Pictoplasma
LONDON
NOVEMBER 6, 2025
SOLD OUT
Pictoplasma hits the road – again ! This November, Berlin’s leading character design conference heads back to London’s Royal College of Art for a 1 day refill: 6 new artist talks to inspire; fresh animation screenings to bend your brains and soothe your retinas; and plenty playful opportunities to connect with a local community of character experts and enthusiasts.
ARTIST TALKS
Enjoy a compact celebration of all things character with 6 hand-picked lectures by some of today’s most influential graphic and illustration artists, upcoming talents and leading animation filmmakers.
Dale Crosby-Close
UK
Editorial illustrator gone viral animator known as Dale’s Bits, wanting to bring people together and make a positive impact on the world in his own way
Grant Orchard
UK
Oscar nominated, Bafta and Sundance winning animator with over 25 years’ experience directing, designing and writing, famed for his hugely popular pre-school show HEY DUGGEE
Helena Covell
UK
Freelance illustrator from the Yorkshire hills, creating character-filled illustrations for clients, and playful worlds for her personal work
Mikey Please
UK
BAFTA-winning and OSCAR-nominated writer, director, animator, illustrator and appointed member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Moth Studio
UK
Award winning animation studio embracing new approaches to create vivid work that maintains a smart and distinct voice whilst working harmoniously with the needs of each project
Yukai Du
CN/UK
Illustrator and animator from Guangzhou, China, inspired by the textures of Impressionism and the playful precision of geometric forms, bridging the worlds of still and moving images
ANIMATION SCREENING
Meet the latest generation of characters in motion: Pictoplasma London presents a feature-length selection of 17 fresh animated shorts and experimental narrations. A far cry from family-friendly entertainment, expect psychedelic eye-candy and storytelling genius with work by artists like AJ Jefferies, Cat Johnston, Gabby Cherney, Will Anderson and Zohar Dvir.
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Ducks
2025 / UK / 04’45” AJ Jefferies A completely normal day in the park.
Normal Grey
2025 / HK, GER / 01’08” Jack Sachs A love letter to my favorite bird.
Long Distance
2024 / CH / 02’00” Michael Frei A fly takes flight to meet a close friend.
Brazey & D'Bruppy
2024 / USA / 04’50” Jared D. Weiss Brazey and D’Bruppy reconvene in a park after a period of time apart.
Gimme 5
2024 / NL / 00’30” YONK Two sweaty strangers attempt to connect in an absurd series of mismatched gestures.
Cowgirlies
2024 / USA / 01’37” Kate Costello Girls being girls in the wild, wild west.
Retirement Plan
2024 / IRL / 07’17” John Kelly At apathy with his life, Ray dreams of the beauty and joy he will find in retirement.
Robert Yoghurt - FaceTime
2024 / UK / 00’30” Sacha Beeley Robert Yoghurt wants to FaceTime.
Storytelling
2024 / CH / 07’00” Nils Hedinger From cave drawings to echo chambers: The history of humankind is a history of storytelling.
The Wickywock and the JubJub Berry
2024 / UK / 05’00” Cat Johnston and Joseph Wallace An exhausted mythical creature suffering from insomnia is offered a sedative.
Voicemails From My Dad
2024 / USA / 05’53” Gabby Cherney Only one person leaves me voicemails – an animated compilation of phone messages collected over the years from my dad.
Horizon
2024 / ARG / 03’00” Pablo Rafael Roldan “What will you do when I’m no longer here?” – a question evoking nostalgia, for both what has been and what is yet to come.
The Id, the Bad and the Ugly
2024 / UK/ 04’27” Hannah Eccles A short slapstick following the psychological journey of a cowboy, his truck and an elusive therapist.
Kokuruga
2022 / SP / 06’00” Choche Hurtado A compendium of childhood memories.
Butterfly Kiss
2024 / GER, ISR / 10’00” Zohar Dvir After quarreling with her girlfriend, Carol awakes to an apocalyptic reality.
Maurice
2025 / USA / 01’00” Nate Milton and Alix Bloom Alix attacks Nate after responding poorly to her Dawn of The Planet of The Apes bit.
Non-Fungible Therapy
2024 / UK / 03’45” Will Anderson A little cat in therapy dreams of success and ends up headed to the moon.
PANEL/
OPTIMISTIC FUTURES
In times of AI disruption, cultural pushbacks, and fast-changing production realities, how do artists stay bold (and employed) without compromise?
Our panel Optimistic Futures invites Derek Brazell (The Association of Illustrators), Michael Feder (Hornet), Becky Perryman (Strangebeast), Chris Haughton (author/illustrator), Clara Marcus (Jacky Winter) to explore pragmatic paths for creative industries. Together, they’ll reflect on how studios, clients, and independent creators can adapt to turbulent times while keeping originality alive.
NETWORKING/
INDUSTRY SPEED DATING
Do you want to practice your animation project’s elevator-pitch or get personal feedback on your illustration portfolio? Do you crave to hook up with “the industry” or need advice by someone who might be able to help recalibrate your character project?
Pictoplasma’s rapid-fire industry speed-dating event grants attendees fast-paced private face-to-face time with a dozen industry leaders, agencies, production companies and talent scouts.
No pre-registration: first come – first served!
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Anomaly
„As a global advertising creative company, Anomaly is always looking for artists with individual perspectives and distinctive style – how they bend conventions, explore the depths of their craft, and adapt across different platforms. Ultimately, we believe the work speaks for itself.“
#animation #motiondesign #illustration
B&A Reps
„B&A is a leading global management agency celebrated for representing a diverse range of creative talent, from illustration and photography to much more. We shape the future of visual storytelling through campaigns, cross-studio collaborations, and narrative curation. We are actively seeking visionary artists in illustration, CGI, animation, and mural work – creatives with a distinct voice that resonates across editorial projects, ad campaigns, and brand partnerships.“
#illustration #cgi #animation #murals
Brilliant Artists
„Brilliant Artists was founded in 2020 and represents a tightly curated roster of illustrators working across commercial, editorial, and publishing projects. We look for distinctive illustrators with unique creative voices and timeless appeal.“
#illustrators #3dartists #illustratorswhoanimate
Buck
„At BUCK, we’re always on the lookout for artists who love design and animation as much as we do. We’re drawn to individuality – the personal touches, bold decisions, and unexpected choices that show how you see the world. Show us how you bend the rules, break them, or make your own.“
#animation #motiondesign #illustration
Handsome Frank
„Handsome Frank is a UK-based illustration agency founded in 2010. We represent a global roster of contemporary illustrators, including artists like Malika Favre, Jean Jullien, and Charlie Davis. The agency was started in a London pub, inspired by the founders’ experiences in publishing and advertising and a desire to create a new model for artist representation.“
#illustration #animation #advertising
HORNET
„Hornet is a multidisciplinary production studio based in NYC with more than two decades of experience producing award winning motion design, 2D, CG, stop motion, mixed media, and artful live action. Director and Creative Director Natalie Labarre is keen to meet multidisciplinary designers and art directors focusing on motion & 2D. Artists working in Unreal, Blender, Maya, C4D, Houdini, and new technologies. Lighters, and technical artists.“
#multidisciplinary #artdirectors #newtechnologies
Jacky Winter
„Jacky Winter is a global creative representation and production company. We’re always on the lookout for artists and image-makers who have a consistent, inimitable style, consistently push their craft, and inject their personality into everything they create.“
#illustration #animation #creativeproduction
Jelly
„At Jelly, we’re all about pushing boundaries and bringing stories to life through bold, design-led animation. We’re constantly on the hunt for fresh, talented artists and directors and we want to see your perspective – how you weave your creativity into storytelling, take risks, and turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Show us how you bend the rules, captivate audiences, and create those unforgettable ‘wow’ moments.“
#animation #storytelling #motiondesign
Nexus
„As a nose-to-tail animation studio, Nexus is always looking for talented artists of all disciplines, who can bring their creativity, vision and personality to life in our diverse array of work. We are particularly interested in Motion Designers (2D and 3D), Compositors and Realtime Artists (Unreal and Unity). We’d love to talk and be inspired by some great reels!„
#motiondesign #compositor #realtime
Pocko
„Pocko is a creative platform and production agency with over 25 years experience nurturing and connecting global talent to the art, culture and communication fields. With our London base and outposts in Seoul, Tokyo, Milan and Berlin, we thrive on brand collaboration and championing social causes. Our roster is a vibrant mix of talent and we’re all about helping artists thrive and connecting them with exciting creative opportunities.“
#artistplatform #animation #illustration #global
SNYDER
„SNYDER is a women owned agency representing illustrators and animators. We are based in NYC with an additional office in the UK, and we seek to match our global talent with commercial projects and opportunities that put creativity first.“
#illustration #animation #CG
Strange Beast
“Strange Beast is an award-winning, design-led animation studio based in London with a gender-balanced roster of directors. Our work spans quirky 2D, vibrant CG and tactile Stop-motion. Becky Perryman is a senior producer at Strange Beast and the creator of The Greenhouse, the emerging talent roster for Strange Beast and its sister studio, Passion Animation.“
#design #gender-balanced #animation
Studio AKA
„Studio AKA is always looking for artists who love the intersections between animation, character design, and story as much as we do. Whether you’re an animator, designer, or technical artist working in any medium, we’d love to see how you express your unique perspective and craft. Share your work and chat with us – we want to meet you!“
#animation #characterdesign #story
The Different Folk
„The Different Folk is an independent artist-first production studio. At the heart of everything we do is the artist. We’re a home for illustrators and animators: a global collective bound by style, taste and the pursuit of something real. In an age of automation, we stay human. No shortcuts. No algorithms. Just the craft – alive and well.“
#production #illustration #animation
TICKETS
Registration payments are handled by secure credit card transaction and PayPal.
No physical tickets are sent out prior to the event. All attendees receive a unique registration code via email (sent a bit closer towards the event to the attendee email address provided during purchase). Your conference passes (wearable, non-transferable wrist-bands) will be awaiting you directly at the venue.
Please read our terms & conditions before making the online payment.
SOLD OUT
Early Bird Pass
Limited to the 50 first attendees – sold out!
Regular Pass
Includes access to all London artist talks, screenings and art + networking happenings.
VENUE
GORVY LECTURE THEATRE
Royal College of Art
Dyson Building
Riverside
1 Hester Rd
London, SW11 4AN
SCHEDULE
Thursday, NOV 6
10:00
DOORS OPEN / REGISTRATION
11:00 — 13:00
ARTIST TALKS
Hel Covell, Moth Studio, Dale Crosby Close
13:00 — 14:00
SOCIAL HOUR
Meet your Picto-peers! Gather for casual artmaking or join a facilitated meetup to talk creative business with the AOI (Association of Illustrators) or WIA UK (Women in Animation)
14:00 — 15:00
PANEL / OPTIMISTIC FUTURES
Derek Brazell (The Association of Illustrators), Michael Feder (Hornet), Becky Perryman (Strangebeast), Chris Haughton (author/illustrator), Clara Marcus (Jacky Winter)
15:00 — 16:00
Networking / Industry speed dating
BA Reps, Brilliant Artists, Buck, Jacky Winter, Jelly, Nexus, Pocko, Strangebeast, Studio AKA, The Different Folk, Hornet, AOI, Handsome Frank, SNYDER, Anomaly, …
16:30 — 18:30
ARTIST TALKS
Grant Orchard, Yukai Du, Mikey Please
19:00 — 20:30
SCREENING / BEST OF PICTOPLASMA 2025
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS …
… and a handful of answers
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