global creative community, and get hands on with playful art-making spaces and workshops.

*Applications to sell at the Character Market open in March 2026.

BERLIN VENUE

silent green
Gerichtstr. 35
13347 Berlin

Pictoplasma Berlin 2026 takes place at the extensive premises of a former crematorium, the silent green, now a vibrant cultural venue that has already hosted several memorable Pictoplasma events. The location houses all activities at one lively venue, with conference talks, panels, animation screenings, workshops and exhibitions happening inside and out in the open air. Further satellite events await attendees at partnering galleries, clubs and cinemas throughout Berlin.

SCHEDULE*

MAY 6

—
18:00 – 23:00

Pre-Pictoplasma Meet’n Greet & Exhibition Opening

May 7–9

—
10:30 – far too late

Animation Screenings
Conference Talks, Symposium & Panels, Attendee Stage
Industry Speed Dating, Workshops & Art Jams
Networking Events, Portfolio Reviews
After Hour Surprises, Psychedelic Midnight Mix, Parties