#Illustration

The Poster: Festival of Posters, Post-Poster Forms and Experimental Graphic Design

Warsaw, Poland

What is a poster today? A vehicle for retro nostalgia? A print for home decoration? A tool for political protest? Or a hope for anti-AI design? The Poster is a new festival that connects the past, present and future of poster culture. While referencing the history of the Polish School of Posters, the programme also presents new design practices and digital tools that are changing how posters are created and understood in Poland, Europe, and around the world.

Forward Festival Berlin

Berlin, Germany

At Forward Berlin, creative minds come together to exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives and push the boundaries of their work. Over the course of two days and across three stages, over 50 thought leaders from a variety of creative fields will discuss bold ideas, emerging trends and the future of creativity. Offering more than just inspiration, the festival provides practical knowledge, interactive sessions and networking opportunities, all of which are designed to empower creatives to realise their full potential.

PICTOPLASMA NYC

New York, United States

Now in its 12th edition in NYC, Pictoplasma is back with a two-day celebration of character creativity. Expect fresh inspiration, cutting-edge artist talks and presentations, and lovingly curated animation screenings with a focus on contemporary visual storytelling. There will also be plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded character enthusiasts, make new friends and professional contacts, and find future collaborators.

Us By Night

Antwerp, Belgium

Us by Night is not just a festival; it's a three-night theme park for creatives, built from scratch in a warehouse the size of a football pitch. With three stages, a club and a bustling night market, the event brings together over 60 world-class speakers, live artists and musicians to create an atmosphere brimming with inspiration.

Speakers

  • Louis Henry Mitchell
  • Boris Acket
  • Studio Dumbar
  • Sabine Marcelis
  • Gary Card
  • Harry Gruyaert
  • OpenAI
  • Adi Goodrich
  • Rebel9
  • Valtteri Laihanen
  • Studio Feixen
  • Luna Paiva
  • Dennis Tyfus
  • Charlotte Rohde
  • Palet / Gilles de Brock
  • Wang & Söderström
  • Yana Sheptovetskaya
  • Zach Lieberman
  • 100%
  • Isabel Seiffert
  • Maxime Manga
  • Zak Kyes
  • Raquel Quevedo
  • David Luepschen

Trojan Horse was a Unicorn

Troia, Portugal

Get ready for an unforgettable experience because Trojan Horse Was a Unicorn (THU) is back! This annual festival and creative industry gathering has a transformational impact on digital art and storytelling communities worldwide. The THU Main Event, held in Troia, Portugal, offers inspiration, skill development and collaboration opportunities with like-minded creators in animation, VFX, gaming, concept art, illustration and more.

Forward Festival Vienna

Vienna, Austria

Unleash your creativity at Forward Festival Vienna on 1st and 2nd October 2026. Join the Festival for 2 days with 20+ top creatives from around the world that will inspire you with talks, hands-on workshops, and interactive formats. Explore the exhibition area and join exclusive side events, while connecting with creatives. Be part of an amazing experience and get inspired by unexpected, pure, and uncompromising creativity.

Forward Festival Vienna trailer

Design Matters 26

Tokyo, Japan

Design Matters 26 is shaping up to be a community-driven conference focusing on digital products and UX/UI design. It actively invites designers and companies to contribute to the programme and discussion topics.