LBX Community Picnic
Are you looking to connect with fellow LBX25 attendees ahead of the Expo? Bring your own food, a sketchbook, your drawing tool of choice, and join us at our Community Picnic!
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Draw'n Together
A Pre-LBX Ice Breaker: Mingle, Sketch, and bring a Coffee if you'd like!
If you feel shy about not knowing anyone, want to meet some friends to enjoy the convention with, or just want to sketch, then this is the event for you! Come join host Airi Pan (@pix_bun), Janet Lin (@_ebsie_) and other friends for conversation and sketching!
Date: Thursday, October 23rd
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm PT
Location: Pasadena Convention Centre Plaza - across the street from the LIGHTBOX letters
Paint the Scene with Angela Sung and Warrior Painters
Paint the Scene with Angela Sung and Warrior Painters! In this brand-new plein air painting experience, you will step out and recreate your memories at LightBox Expo!
Let's gather outside the iconic Pasadena Civic Auditorium, then spread out to capture the vibrant street scenes on location. Whether you’re painting a quiet architectural moment or a bustling character-filled vignette, this is your chance to observe, imagine, and create right in the heart of LA with Warrior Painter hosts!
Bring your sketchbooks, painting supplies, or digital tablets—whatever you like to work with! Artists of all levels are welcome, and professional mentors will be on-site to offer feedback, tips, and encouragement throughout the session. Every participant will also receive an official event button to commemorate the day.
Mentors include: Angela Sung, Michelle Lin, Sean Bodley, Jennifer Wang, Qianjiao Ma, and Jeff Hong.
Let's create some amazing paintings at LightBox Expo together - see you there
A Lecture on the "Layered Animation Workflow" in CG
A quick dive into the Layered Style workflow used in 3d Animation. Its an opposite approach to the Pose 2 Pose Method.
From Blank Page to Finished Character
Join me for a live character design demo from start to finish, using Procreate. We’ll go from a blank canvas all the way to a fully colored piece in one hour. I’ll walk you through my approach to designing and painting a character, while answering questions and chatting about the creative process (and anything else you’re curious about!).
Animation at Supercell
- Animating live mobile games
Creating and refining animations that players interact with in real-time, ensuring smooth gameplay and engaging visuals while navigating the fast-paced demands of live operations with full ownership to collaborate, fix, and iterate seamlessly on the go.
- Ownership & building external team relationships
Taking full responsibility for animations while collaborating closely with internal team, external studios and freelancers to achieve high-quality results. Building relationship with external partners.
- Style development
Defining and evolving the visual and animation style to maintain consistency and enhance the overall game experience.
- Q/A
Designing and Animating Graphics for Pixar's Elio
Hear from Elio’s Graphics Art Director on what goes into building a world (and Communiverse) full of graphics for a feature film. From designing alien languages and crop circles to Air Force Badges, Bedroom UFO posters, End Credits and all the Easter eggs in between.
Bonds Formed Through Animation
Join a heartfelt conversation among friends as they reflect on their journeys in animation. Tony, Joe, Dave, Ranjo, and Mike all started in animation around the same time and attended Calarts. Together, they worked at Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks Animation Studios. Armand and Tony also became friends while working at Dreamworks. Over the years, they all become acquainted through various studio networks, crossing paths multiple times.
No one could have predicted the journey that lay ahead, filled with films, series, publishing ventures, and projects both big and small—some created together, others separately. Through the ebb and flow of animation and production, moments of collaboration have led to camaraderie, kinship, and lasting friendship.
Moderated by Dawn Yamazi.
The Art of Impact: Mastering Mood, Color and Light
Join legendary artist Stephan Martiniere for a rare and inspiring deep dive into the art of visual storytelling. Discover how he uses mood, color, light and composition as narrative tools to craft immersive, compelling concepts for film, games, and publishing. This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the true pioneers of digital painting in the entertainment industry.
Drawing Jam For Storyboards
Learn the basics of a successful storyboard drawing. Improve your clarity, speed, and impact by focusing on the elements that are most important. Bring something to draw and run through a few exercises together with me to make our work stronger! MICHAEL DALEY is a storyboard artist at PIXAR, working on many projects from the INCREDIBLES FRANCHISE to LUCA to TURNING RED etc.
Anatomy for Artists
Join Dr. Michael Habib, anatomy professor and animation/VFX consultant, as he collaborates with a professional model to demonstrate key aspects of human anatomy specifically for artists. The presentation will focus on joints, motion, and dynamic surface changes that any artist - from beginner to advanced - can use to make their characters more compelling and dynamic. Dr. Habib will leverage his 20 years of VFX and Animation consulting experience to provide veteran tips for how to design characters that will ultimate sculpt, rig, and animate properly. Guidelines for using human anatomy as a starting point for building creature anatomy will also be included. Participants will be encouraged to sketch and ask questions along the way.
Art of the Unexpected
Our journey is a masterclass in the unexpected. We'll share a creative path defined by surprise and delight, from founding Reel FX and creating magic for Disney and Dreamworks, to an unexpected turn launching the award-winning Moonbot Studios.
Just as we found success, we pivoted again to create Flight School, a studio dedicated to gaming and immersive storytelling. This isn't a typical talk—it’s an interactive experience where your participation unlocks hidden stories, unexpected anecdotes, and real-time insights from our successes and setbacks. Come prepared to play and discover that the only wrong turn is the one you don't take.
The Business of Animation 101
Thinking about starting your very own animation studio? Curious about how a studio runs?
Let’s get into the Business of Animation 101
In the US, about half of every new business that starts up fails within the first 5 years. To mitigate this, Kathryn will help break down the business side of an animation production, providing a step-by-step guide on how to start your own studio, sustainably, for the long term.
Kathryn has served as a mentor for Women in Animation for over 5 years, teaching this very subject. From co-running a studio for 8 years, she’ll cover the fundamentals from production to sales to even taxes, to give new owners the strategies and resources they need to shape the animation industry to come.
Write for Animation! How to Go From Artist to Creator
Dear visual artist, you ARE a writer! Jorge R. Gutiérrez (El Guapo vs. The Narco Vampires, Maya and the Three), Patrick McHale (Over the Garden Wall, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio), Emily Brundige (Tin Titan Go, Hilda, Goldie), and Jill Culton (Toy Story, Abominable, Oh, the Places You'll Go) reveal how writing has powered their creative independence. Learn how story can help you survive industry upheaval, pitch and sell your own shows, and take charge of your career without waiting for permission.
Presented by Write for Animation. Hosted by writer-producer Pietro Schito.
2D to 3D And Everything In Between
Peter deSeve, Jason Sadler, Andrea Blasich and Michael Defeo will be discussing the working process between designers and sculptors.
We all have worked together over decades and have many processes, stories, anecdotes and tips that would help young designers and sculptors (and modelers) to understand how to work well together, efficiently and to avoids the pitfalls of a production schedule.
There will be many examples, illustrations and sculptures to keep the audience engaged.
Topics will include (but not limited to):
* design philosophy
* finding character
* different styles of designers and sculptors
* interaction and communication between designer and sculptor
* translating 2D to 3D
* working out 2D cheats
* appealing forms
Symbolism in Character Design: From Visuals to Narrative
Explore the art world with XPPen, the industry-leading digital art innovation brand dedicated to empowering creators and artists. We invite panelists to shed light on the relationship between storytelling and character design in illustration, games, and 3D. Moderated by Rob Salkowitz (Forbes senior contributor and freelance journalist), this panel brings together visionary artists: Clinton Jones (@pwnisher), 3D artist and founder of 3D Community Challenges; Dustin Panzino (@Inkwell), freelance illustrator who has collaborated with Disney and Blizzard; and Claire Hummel (@shoomlah), concept artist with extensive game industry experience. Whether beginner or professional, this panel provides practical techniques, industry insights, and fresh perspectives on creating characters that resonate.
Once Upon a Toy
This talk explores how creators can develop original stories with built-in toyetic appeal, using market and industry insights to increase pitch viability across studios, networks, and licensors. Come learn how to make your ideas not just pitchable, but playable!
Whitney Pollett is a story-driven toy development expert, designer, and founder of Pixelle Studios, known for developing toy-integrated IP for top studios like Netflix, Disney, Nickelodeon and more!
Portrait Painting in Oils w/Jon Hardesty
Join Schoolism instructor, Jon Hardesty, for a live oil painting demonstration, where he will create an alla prima style portrait over the course of three days. Jon will guide the audience through his process of completing a fresh portrait in a single sitting, showcasing the techniques and spontaneity of this direct painting approach. Come watch as the portrait unfolds, ask questions, and explore the dynamic world of oil portraiture.
Fights with Stakes: How Skybound's Invincible Stages Action
Fights on the animated series INVINCIBLE from SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT provide an opportunity to combine bone-crunching, jaw-dropping action with heart-wrenching character development. Between battles with Powerplex, Conquest, and a dozen evil alternate Invincibles, the show's most recent season put its hero through the ringer and challenged the creative team to step up their design, storyboarding, and character animation work. Join leading directors from Skybound Animation to discuss how they stage action on Invincible and for the upcoming game, Invincible VS. Panelists include Dan Duncan, Shaun O'Neil, Tanner Johnson, Stephanie Gonzaga, Seung Eun Kim, and Joaquim Dos Santos.
Character Speed Painting
I will be doing a character speed painting demo to show my drawing process, and how I choose my color pallete and lighting.
Animation in 2025 - Design on the Fly and Trust Your Guts
A future-focused recipe for high profile animation projects with lean, dynamic crews. A breakdown for thriving with small teams and limited budgets, without sacrificing an ounce of visual or narrative impact.
Going Out of Style with 20th Television Animation
Have you ever wondered what aspects of design, acting, and cinematography are used to evoke something recognizable while maintaining a show’s unique voice? Join us for a discussion with Family Guy and American Dad about adapting their established characters and worlds into other animation styles to tell a different kind of joke.
Embracing the Detours
There are few straight lines in the unpredictable career of an artist, and life has a way of throwing us off our planned course. Clients evaporate. Projects get killed. Studios get shut down. Things can feel insurmountable. But could these obstacles actually offer opportunities for creative discovery and growth? Join former Blue Sky Studios veteran Michael Knapp (Robots, Ice Age franchise, Horton, Epic (AD), Spies in Disguise (PD)) and current Vis Dev Artist/Production Design Consultant (20th Century Animation/Disney, WBPA, Annapurna, SPA, Netflix, Bottlecap Productions) as he shares experiences from his 30 year journey shifting from Freelance Illustrator to Visual Development Artist to Art Director and Production Designer on animated feature films and shorts.
World Building 101
What is World Building? How to streamline design choices and prioritize ideas ? Drawing from his long experience working on film and TV projects like the Harry Potter franchise, Jupiter Ascending, Matrix: Resurrections, Alien Earth and a diverse range of Marvel projects, Philippe will talk about the process and approach that has worked for him along the years. You'll come away with a better understanding of how to tackle world building assignments, along with some tips and tricks to help you on the way!
Visualizing Possibility: The Art of NOT Landing Gracefully
Join visual development artist Ruby Wang on a fun and irreverent journey as she describes her path from childhood to studio artist. Practical tips for success are married with personal anecdotes that will encourage and inspire every artist to embrace the ups and downs and learn that landing on your path is not always meant to be graceful.
Figure Drawing – Jam Session Open to All!
Join us for a live costumed model session with quick 1–5 minute gestures and longer 20-minute poses. Illustrator and Art Director Andrew Theophilopoulos will be projecting their iPad painting demo for anyone who wants to watch, while visitors are encouraged to bring their own sketchbooks or tablets to draw alongside. Whether you’re here to sharpen your skills, meet fellow artists, or just enjoy the atmosphere, this is a fun and welcoming space for everyone.
Character Design Coffee Talk: Sparkle On!!!
Join two (one soon-to-be) recent college grads and character designers in animation as they yap about not falling victim to conformity under pressure and the importance of maintaining a unique voice while working in the industry.
Building Creative Studios
Running an animation studio means balancing artistry with business. This panel explores how studio leaders navigate creative teams, original projects, and industry pressures, sharing lessons on what it takes to build and sustain a thriving creative company.
Showcase of the 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students
Screening of the 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students—a global challenge where teams create a 30-second animated film in just 24 hours! Entries are judged by top industry pros, with prizes from sponsors like Toon Boom, Disney, Pixar, Netflix, Sony, DreamWorks, and more. Over 15,000 students from 240 schools in 35+ countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Israel, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Spain, the UK, the USA, and more have competed simultaneously worldwide. The screening includes a Q&A with select filmmakers, moderated by DreamWorks Producer Shabrayia Cleaver. Sponsored by Legends Animated, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting impactful, independent animation.
Animation Advocacy: Building a More Inclusive Industry
Animation advocacy brings together leading non-profit organizations with a shared mission: transforming the animation industry into a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible space both on-screen and behind the scenes. Join Legends Animated, WIA, Muslims in Animation, Asians in Animation, Diverse Toons, CAPE, and the BRIC Foundation for an inspiring discussion on their efforts to drive change in the industry—and how you can play a role in the movement. Moderated by creative talent manager and animation activist, Sam Goff.
Wicked: An Artists Tale
One of two panels celebrating the success of WICKED part one featuring work from concept artist teams from both the U.S & the U.K
Transitioning From Comic Books to Storyboards
Visual storytelling can take many forms with each form presenting different challenges for the artist. The panelists will discuss their own personal journeys from comic books to storyboarding for film and animation (and sometimes back again!) The pros and cons of each format will be covered as well as the skills you need to know to survive and thrive in both art forms.
Reigniting Creativity: Finding Flow in Your Art
Have you ever been excited to sit down in front of a blank canvas and create, only to be met with a lack of inspiration or struggle to get started? Join our panel of artists as they discuss how they reignite their passion for making art and find the motivation to push through those creative walls. Panelists will share personal stories, techniques for sparking inspiration, and methods for reimagining your workflow to rediscover that vital sense of play. Whether you’re looking to overcome a creative block or simply want to refresh your approach, you’ll leave with actionable insights to help you reconnect with your art and enter the powerful, immersive flow state where creativity thrives.
The Courage to be Creative
John will be giving a lecture and demo where he will discuss his artistic journey and show how years of painting outside on location studying the music of nature has informed his film work in an authentic way. He will also be discussing how to get the most out of your art by finding the courage to be creative. This will be a wonderful chance to hear John discuss both his fine art and film career with fantastic stories as he conveys artistic ideas. Come early his lectures have always been filled to capacity.
How to Paint Portraits in Watercolor
In this demonstration, Hyun Jin Kim — artist and founder of Superani — will show how to paint a portrait in watercolor without using an underdrawing. He will also walk through his favorite tools and provide a step-by-step guide to his watercolor process.
Journeys to Walt Disney Imagineering
Concept Design Lead, Principal VFX Designer, Concept Design Studio Manager, and Executive Producer Imagineers share their personal career paths.
Birds of Prey Live Drawing
Come draw birds of prey and learn about Manus journey thru art and wildlife.
The Art of Visual Development & Storytelling
Discover how to bring stories to life through the lens of visual development. In this talk, Mariano Tazzioli ---Marvel Animation, The Windshield Wiper (Oscar winner), Love, Death & Robots (Emmy winner), Illumination, DreamWorks, Skydance--shares his creative process for crafting cinematic scenes—from initial sketches to final frames. Explore how composition, lighting, design, modeling, and shading all serve a single purpose: storytelling. Mariano breaks down how to build emotionally resonant worlds and characters. Whether you're a student or a seasoned artist, this session offers insights into the visual decisions that shape compelling narratives.
Storyboarding HBO’s The Last of Us
Welcome back for another TLOU story session! Those who missed last year’s HBO’s The Last of Us talk are welcome to join us for all things S2.
The Production Pipeline: What Each of Us Brings Together
This panel gives an overview of what individual artists each bring to the table and how they work together/interact in a traditional pipeline. We will speak to: Philip Keller, Head of Story (Snow White, Wicked); Heiko von Drengenberg, Storyboard Artist (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Lilo & Stitch (2025)); Andrew Leung, Concept Artist (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Skeleton Crew), and James Rothwell, Animatics Supervisor (Iron Man, The Lion King) about their individual tasks and how they bring those tasks together in the grand scheme of things. Panel will be moderated by storyboard artist, Benton Jew (The Electric State, Salem’s Lot).
My Journey as a Foreign Artist in the US
Breaking into the industry is tough, but trying to do it as a foreign artist with all the visa restrictions is on another level. I’ve been through pretty much every crazy legal process you can think of over the past ten years. Hopefully sharing my story can make things a little easier for anyone going through the same struggles now.
Breaking the Story Formula
Audiences want stories that meet their expectations… just not in the way they expect. To accomplish this today, directors and producers increasingly rely on their animators, VFX artists, and XR designers to bring their stories to life. In this session, we will dive into how filmmakers have subverted story ‘formulas”. This includes ‘forms’ such as Time (Christopher Nolan), Setting (Cohen Brothers), Endings (Michael Arndt), and even entire Genres and Tropes. How cultural differences impact story expectations (i.e., Eastern versus Western storytelling [Do all stories have conflict?]). This session is for anyone looking to understand how stories have evolved in the digital age, particularly in animated films, VFX, video games, and interactive media. Many visual examples included.
Secrets of World-Class Key Art
Key Art is the first impression that defines the most exciting games, films, and TV shows. It must convey a story and advertise in a single striking image. On top of the creative challenges, there are unique technical requirements and product demands that must be addressed from the very first thumbnail. This panel will break down what sets Key Art apart from other forms of illustration, share the techniques and approaches used to create them, and give you the insights you need to plan and create Key Art images like a pro.
Nick’s Friends In Film Live: Create Your Own Industry
Join us for a candid and inspiring panel discussion with creative professionals who are forging unique paths within, and outside of, the animation industry by balancing studio work with independent creative projects. Through this conversation, we will embark on a journey to explore how artists navigate building sustainable careers while maintaining and prioritizing their authenticity, skills, artistic identity, and personal values. Panelists will share realistic and relevant advice, insight, and strategies to be successful in making a living in animation today. This event will be recorded live for an episode of Nick’s Friends in Film, a podcast that celebrates the lives and work of creatives across animation, games, and filmmaking!
Wednesday Season 2 Concept Art and Design
A show and tell about doing the concept art season two of Netflix's very successful show 'Wednesday.'
The Fight for Artists Against GenAI
This panel will cover the victories and challenges the art community has faced in the world of GenAI and the tools (Glaze, Nightshade, Hemlock) that can help us.
Each one of these panelists has helped shape the fight against unethical GenAI scraping and corporate overreach. Listen to how you can also join the fight to protect artists rights, human rights and combat overreaching and unethical GenAI
This panel's guests are Ben Zhao (Professor at U of C + Creator of Glaze and Hemlock), Karla Ortiz Artist right's advocate, plaintiff and Concept Artist for Film and games, Deana Igelsrud (Democratic rep for LA county) and Evan Winston (Senior Engineer at LinkedIn)
Blender: Your Best Friend for Vis Dev
Blender is one of the most versatile and exciting tools for visual development. This talk explores Blender’s potential from the perspective of 4 professionals. Prashan uses Blender to create and iterate on sets & characters early in production, contributing to unifying story & design during pre-production. Alan brings Previs to life, delving into stylized pipelines: showing Blender's versatility when it comes to innovative final looks through custom shaders, procedural workflows, and 2D/3D hybrid techniques. Cody embraces traditional skills within 3D workflows, demonstrating how painters can translate their craft into stylized assets, shaders & more using Blender. Iris believes many artists are one project away from discovering that Blender is their favorite tool for visual communication.
Letter to a Young Story Artist: A Reply
Over my career I’ve worked on some of the biggest films with some of the brightest stars in the industry—and faced more than a few trials along the way. Out of those experiences, I once wrote a “Letter to a Young Story Artist” for a friend just starting out.
Seven years later — after the pandemic, industry upheaval, and the rise of AI —, let's return to that letter and its questions: What does it mean to live a life in art? How do we sustain our work, and ourselves, in precarious times? How can we keep the spark of hope and inspiration alive?
In conversation with my friend and peer Anna Benedict (Pixar/Netflix), I’ll reflect on these questions and open a dialogue about the challenges — and enduring rewards — of trying to craft a creative life.
How to Approach Character Design and Making a Portfolio
This presentation covers the process and approach to character design, as well as how to build a strong portfolio and discover your own artistic voice.
Tails Behind the Art of Zootopia 2
Join visual development artists from Disney Animation as we venture back into the animal metropolis of Zootopia, explore new environments, and meet new characters.
9B Collective Presents: We Back, We Black!
Our annual Black Blackity Black Black panel where we highlight and have a discussion with black creatives that have paved the way, are leaders in their field, and are as opinionated as they are talented.
From Posts to Paychecks: Mastering Self-Promotion
Marketing yourself as an artist doesn’t mean compromising your creativity—it’s about making sure the right people see your work! In this panel, Lauren Barger, Maya Lior, Whitney Pollett, and Zach Mulligan (No The Robot) share how to authentically promote your art, build a loyal audience, and turn social media engagement into real opportunities.
Learn how to showcase your work effectively, attract clients, and create content that boosts visibility while staying true to your artistic vision. Whether you're looking to land freelance gigs, grow your platform, or make your art more discoverable, this session will help you navigate the business side of creativity with confidence.
Working Neurodivergent In Animation
Trying to start your art career, but your brain is getting in your own way? Turn your mind into your strongest ally! Join neurodivergent artist Sam Kestin (Color Designer - The Owl House, We Baby Bears, Craig of the Creek) for theory, strategies, and everything they’ve learned the hard way through ten years of animation experience.
From Concept to Character: Designing with ZBrush
Join Paul Gaboury for an inspiring panel discussion featuring some of the top artists in the entertainment and design industries as they explore the power of ZBrush. Celebrated concept artists Neville Page (Star Trek, Shazam, Avatar, Long Distance) and Jerad Marantz (Avengers Endgame, Avengers Infinity War, Spider-Man: Far from Home, Aliens Romulus) will discuss how they use ZBrush as a critical tool in their concept design workflow. Also joining the panel, ZBrush expert Yariv Newman (Black Adam, Finch) will be joined with renowned character designer Stephen Silver (Kim Possible, Johnny Test, Hotel Transylvania The Series) as they share the process of turning Stephen's 2D character concepts into 3D products. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the masters.
Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game - Creating Character Art
Ravensburger presents an illuminating discussion on what it takes to create character art for Disney Lorcana TCG. Join a panel of Art Directors and Illustrators as they discuss the freelance creative process from initial concepts to final renderings and share a glimpse of the storytelling potential created in this ever-evolving game.
Creator to CEO: The Rise of Webcomic Entrepreneurs
Today’s digital artists aren’t just creators—they’re business owners building brands, launching merch lines, and leveraging fan engagement into multi-platform success. This panel highlights webcomic creators who’ve expanded their businesses beyond comics, discussing everything from managing creative workloads to making strategic business decisions while staying true to their artistic vision.
Ethics and Etiquette When Navigating Your Career
Your portfolio might get your foot in the door, but it's your social savvy that’ll keep that door open through long lasting connections. In this panel, we’ll dive into how to approach established artists with respect, maintain professionalism on the job, and build a supportive network that keeps you connected and growing in the industry for the long run.
Behind the Worlds of DreamWorks: Building Visual Worlds
Unpack the creative process of world-building through the eyes of Art Directors and Visual Development artists - from rough concepts to environments that define the worlds we see on screen.
KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Screening and Q&A
Help seal the Honmoon with a sing-along screening of KPop Demon Hunters featuring the unforgettable, chart topping soundtrack of the year. Stay after for a Q&A with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and producer Michelle Wong.
Animayo Internacional Film Festival of Animation 2025
We are pleased to present the Official Awards - Animayo 2025.From over 2,000 submissions across 80+ countries, only 50 films entered the official competition, and 15 were awarded by the International Jury. Animayo is the first and only Spanish “Qualifying Festival” by the Academy for the Oscars® in two categories: International Animated Short Film (since 2018) and Best Short in Spanish – “Animación con Ñ” (since 2023). In five years, Animayo shorts have earned 4 Oscar® nominations and 1 win (In the Shadow of the Cypress). This screening showcases award-winning shorts for their artistic, narrative, and technical excellence, including Playing God (Grand Jury Prize 2025) and Nube (Best “Animación con Ñ”), both Oscar®-qualified, plus winners in 3D, VFX, Screenplay, Comedy, New Talent, and more.
Artists Thriving on Social Media
Social media has become a powerful tool for artists to share work, grow audiences, and build careers. In this panel, top creators reveal how they’ve found success online—what works, what doesn’t, and how to stay authentic while reaching millions. Perfect for anyone looking to grow their presence and turn creativity into opportunity.
DIY Dreams: Career-Building With Indie Animation & Screening
What does it take to go from an idea to an industry-ready short? This panel explores how independent animation can become your strongest calling card — opening doors to studios, festivals, and future collaborators. We’ll walk through creative direction in collaborative projects, managing large teams, and building remote pipelines in global creative spaces.
As a case study, we’ll dive into the making of bé hồng (little persimmon) — a 2-minute award-winning short film created in just 9 days with a crew of 40+ artists through the Asians in Animation Immersive Lab.
The second half of the session invites the audience to connect and find new collaborators — a live creative matchmaking space designed to spark your next project and celebrate the spirit of community at LBX.
Wicked: The Transatlantic Journey
An insightful discussion between the Oscar and BAFTA winning Costume Designer Paul Tazewell and Lead Concept Artists for WICKED, Phil Boutte & Darrell Warner.
Character Drawing & Anatomy
This lecture provides an in-depth exploration of human anatomy, with a focus on accurate proportions and practical techniques for applying anatomical fundamentals across various body types and age groups. Whether you're drawing children, adults, or stylized characters, this session will help you connect theory with hands-on practice.
SketchCrawl
The annual tradition returns!
Join Director Dave Pimentel and Story Artist Nick Sung for a SketchCrawl—a casual, public gathering to draw from life, slow down, and connect with friends from across the industry and around the world.
Founded in 2004 by Director Enrico Casarosa, SketchCrawl began as a celebration of the places we find ourselves and the people we find ourselves with—a spirit we’re proud to carry forward today.
Dust off your sketchbook and come draw with us!
Craft, Creativity, and Career at The Walt Disney Company
Join for this unique opportunity to hear from established creative leaders across Disney! Speakers from a variety of production roles share their journey in the animation industry, approaches to their craft within each studio's distinct production pipeline and look towards the future in discussing skills and best practices that enable innovation.
How to Break Into Storyboarding for Feature Films
Back by popular demand, some of the best storyboard artists working in Hollywood today gather to give advice, discuss the current state of the entertainment industry and share their personal journeys of how they broke in as professionals. They will give advice to aspiring storyboard artists and share tips on breaking in, marking yourself, and surviving as an artist in the age of AI.
Making a 2D Animated Feature Film from Scratch
You have a great idea for an animated project but you don't know where to start?
Curious to know what it takes to develop an animated project from scratch?
This talk is for you.
My name is Sam Cabanac. For the last decade, I’ve been working in animation as a Story Artist and Art Director. I'm currently in the process of creating my own 2D animated feature film called "Be a Tulip"! In this talk, I will share with you every step of my ongoing journey. From the initial spark idea, to the completion of a full pitch bible. I'll also go over how to use social medias and online platforms to attract the right eyes on your project.
See you there!
Sam
Appeal and the Objectively Good
Appeal is subjective, elusive, and very difficult to quantify, but it makes our art BEAUTIFUL.
I will discuss how I understand appeal, break it down into fundamental components, and get as close as possible to objectivity.
(Fair warning, this might get a little scientific...)
Then we can build back up to ideas and techniques that everyone can use in their artwork, now with an understanding of why the art we love looks SO GOOD.
Costume Figure Drawing with Taxidermy
Draw the figure alongside animal anatomy (from skeletal and sustainable taxidermy). Drawing instruction led by Sienne Josselin guiding various techniques to find drama, action, gesture with a costumes model accompanied by beautifully designed still life from pieces at Vulture Culture. We’ll sketch from life and use our imaginations to build bold and beautiful compositions. BYOB (Bring your own brushes - or any analog/digital tools you’ll want to work with.) All levels welcome!
ADG Presents: What Makes a Design Iconic?
ADG Concept Designers have the unique responsibility to create or interpret iconic designs for film and television. Whether they’re developing a new character, creature, vehicle or set, or translating it from another media, the one question they must answer is “What makes a design iconic?”
Join moderator Phil Saunders (Iron Man, the Avengers movies, Tron Legacy/Ares) and ADG concept artists Jerad Marantz (Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame, Justice league, Predator Badlands,) Victor Martinez (Avatar, Blade Runner 2049, Superman,) Ed Natividad (Star Wars: Ep. 1&2, Batman v Superman, Dune 1, 2, & 3,) and Constantine Sekeris (Superman, Avatar: the Way of Water, House of Dragons,) as they answer this question through case studies of the most iconic designs they have brought to the silver screen.
Inside the World of Character Design
Behind every great story is a character designed to connect with audiences. Explore how artists develop compelling designs through process, experimentation, and artistic vision—turning ideas into icons.
Making Art Work: A Strategic Approach to the Business of Art
This session explores how artists can turn their creative passion into a sustainable business. Learn practical strategies for building your brand, navigating the freelance world, setting rates, marketing your work, and cultivating long-term career growth in the entertainment industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this talk offers real-world tools and insights to help you make your art work—financially and creatively.
From Burnout to Breakthroughs: Tips to Keep Creating
Creating art and comics takes a lot of time and energy–and it’s easy to burn out in the process of bringing your story to life. This talk will cover some time-saving tools and techniques to help spare you from spilling more blood, sweat, and tears than you need to in order to tell your stories.
The Beginning of a Dream Journey
In this session, I’ll share my creative journey—starting as an artist, landing clients like Adobe, the Grammy, OFFF, and WWF, and building a career blending photography, surrealism, design, and fine art with Adobe tools. Through quick demos and stories, I’ll showcase client projects, walk through Photoshop files live, and share my favorite tips, tricks, and insights. I’ll also highlight personal work, including last year’s show merging digital art with sculpture. Along the way, I’ll discuss freelancing—balancing passion with demands—and offer practical advice on client work, sustaining creativity, and using social media to grow as an independent artist.
Big City Greens Presents: Story & Comedy
Every stage of a production opens new opportunities to polish stories and punch up jokes. Join the folks behind Disney Television Animation's hit series Big City Greens as they share how stories and jokes evolve and improve at every stage of production.
The Physics Applied to Drawing
In this talk, we’ll explore how the principles of physics can enhance both the understanding and execution of drawings, making them more realistic and engaging—regardless of style. Through practical and theoretical examples, we’ll learn to see the forces of physics in a creative and innovative way.
Get ready to see drawing in a whole new light!
Job Hunting is Marketing: How Creative Candidates Stand Out
As creatives, we spend years honing our craft, but many spend just as long struggling on the job market.
These fields are competitive!
However, companies still manage to sell products in oversaturated industries. How? Marketing!
Talent is important, but a clear strategy to attract opportunities gets your talent seen.
As a Career Coach and Marketing Strategist in animation, I'll break down how creatives can use marketing principles to get hired in industries like animation, gaming, and illustration.
We'll discuss:
- Marketing principles like funnels, brand strategy, positioning, and how they apply to the job hunt.
- Promoting your skills on social media.
- The importance of storytelling in resumes, cover letters, and portfolios.
- And networking strategies that actually work.
The Making of KPop Demon Hunters
Meet the team behind KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, the hit sensation from Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix. Learn how the filmmaking team developed an original idea into a global phenomenon, blending authentic Korean culture, bonafide k-pop tunes, and a unique visual style into the unforgettable story of HUNTR/X, a group of idols charged with protecting the world from evil through the power of music.
Animated Commercials: Our Creative Playground
What do commission work, razor-tight deadlines, and beautiful animation have in common? A playground for bold ideas.
Join director Yves Geleyn, art director Justin Burks, and storyboard artist Camillo Clauser for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how they bring award-winning spots to life. They’ll share the real challenges of commercial work — and why those very constraints make it one of the most creatively satisfying corners of the animation world.
From pitch to final frame, you’ll hear personal stories, hard lessons, and what it’s like to work in fast-paced, small collaborative teams on projects seen by millions. Whether you’re curious about commercial work or just love good visual storytelling, this panel’s for you.
Bringing Your Indie Animation to Life
Join Pablo Leon (Animaniacs, The Ghost and Molly McGee), Six Point Harness Executive Producer Brendan Burch, writer and producer Annah Feinberg, and Shofela Coker (Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, Iyanu) as they share the process of creating their independently animated productions: "Remember Us", "Fetus Monster", and "Crocodile Dance". The panel will share details on funding a project, selecting team members, navigating film festivals, and more! Moderated by Creative Talent Manager Samantha Goff from Fourth Wall Management. This panel is sponsored by Legends Animated, a 501(c)3 animation company that provides collaborative opportunities to create independent animation that is both engaging and impactful.
Fantasy Life Drawing with Superani
In this life drawing session, we will get creative and bring reality in the realm of the imaginary. Master the powerful tool of life drawing and infuse it into your made up world - life drawing is the often the ultimate cheat code to getting believable fantasy work right off the bat!
Beating Ai: Why Artists Will Always Win
Tired of hearing about how Ai will replace you? Join me, an award winning Spider-Verse artist, production designer, and storyteller, and we'll discuss all the ways artists have beaten new technologies and have stayed relevant, and more importantly employed, throughout modern human history.
The Artist’s Compass: Navigating Story, Style, and Self
Every artist’s path is different. In this talk, Amanda Grose, Misa Steinmetz, and Jojo Lu reflect on their unique journeys into the entertainment industry, sharing the challenges, lessons, and inspirations that shaped them along the way. From early influences and personal breakthroughs to creating for large-scale productions, they’ll discuss the realities of working as background painters, designers and visual development artists today. This session is a mix of personal storytelling, professional insight, and encouragement for artists at any stage of their careers.
Workflow of a Scene
Every story artist develops their own way of working through a storyboard sequence. In this talk, Alessandra Sorrentino shares her personal workflow for building a scene—from script to pitch—navigating early chaos, identifying key beats, managing her energy throughout the process, and adapting to different production needs and directors. Drawing from her experience on movies like Inside Out 2, she shares the habits, tools, and mindset that support her approach—offering an honest look at how a scene comes together, and how each artist can find their own rhythm.
Winged Wonders: How to Design and Illustrate Animal Wings
Properly designing, drawing, and animating wings often present unique challenges to artists and animators. Join veteran anatomy professor and VFX/animation consultant, Dr. Michael Habib, as he presents on key elements of building wings and winged creatures. He will cover anatomy, motion, and basic fundamentals that anyone of any skill level can use to create more compelling winged animals - both real and imagined. From bats to angels, and birds to dragons, Dr. Habib will walk you through the primary things that wings must have - and some things that they shouldn't. Some common myths and misconceptions will be busted along the way. Along with animal wings, we will take a look at mechanical wings and principles applicable to vehicle design.
Production Designers & Art Directors of DreamWorks Animation
Like Greg the Dog and Officer Knight, like Mr. Wolf and The Bad Guys, like Gabby and Pandy, Production Designers and Art Directors have a special partnership. Join the artistic leadership teams from three of the most recent feature films from DreamWorks Animation to learn more about the visual development process and the teamwork it takes to make the DreamWork(s)!
Otis to Industry: Bridging the Gap Between Potential and Pro
Join a panel of Otis College alumni and faculty as they unpack the complex journey from art school to industry success. Through honest discussion and personal stories, we’ll explore what separates those who break through from those who fall short—and the evolving challenges students face in today’s creative economy. Whether you're a student, educator, or industry pro, this session offers real insights into the mindset, skills, and support systems that make all the difference.
I'm Hired! What's Next?
Join Pixar's Department Heads for a lively discussion on how to stand out and succeed in your new role. Learn the best strategies for making an impact and building a successful career from day one.
Worldbuilding : From Idea to Final Presentation
I will be sharing the insights as a worldbuilder in the entertainment industry. How to think about function, purpose and efficiency when creating concept art.
Rings of Power Season 2 Concept Art and Design
A show and tell about doing the concept art for Amazon's 'Rings of Power' season two.
Bridging the Gap with Gnomon: How to Become Studio Ready
Many college graduates and aspiring artists begin their job search still missing the crucial skills that make them marketable, hirable, and studio ready. This session clarifies what bridges that gap—from production-style practice and pipeline fluency to current tools and cross-disciplinary exposure. Drawing on examples from Gnomon’s degree programs and individual courses, alumni and faculty share candid stories about the challenges students face on their own, and the habits and feedback culture that are built in a production-like classroom. This session shows how the right education connects the dots and provides the missing ingredients needed to launch a career in VFX, games, and animation.
Portrait Painting in Oils w/Jon Hardesty
Join Schoolism instructor, Jon Hardesty, for a live oil painting demonstration, where he will create an alla prima style portrait over the course of three days. Jon will guide the audience through his process of completing a fresh portrait in a single sitting, showcasing the techniques and spontaneity of this direct painting approach. Come watch as the portrait unfolds, ask questions, and explore the dynamic world of oil portraiture.
The Art of Teaching Game Art
Game art education is evolving alongside the industry, but how do we best prepare students for success? This panel brings together experienced educators who are actively shaping the next generation of game artists. We’ll discuss what studios look for in new hires, the importance of foundational skills versus software proficiency, and how to bridge the gap between academia and industry expectations.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or working professional, this discussion will provide valuable insights into effective teaching methods, the challenges of modern game art education, and how we can better equip students for the competitive job market.
Sheridan College Alumni Panel: Carving Your Own Path
In this panel, Sheridan College alumni share their journeys and strategies on working as successful and in-demand independent artists. As the career and business models across creative industry fields continue to evolve, how does an artist deploy their talent to take advantage of emerging opportunities to remain flexible in a changing traditional employment environment?
Life Drawing Session hosted by Karla Ortiz
Let's take a moment to practice our human anatomy with a good old life drawing session. Hosted by renowned concept artist Karla Ortiz!
Join our host, Karla, as she draws alongside attendees, gives helpful tips to better improve your life drawing skills and overall have a fun time drawing together! Get there quickly, as seating is limited!
The Making of Cardboard with Writer & Director J.P. Vine
JP will present his personal and visually inventive new short film Cardboard - drawing on inspirations as diverse as Calvin and Hobbes, British illustration, and the California desert, he’ll discuss how it was made, with a Q&A for participants.
Storytelling Through Illustration
Illustrators have been the foundation of pop culture, advertising, product design, publishing, branding, film, television and graphics throughout humanity. Drawing, color, imagination, technique, and story have impacted the look and feel of a book cover, a magazine subject, luxury and consumer products, comics, animation, games, and more.
Great Illustration takes skill, passion and adaptability. ArtCenter Alumni have inspired the world’s visual context. Join this panel for an hour of inspiration, some art journeys, and a history of how Illustration has a multi-dimensional role in storytelling!
Queer Artists Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth through Heroes Within
Heroes Within, a new and affirming initiative, is designed to center the voices of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, celebrate their strengths, and support healing through art and storytelling. Hear how queer artists are collaborating to design the heroic alter egos created by the participating youth during individual interviews - visual representations of their strength, courage and creativity. A beautiful and powerful touring exhibit of the superheroes’ posters, character stories, and Words of Wisdom written for their younger peers will bring awareness, understanding, care, and appreciation. A panel (including participating artists and youth) and fabulous images will share insights during this joyful and meaningful session.
Convention Tabling 101
The panel aims to offer an A-to-Z crash course on tabling at conventions, ideal for newcomers and beneficial even for seasoned artists. Drawing from seven years of experience at events like Lightbox and San Diego Comic-Con, the presenters Malia and Noah will walk attendees through the entire process—from finding conventions and creating merchandise to selling strategies, tax responsibilities, and post-convention reflection. The goal is to demystify the convention scene and empower artists with practical knowledge and encouragement, making the idea of tabling more approachable and achievable.
A Journey Through the Art of The Cat in the Hat
Writers/Directors Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja and Art Director Amos Sussigan walk you through the journey they took to craft the story and art of three different worlds of animation for their new feature film, The Cat in the Hat.
9BCP: We Love to See It! Projects That Got Next
As a part of our 9B Collective Presents series this year this panel will shine a light on projects, including Sentinel 6, Xaos and Team Supreme that are out there that we would love to see come to fruition. Come see a showcase of these projects and give the creators a chance to speak to with the audience to get some buzz going and gain more support.
The Winding Road to Story
Enjoy this session of storytelling with Walt Disney Animation Studios' Hillary Bradfield. Hillary will take us on a creative exploration of her professional journey, her approach to Story, and share how we approach the art of storytelling at Disney Animation.
Drag & Draw - Figure Drawing, but Fabulous
Charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent- You’ve never seen costumed figure drawing like this before!! Join us for Drag & Draw: a fabulous and queer friendly life drawing event where the model’s a professional drag queen. Hosted by the staff at ActuallyRea, with special guest: Hitchcock Blonde! The first 60 people to arrive will be gifted one of June's favorite highlighters to get funky and experimental with traditional art, but all mediums are welcome! So bring your sketchbook, grab your favorite pens or pencils, and let’s celebrate the art of drag together.
Warrior Painters: Art, Growth & Community
Warrior Painters began in 2016 as a weekend plein-air painting group in Los Angeles and has since grown into a global art community for artists passionate about both plein-air painting and entertainment art. They host the popular #PleinAirpril challenge each April and have launched Warrior Art Camp, an online art education initiative. Join Angela Sung, Kayleigh Ma, and Michelle Lin as they share the story behind Warrior Painters, reflect on the rewards and challenges of building an art community, and explore how plein-air painting has shaped their creative and personal journeys.
Brushmaking in Procreate with Kyle T. Webster
Join Procreate brushmaker, Kyle T. Webster for a fun and informative brush session that will help you get the most out of brushes in the app. There will also be a special introduction to the new brushes in Procreate 5.4, and while there are certainly no wrong ways to use these brushes, Kyle will offer suggestions for how to get the most out of this versatile new collection of tools. In addition to tips and techniques for natural media emulation, you will learn about experimenting with different brushes to kickstart ideas for your work, build efficiency into your workflow, and even discover new signature styles. Finally, Kyle will have helpful tips for customizing existing brushes to make them feel right for you and to make your Procreate drawing experience the best it can be.
Future-Proofing Students
The creative world is changing at an unprecedented pace, driven by new technologies and evolving societal needs. This presents a critical challenge for educators: How do we prepare students for jobs that may not even exist yet? This panel will explore what it means to "future-proof" students in an era of rapid transformation.
Join us for a conversation on how to build the essential skills students need to thrive. Our experts will delve into how a holistic approach to education can empower the next generation to be adaptable, innovative, and ready to navigate a complex, uncertain future.
Autism in Entertainment: Generations
From the brain of Autism in Entertainment founder JUDI UTTAL comes the Generations session! This authentic panel reflects 3 eras of neurodivergence in the animation industry; representing each generation (respectively) are HOWIE HOFFMAN (DOUG, MAGIC SCHOOL BUS), JORGE GUTIERREZ (BOOK OF LIFE), and DANI BOWMAN (LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM, RED FUZZY RUG). Exceptional Minds' Kate Jorgensen moderates.
25th Anniversary of "The Emperor's New Groove"
25 years ago, a cult classic was born! The people who made “Emperor’s New Groove” are here to talk about the wild behind the scenes production of the movie, share never before seen art and storyboards, and talk about how this troubled production became one of the Disney’s most cherished films! Director Mark Dindal, writer Dave Reynolds, Head of Story Steve Anderson, story artist Jeff Ranjo, character designer Joe Moshier, and Assistant Production Manager Tracey Miller-Zarneke. Moderated by Tom Racine.
Sunny Side Down: Serving Up a New Series w/ MAKE Originals
Welcome to the Sunny Side Down! A space diner hanging inexplicably just in front of a supermassive black hole. Director Natalia Poteryakhin will take you behind the scenes in launching an original micro-short series and the challenges of making a sci-fi parody show that fits in six 2-minute episodes. They’ll talk about MAKE’s pipeline, key pivots made during the production, what it’s like writing and animating a show directly for social media, and alternative models of developing IP outside the LA studio systems. BONUS: An exclusive screening of the next yet-to-be-released episode. This alien grub comes with a side of generational nihilism and a drizzle of the absurd– so tasty, you might forget about the black hole right behind you.
Preparing a Concept Art Portfolio
Charles Lee, and Lim Hur concept artist and founder of Kazone Art, share their insights on crafting an effective concept art portfolio. They highlight the key elements needed to create a polished and compelling portfolio that appeals to potential clients.
Game Art Unlocked
What goes into designing the visuals that capture millions of players worldwide? Join Esben Lash, TB Choi, Hicham Habchi and Dela Longfish to uncover the inspirations, techniques, and creative journeys that fuel the world of modern video games
The Art of YouTube: Building, Growing, and Inspiring
YouTube has become a global stage for artists to share their work, teach, and inspire. This panel explores what it takes to grow a channel, connect with audiences worldwide, and build a supportive creative community. From challenges to breakthroughs, you’ll gain practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to share their art online and thrive in the digital space.
Creating, Financing and Publishing Your Own Artbook
Have you dreamed of making your own artbook to sell at Comicons, conventions and online? Presenter Neil Blevins has self published many artbooks under his own independent small press, and will reveal everything you need to know from the initial idea, laying out the book, funding the book on Kickstarter, printing the books overseas and having them shipped to customers and yourself, and selling them at conventions. He will get into all the details you don't normally hear about, from how much things cost, sales figures, the advantages and disadvantages of self publishing vs having a publisher. If you'd like your own book to be selling in artist alley, this talk will give you all the details you need to know.
Building a Reel That Stands Out
Creating a strong demo reel can make all the difference in your animation career. In this session, DreamWorks Head of Character Animation Sean Sexton will share what studios look for in a demo reel, how to highlight your strengths, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're just starting out or refining your work, this talk will help you effectively showcase your skills.
Spotlight : Lucasfilm Animation & ILM Feature Animation
Please join us for a special panel discussion featuring key creatives from Lucasfilm Animation and Industrial Light & Magic Feature Animation, along with members of our Talent Acquisition team. During this session, you will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from our talented team about their diverse career paths and insights into the industry, and learn more about our creative business.
Cutting for Story: Editing Animated Features
Editing an animated film offers the distinct advantage of cutting the movie with the film’s director before it's shot. Editors work with storyboards and temporary dialogue to craft and re-craft the story across many iterations before it gets locked and moves forward into production. Meet some of the magicians who help bring your favorite animated features to life!
Beyond the Tide: Where Mermaids Go After May
Each May, artists around the world dive into the world of mermaids for #MerMay. But what happens when the tide goes out? Join MerMay creator Tom Bancroft, and hosts Lauren Barger, and Whitney Pollett as they share how MerMay jump-started their own tangible dream projects, and Dell workstations powered by Nvidia GPUs enabled them to push their art further.
Hear how others in the community turned MerMay creations into books, jobs, and even plush businesses!
If you’re in the audience and your MerMay journey continued past May, we’d love to hear your story! Let's talk about the creative waves and opportunities that can come from just one month of making merms!
Painting a Story
Illustration demo from Emily Xu to chat and draw together.
The Art of DOOM: The Dark Ages
Join the Art Director and Concept Art Team of id Software as they share the creative process behind the character, environment and weapon designs for the latest installment of the DOOM franchise. This talk will be followed by a Q&A with the team.
Adapting Games into Animated Series and Films
Recent animated game adaptations have crushed it with fans like Arcane or at the box office with Sonic. Making them is hard though: these games have rabid existing fanbases much larger than comics, the games are still ongoing, some have thin story, and Hollywood + games have had a storied history with many previously failed film adaptations. Hear from the creatives, who adapt these beloved IP into animation, share how they do it well.
Thriving & Prospering as an Independent Artist
The Pooles share decades of combined experience as successful independent artists navigating the Fine Art, Imaginative Realism, Fantasy & Commission art worlds. From creating public art monuments to dozens of Fortune 500 Corporate Commissions to working conventions & gallery relationships, their discussion will include ideas & strategies to help you creatively adapt, navigate & excel in a changing art world. From working as “hired hands” to getting your personal work out there, this discussion will cover a variety of topics and touch on the inevitable foibles, challenges and inspirations that are a part of creating a creative life you love. Applies to all mediums. Appropriate for those just starting to those with experience looking to expand or adapt their practice to changing times.
Creature Designers of Film and TV
Join an elite panel of some of the most prolific creature designers in film and TV. These renowned artists discuss their creative processes, challenges, and experiences in designing iconic creatures for blockbuster films and popular TV series. Explore how they bring imaginative, lifelike creatures to the screen through concept art, sculpture, and digital modeling, while meeting the practical demands of production.
The Making of Netflix's In Your Dreams
Join Director/Writer Alex Woo, VFX Supervisor Nicky Lavender, and Head of Character Animation Sacha Kapijimpanga for an inside look at the creative vision behind Netflix's upcoming animated feature, IN YOUR DREAMS. The team will dive into the film’s journey from concept to screen, highlighting the craft and collaboration that shaped its striking animation and emotionally resonant storytelling.
In Your Dreams debuts on Netflix on November 14th.
Behind the Magic: Navigating the Development Pipeline
This panel pulls back the curtain on the studio development pipeline, uncovering the steps that turn creative sparks into airing projects. From crafting log lines and outlines to developing pitches and bibles, industry professionals will share their insider knowledge and offer best practices for navigating this complex process. Join Sam King (Disney TV Animation), Alison Agosti (Inside Job), Shofela Coker (Kizazi Moto), Andy Del Rio (Ranger Ozzy), and Pat Stout (Sentinel 6) as they dive into what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-moving animation landscape. Whether you're an aspiring creator or simply fascinated by the magic behind the scenes, this panel is your all-access pass to the journey from concept to screen.
Lights, Camera, Costumes!
What is it like working as a costume illustrator in the motion pictures industry? The answers to be revealed from some of the top costume illustrators. Join us as we discuss the process of turning a costume concept into a practical costume that ends up on the screen.
The Art of Going Solo: Creating Opportunities as Artists
Breaking away from a studio job, or building your career without one, can feel risky- but it can also open the door to incredible creative freedom! In this session, Sir Wade shares practical strategies, personal stories, and hard-won lessons from his own transition from major animation studios to running a thriving solo career. You’ll learn how to identify and create opportunities, grow your network, balance creative work with business needs, and leverage your specific skillset to carve out your place in the industry. Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a studio veteran considering your next chapter, this talk will give you the tools and mindset to turn “going solo” into a sustainable, fulfilling path.
2025 Concept Art Awards
The 2025 Concept Art Awards will be held on Saturday, October 25th 6.30pm - 8.30pm at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium during LightBox Expo and celebrated professional, independent, and student work, along with a Rising Star, LBX Luminary, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The annual Concept Art Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts and recognize excellence in character, creature, vehicle/prop, environment, keyframe, color keys, and visual development.
THE "BEST ANIMATED SHORTS" OF THE 2025-2026 AWARDS SEASON
The annual collection of The Animation Showcase presents the cream of the crop of the most creative, moving and beautiful animated shorts of the year. This screening includes the most celebrated shorts film of the year in the biggest animation event and festivals around the world. This collection is being screened in the top animation studios such as Pixar, Netflix, Disney, Aardman, Illumination, Sony and many others.
The shorts in the collection gathered more than 35 Academy Award® nominations and always included the Oscar® Winner since its creation, making this event as the screening with the highest Oscar® predictive collection.
Careers in Feature Film Animation at LAIKA
Join Sr Creative Recruiter, Tiffany Navarro-Purkeypile and Jr Recruiter, Marilyn Escobar and learn about creative opportunities at LAIKA beyond stop motion. Our team will share insights on what our Recruiting team looks for in portfolios, tips, and advice on how to break into the industry.
Concept Design of Arcane Season 2
Concept artist Charles Lee shares his creative process behind Arcane Season 2, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the design choices he contributed to the hit animated series by Riot Games.
Why Create When Life Hits Hard?
We can plan all we want. Sometimes, life says no and send you down a path unexpected and terrifying. Whether it's environmental, social or medical. Each of these things, we as members of society, must engage in them during the highs and lows. But through this, we as artists and creators have a tool that can help us push past the difficult unplanned times. I want to share and connect with fellow artists drawing and talking about the very rocky year and hope to listen to others as well and see the great power of creativity.
From Beginner to Pro: Creating Your Path in Art
Most people think you need talent or a head start to succeed in art. Jon started with neither. What he did have was a plan, persistence, and a willingness to fail forward. In this talk, Jon will share the exact mindset and methods that turned him from a late-starting “absolute rookie” into a working professional. Whether you’re brand new or seasoned, you’ll leave with practical tools to keep leveling up.
Freshly Minted: What New Artists Know That Vets Might Forget
You took the advice of your favorite veteran artists, got good, and landed the job. Now what?
Let this panel of freshly minted professionals guide you through your adventure as you delve into life as a professional artist. Industry vets have the best advice, but they’ve been doing some of these things for so long they might not realize you don’t know what you don’t know. Find out as our panel discusses ways to speed up your workflow, keep you sane when the nights feel long, and, most importantly, teach you the secret technique of being the new kid.
Freshly Minted by the Concept Art Association.
Finding Your Career on the Unbeaten Path
This panel explores the less common ways to enter into the arts and entertainment industries, tailored specifically to a person's individual skills/interests rather than the common fields most young professionals know and explore (character design/modeling, vis dev, concept art, animation, etc). Each panelist has found their way into their careers via more unconventional paths and methods, and have remained flexible in their field to find their own measure of success and joy.
Be Like Water
“Be Like Water” is a digital art and creativity presentation that takes viewers on a personal journey through memory, psychology, and growth. Using storytelling and vivid storyboarding, it explores the archetypes artists encounter, breaking down their patterns, pitfalls, and the pathways through them. More than just a narrative, it offers viewers a reflective framework to identify their own creative challenges and unlock transformative growth in their own craft.
Costume Figure Drawing with Taxidermy
Draw the figure alongside animal anatomy (from skeletal and sustainable taxidermy). Drawing instruction led by Sienne Josselin guiding various techniques to find drama, action, gesture with a costumes model accompanied by beautifully designed still life from pieces at Vulture Culture. We’ll sketch from life and use our imaginations to build bold and beautiful compositions. BYOB (Bring your own brushes - or any analog/digital tools you’ll want to work with.) All levels welcome!
Building Creative Worlds & Collaborations
Join celebrated artists Jorge and Sandra, along with Kaleidos Creative founder & CEO Ben Butcher, for a candid conversation about the realities of building a creative career and collaborative process. Moderated by Kristen Carr, they will share and reflect on their early artistic paths, the unexpected turns that shaped them, and how trust and shared vision lead to meaningful partnerships. Then, get an exclusive first look at new projects in development plus insight into how they’re shaping what’s next. This session pulls back the curtain on the creative process, from the messy beginnings to the magic that happens when artists create together and build community. Come for the sneak peeks, stay for the real talk.
Blender for Illustrators – Beyond the Brushstroke
Let's smash the barriers that hold us 2D artists back from diving into 3D workflows. Using our painting skills and the magic of Blender's cameras, lights, and atmosphere, we can bring virtual worlds to life for stylized concept art, illustrations, and filmmaking!
Learning Blender's interface? Easy. Mastering the entire 3D pipeline? Not so much. So, let's ditch complex 3D models and embrace hand-painted PNGs in 3D space! In this talk, I'll break down how I create entire worlds using basic Blender tools and a ton of painting for projects like Magic: The Gathering. Plus, I'll share a behind-the-scenes look at the 3D workflow used for my traditionally painted fine art commissions for the CEO of Riot Games himself!
3D is now within our reach!
From Sketch to Success: Six Artists, Six Different Journeys
All six friends in this panel graduated from the same illustration department in 2008. Seventeen years later, they have built careers in animation, film, games, apparel, publishing, music, comics, exhibition, education, and more. Clients ranging from Nike to Netflix seek out their visionary work. This panel maps out how one singular starting place resulted in such varied careers and follows case studies from each artist's journey in their respective hustles and how they continue to navigate the changing tides of the creative industries.
DreamWorks "Wednesdays with Gramps" - Crafting a Short
Take a behind the scenes look at DreamWorks Animation's award winning short film, “Wednesdays with Gramps,” with the Director/Writers, Chris and Justin Copeland, producer, Shabrayia Cleaver, and the creative leadership team. Kicking it off with a screening of the 8 minute short, learn how they crafted a story unifying vintage with contemporary, not only in the story they wanted to tell but in the unique aesthetic of the film. Inspired by video games, generational bonding, and pushing the limits of animation in short form, join this team for an engaging conversation.
Titmouse at 25: Nurturing the Next Generation
Join Rachel Ashley, Head of Artistic & Production Recruitment and director of the Titmouse Artistic Mentorship Program, and Shannon Prynoski, studio co-founder and founder of the Titmouse Foundation—a nonprofit awarding scholarships to underrepresented artists—for a conversation on how the studio nurtures new voices and creative potential. Moderated by Titmouse producer and creative mentor Laura Allen (Digman!), the panel will feature insights from past mentees, scholarship recipients, and other creatives, reflecting on 25 years of building a more open, dynamic animation community by finding and fostering talent both inside and outside traditional pipelines—and how these efforts are shaping the industry’s future.
Inside the Writers’ Room: Crafting Stories for TV Animation
Step inside the world of TV animation writing as a powerhouse team of writers pulls back the curtain on how your favorite shows are created, long before the first frame is drawn. From crafting unforgettable characters and building vibrant worlds to blending comedy, action, and heartfelt emotion, they’ll reveal how wild ideas evolve into the scripts that drive today’s most beloved animated series. Whether you’re chasing your first writing credit or already working in the industry, this panel delivers a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at the heart of animated storytelling—the words that bring it all to life.
Draw Characters with Crystal Kung
Let's draw some fun characters and chat about the processes!
Character Design – How to Push your Acting and Posing
In this LBX Demo and Presentation, Character Designer Kal Athannassov will go over how he pushes his character design's acting and posing in order to create characters that feel specific and believable. This presentation is about puting the "character" in character design and ensuring the feel as expressive and alive as possible.
Ron Clements & John Musker: The Art of Story Masterclass
Discover the storytelling secrets behind Disney classics like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Moana, taught by the legendary duo who created them —Ron Clements and John Musker.
In this rare masterclass, they’ll reveal how they craft compelling characters, build emotional arcs, and transform ideas into timeless stories. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or animator, gain clear, practical insights directly from two Disney legends.
Presented by Write for Animation. Hosted by writer-producer Pietro Schito.
The Game Industry Has a Problem, and You are the Solution!
The game industry seems like it is in complete shambles, and well... it kind of is. But I think it's important to recognize that what may seem like the downfall is just a shift in the industry. And I think individual talents will be the phoenix from the ashes when everything is said and done. So it's time to double down rather than retreat. It's corny to say, but we are the future that the game industry needs!
The Power of the Rough
Forget polish—this session reveals how quick, smart sketches lead to better visuals, better products, and better conversations with your team. Learn how mastering rough composition can make you indispensable in a pipeline increasingly dominated by automation.
So You're 30 and Want to Be an Animator?
Getting into the industry is hard at any age, but starting when you're later in life and getting out of your comfort zone can add an extra level of anxiety and intimidation. In this talk, I'll go over my journey to becoming an animator and the things I did that helped me stay calm while trying to change careers later in life.
Life Drawing Session hosted by Karla Ortiz
Let's take a moment to practice our human anatomy with a good old life drawing session. Hosted by renowned concept artist Karla Ortiz!
Creating Appealing Art for Ravensburger Toys & Games
Join a panel of Ravensburger Art Directors as they share the varied freelance opportunities for illustrators to be a part of the art created for puzzles, games, and Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game. They will share insight on the concept development phase and expectations to create compelling artwork that inspires and thrills audiences and fans around the world.
Storyboard Case Studies
Even after the script is written, storyboard artists make innumerable creative decisions that impact the rest of the animation pipeline. This presentation will prime you to understand how to make decisions that will set you (and your production’s budget) up for success. Every scene is different, requiring different skills and creative thinking. Join us for a storyboarding case study designed to flex your analytical muscles and strengthen your instincts for creative problem solving.
This is a sample of a class Talya Perper teaches for ProjectCity.TV, an online animation school. If you're interested in joining the class, consider subscribing to the Story Sprint tier, which gives you access to the Storyboard Case Studies class as well as a variety of other weekly classes every month.
The Art of Networking: The Sequel
Networking is a skill valuable for personal and professional growth in the entertainment industry. In a very competitive and unstable field, how do YOU learn how to properly build connections? In this talk, we discuss the art of networking: 1) the do's & don'ts 2) how to catch a professional's attention 3) new resources for in-person and online networking 4) how to overcome your fears in reaching out to people. It's 2025 and we have to adapt and be brave and creative.
Netflix Animation Studios: What’s New!
Join the Netflix Animation Studios’ Talent Team for an exclusive panel to learn more about our studio! Each of our three dynamic locations – Burbank, Sydney, and Vancouver – serve as a hub of innovation and storytelling, contributing uniquely to our diverse slate of animated projects. Learn about what’s new with us, and what roles we’re currently hiring for to meet our project, studio, and end-to-end pipeline needs. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the inner workings of Netflix Animation Studios and the work that brings our stories to life!
Level Up Your Career: A Concept Artist’s Guide to the Gaming
This talk maps the concept artist’s path from first art test to shipping work to shaping vision, through principles you can apply in any studio. We’ll focus on transferable skills: clear design intent, readable ideation, concise process presentation, and collaboration across design, character, environment, and tech art. You’ll see how expectations and mindset shift at each stage (junior, mid, senior, lead), how to frame feedback, and how to evolve your portfolio without losing your voice.
Phineas & Ferb: The Evolution of Writing a Hit Comedy Series
When Phineas first released in 2007, it was a board driven extravaganza. Now, 18 years later, the show has shifted to be a script-board hybrid. Join Dan Povenmire and the writers of the Phineas and Ferb Revival as they discuss the differences between writing and boarding on the different seasons, as well as a tantalizing look behind the scenes.
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride 20th Anniversary
One Wedding. Two Brides. A Grave Misunderstanding! Join us for a special conversation with three of the film’s original artists, Carlos Grangel, Ian Mackinnon and Anthony Scott. Moderated by Charles Solomon, they share their unique experiences and insights into the craft, creativity, and magic that brought this hauntingly beautiful tale to life. Working with Tim Burton and his early Corpse Bride concepts, their collaboration highlights the artistry of stop-motion, from character design to the intricate engineering of the animated puppet cast.
Corpse Bride remains a milestone in Burton’s career. This anniversary panel offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that continues to inspire audiences and artists alike.
Storyboarding: Live Action and Animation - Cross Pollinating
David will share pitches and storyboards from both live action and animated films: Tron:ARES, Mufasa, Animal Friends, Chief of War and Gabby's Dollhouse. He will highlight the differences between live action and animation storyboards. And with the abundance of hybrid films, David will share crossover techniques that are most relevant today, including sketchvis and its relatively new part of the VFX pipeline
Unreal Engine 5 for 3D Artists
Unreal has become one of the most exciting and powerful tools for artists and filmmakers to tell their stories- and not just for game development, but for anyone working in animation! In this session, Sir Wade brings his experience working with Epic Games to demonstrate the power of real-time animation and storytelling using UE5, with hands-on examples of how to incorporate these tools to your workflow, both for 2D and 3D artists. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your skillset, you’ll walk away with practical tips, workflow insights, and a clear roadmap for how to use Unreal Engine to elevate your art. If you’ve been curious about exploring Unreal but haven’t fully jumped in yet- this is the perfect place to start!
Connecting Through Emotion: Light and Color Harmony in Art
With AI images flooding the internet, it’s more important than ever to connect with our audience on an emotional level. This talk will focus on how to use lighting to create that connection. From gathering references to understanding lighting fundamentals, we will talk about how to simplify, break down, and exaggerate lighting to achieve stronger visual storytelling. The goal is to explore new perspectives while letting your personal voice shine through in your art.
Portrait Painting in Oils w/Jon Hardesty
Join Schoolism instructor, Jon Hardesty, for a live oil painting demonstration, where he will create an alla prima style portrait over the course of three days. Jon will guide the audience through his process of completing a fresh portrait in a single sitting, showcasing the techniques and spontaneity of this direct painting approach. Come watch as the portrait unfolds, ask questions, and explore the dynamic world of oil portraiture.
Visual Development: Crafting the Worlds of Animation
Go behind the scenes of animation’s most important stage—visual development. Discover how artists Celine Kim, Ryan Lang, Helen MingJue Chen and Yuhki Demers explore style, push ideas, and create the visual blueprint that guides an entire production.
Reclaiming your Artistic Voice from Social Media's Influence
Over the past few years, social media has gone a thriving community space to being a constant battle for your attention. And if you’re an artist who shares your work online - a battle for your creativity. How do we balance our artistic integrity while interacting with platforms that actively try to influence what we create? Erika’s journey has taken her from building an independent art career through social media to a creative burnout that made her question her artistic identity and social media’s role in how it was shaped. Join her as she uncovers ways to reclaim your creative spark from the grip of social media algorithms and share your art online in a way that doesn’t come at the cost of your artistic voice.
Secrets of Storyboarding Superhero Shows
Join some of the best storyboard artists working in Hollywood today as they discuss their creative process and their approach to storyboarding in the MCU and DCU. They will give advice and share secrets and stories of working on some of the biggest superhero shows.
Stonehouse’s Anatomy Draw-Along Session
Join this special lecture for a unique opportunity to draw alongside Stonehouse while observing a live professional model. As participants sketch together, Stonehouse will share expert insights, highlighting essential rules and foundational knowledge of human anatomy. This interactive session blends guided instruction with hands-on practice, making it ideal for artists seeking to strengthen their understanding of anatomy through direct observation and real-time feedback.
Telling Stories That Stick: What Makes a Comic Stand Out
How do the most successful comics grab readers’ attention—and keep them coming back for more week after week? In this panel, top editors from WEBTOON share their insights on what makes for a truly compelling comic in the digital space. From narrative structure and character development to visual pacing and format, panelists will break down the creative elements that help a webcomic stand out. Whether you’re new to the medium or leveling up your craft, this conversation is all about the art of telling unforgettable stories online.
9B Collective Presents: Black Comics Writers and Creators
Join us as we talk to some of the premiere talents in Comics today! We will give the creators the floor and have a discussion about the projects they have created, what the market looks like today, where it is headed.
Tips & Insights : An Honest Talk about Our Art Journey
An honest conversation about the animation and video game industries between Pierre-Alexandre Schuller (world best husband) and I, Léa Pinto: let's learn from our mistakes!
Our steps in the video game and animation industries, our challenges, what we wish we'd known before, what we would have done differently, choices we're glad we made!
Our expectations VS the reality of these industries, and what we did to overcome it all and achieve our dream : to create our own visual development company in Japan together!
Illustrator to Game Artist in 8 Steps
Are you looking to break into the games industry as an Artist or Illustrator? This talk will give you the step by step process of starting your career in games! From choosing which types of game jobs to apply for, to building your game art portfolio, networking, doing Game Jams and more. Let this talk be the first step on your journey to your first ever game art job.
Animating a 2D Character Rig LIVE at LightBox Expo
Want to see how 2D rigs work in productions? Hosted by Toon Boom Animation, this is a live session on animating a character rig using Harmony Premium. An all-in-one animation solution allows artists to collaborate using the same programs and project files, from roughs to rigging and animating to compositing.
Marie-Ève Lacelle is a solutions specialist at Toon Boom who trains artists at major studios around the world. Her CV includes crew roles on Wakfu, Big Hero 6: The Series and Glitch Techs. This session is hosted by Bernard Boiteux, Director of Sales for EDU Markets. To find resources for students or instructors, visit: toonboom.com/education
Want to follow along? Artists can download a 21-day trial of Harmony Premium: toonboom.com/harmony
Lucasfilm Art Department - The Art of Star Wars
Join a stellar panel featuring some of the most talented artists behind Star Wars. In this insightful session, these artists will discuss their creative processes, share behind-the-scenes stories, and talk about what it was like to bring the epic world of Star Wars to life. From conceptual design to final production, gain an insider's perspective on what it takes to craft the iconic visuals of this beloved franchise.
Animation In Development
Join us for Demystifying the Development Process, a behind-the-scenes panel with talented TAG members that explores the key steps in creating an animated show and what really happens in the process. From crafting compelling characters to polishing your pitch and increasing your chances of landing a deal, this panel offers valuable insights for creators looking to bring their ideas to life while also offering a realistic look into what it takes.
A Goofy Movie: From Script to Storyreels
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie with the film’s director, Kevin Lima as he leads a discussion with Jymn Magon (the film’s first writer), Brian Pimental (head of story, writer) and a klatch of story artists who worked on the film. Go on a behind the scenes road trip from script to storyboards to storyreels, discovering how ideas evolved, characters took shape, and comedic moments found their “perfect” timing. With rare insights and never-before-seen visuals, this panel reveals how a beloved animated classic grew from concept to the heartwarming, hilarious classic we cherish today.
Something Wicked This Way Comes!
A Workshop/Demo on creating the Gods and Monsters of Halloween Night! Bring drawing tools and sharpened wits--participation is highly encouraged.
Visual Architects: Design and Direction in Entertainment
How do Directors, Art Directors, and Production Designers collaborate to bring stories to life? Join Marvel Art Director and Spiderverse artist Cynthia Halley for a talk with our esteemed panel of industry pros, as they share personal stories and practical wisdom for those looking to advance their careers in and across these disciplines. We will discuss how these crucial roles shape visual storytelling as we reveal the skills, challenges, and opportunities that connect them.
Artist's Intro to Copyright and Trademark
Join Amber Aki Huang (DeerCat & Friend's® Owner & Founder) and Stephanie Pottick (Toy & Entertainment IP Lawyer) in a discussion about best practices, where to start, and how to protect your characters and artwork. There will be a Q&A session at the end as well.
The Art of Alien Romulus
Go behind the scene the scenes of the hit movie Alien Romulus and learn from the concept artists the process of researching, sketching and designing sets and vehicles for a major motion picture.
Vis Dev Through Different Stages of Animation Production
Visual development evolves through different stages of animation production. You need to bring directors on a creative journey with you and know which artistic approach is better to apply on each design assignment.
During this talk I will share my 10 year experience and successful strategies you can use to elevate your vis dev experience from production POV.
From Games to TV: Designing Costumes for The Last of Us P2
Please join Costume Designer Ann Foley, Character Art Director Ashley Swidowski, Costume Concept Artist Imogene Chayes, and moderator Spencer Williams as they discuss the process of designing the costumes for the groundbreaking video game and television series, The Last of Us Part II. They will dive deep into the post apocalyptic world they helped develop through character and costume, while speaking on the differences and similarities between designing for games versus live action.
Finding Your Worth Outside The Industry
Meridian Gray Culpepper, former Pixar intern and director of the indie animated short Planet Jane, shares a candid look at navigating unemployment in the animation industry and rebuilding creative identity outside the studio system. Through experiences from her work as a story artist to being laid off and starting her own studio, Meridian offers a hopeful roadmap for rediscovering your voice as an artist when the traditional career path disappears.
Comedy Storyboarding for Feature Animation
Join animation industry veterans Josh ‘Hat’ Lieberman (K-pop Demon Hunters, Kung Fu Panda 5, Despicable Me 4, Wish Dragon) and Michael Daley (Turning Red, Luca, Incredibles franchise, Ice Age 4) for a deep dive discussion into their approach and philosophy for tackling comedy in storyboards on animated features.
Designing Characters for Different Styles
In this talk I will be sharing my experience in approaching character designs for different styles and the importance of honing your own artistic voice.
Concept Art in a Changing Industry
The panel will address the current changes such as AI and various industry shifts and how to survive within them.. As the entertainment industry is facing changes of a magnitude not seen since the introduction of sound and color, with the realization of the power of AI, as well as offshore filmmaking, we have to ask ourselves, where do we stand as creators, and where will we be in 5 years? As professionals we have survived many changes in the last 30 years: Analog to digital, 2D to 3D, but this new threat is something totally different, and is of great concern to many, both incoming and veterans. This panel will address what we feel, as professionals in the film and game business, is the direction the business will take, and hope for survival with these massive changes.
Meet the Disney Recruiters
Looking to make your next career move? Our teams want to help you put your best foot forward with tips on networking, applying, interviewing, and more. Speakers will include recruiting team members from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, ILM, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Pixar. Bring your questions!
Animation Superstars
Animation artists from some of your favorite shows will share their industry experiences, explore diverse career paths, and highlight key roles in today’s ever-changing animation landscape. They will offer practical tips on breaking into the field and strategies for staying nimble and hireable as your career grows. Brooke Keesling, Head Recruiter for Bento Box, will moderate the panel, with panelists to be announced.
Asian Queens in Animation: The Art of Building Connections
Looking to break into the animation world or grow your creative circle? Join Maansi Sunkara, founder and co-director of Asian Queens in Animation, as she spills her favorite tips on how to build real connections—virtually and IRL—in the animation space.
The Smartest Way to Learn Art and Go Pro
What’s the best way to become a professional artist—art school, mentorship, online learning, or something else? How do you gain the skills needed to land a job in the entertainment industry as efficiently as possible? In this panel, top artists in the industry share what worked for them, what they wish they had done differently, and how they developed the skills that got them hired. We’ll discuss whether to specialize or generalize, the role of grinding vs. learning efficiently, and the difference between mastering technical skills and thinking creatively. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this panel will help you find the smartest path to becoming a pro.
Monster Anatomy: How Nature Informs the Fantastic
Creature designer RJ Palmer showcases how real world animal anatomy is used by professionals to create believable monsters for the entertainment industry.
SketchCrawl
The annual tradition returns!
Join Director Dave Pimentel and Story Artist Nick Sung for a SketchCrawl—a casual, public gathering to draw from life, slow down, and connect with friends from across the industry and around the world.
Founded in 2004 by Director Enrico Casarosa, SketchCrawl began as a celebration of the places we find ourselves and the people we find ourselves with—a spirit we’re proud to carry forward today.
Dust off your sketchbook and come draw with us!
