The Best Conferences for Illustrators in 2025

For illustrators, staying inspired and connected is essential to growing their craft. Around the world, top illustration conferences bring together artists, designers, and industry experts to share insights, explore new techniques, and celebrate the power of visual storytelling.

Whether you're looking to refine your skills, discover emerging trends, or network with fellow creatives, these events provide the perfect platform to learn and be inspired.

OFFF Barcelona

Where:
Barcelona, Spain
When:
May 8–10

OFFF Barcelona is a haven for creatives and innovators. It brings together graphic designers, motion artists, and digital thinkers from around the globe. The conference is known for its cutting-edge presentations, hands-on workshops, and a vibrant community that celebrates design in all its forms.

Adobe MAX

Where:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
When:
October 28–30

Adobe MAX is the ultimate creativity conference for graphic designers, illustrators, and digital creators. Expect keynote speeches from industry titans, hands-on workshops, and sneak peeks into Adobe’s upcoming tools and features. This event is also a fantastic opportunity to network with peers and explore the latest design trends.

AIGA Design Conference

Where:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
When:
October 9–11

Organized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts, this conference focuses on the future of design and its impact on society. With thought-provoking sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, the AIGA Design Conference is ideal for professionals looking to expand their horizons and tackle design challenges in innovative ways.

Pictoplasma

Where:
Berlin, Germany
When:
April 1-4

Pictoplasma is the world’s premier festival for contemporary character design, bringing together artists, illustrators, animators, and designers from around the globe. Held in Berlin, the event features inspiring talks, exhibitions, screenings, and workshops, all celebrating the power of visual storytelling through unique characters. Whether you're into digital art, illustration, or animation, Pictoplasma is a must-attend for creative minds looking to explore the future of character-driven design.

POV Budapest

Where:
Budapest, Hungary
When:
September 11-12

POV Budapest focuses on the latest trends in visual storytelling, animation, and graphic design. It’s an inspiring platform for creatives seeking to explore the intersection of technology and design.

Creative Pro Week

Where:
Phoenix, AZ, USA
When:
June 2–6

This conference is tailored for professionals working in print and digital publishing. From Adobe InDesign to Photoshop, it offers sessions that help sharpen your skills and streamline your workflow.

Us By Night

Where:
Antwerp, Belgium
When:
September 25–27

Us By Night is a unique nocturnal experience that blends a design conference with a vibrant night market. Attendees can expect inspiring talks from world-class creatives in graphic design, illustration, motion graphics, and beyond.

With a festival-like atmosphere, it’s not just about learning but also about connecting and immersing yourself in the creative culture. Workshops, installations, and live art performances make this a standout event for any graphic designer looking for both inspiration and entertainment.

Forward Festival Vienna

Where:
Vienna, Austria
When:
October 2-3

Forward Festival Vienna features over 20 international speakers, including renowned creatives such as SNASK, Public Possession and Kelly Anna. Attendees can look forward to inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, immersive installations, and exclusive side events, providing ample opportunities to connect with fellow creatives and gain fresh insights into the world of design and communication.

munich creative business week

Where:
Munich, Germany
When:
May 10-18

Munich creative business week is Germany’s largest design platform, bringing together creatives, businesses, and design enthusiasts. Organized by bayern design, it fosters innovation, interdisciplinary exchange, and explores design’s impact on society, business, and the future.

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I love Creative Lunch Club because it harnesses the most human way of connecting, sharing a meal. It's an effortless way for creatives to build diverse connections and friendships across various fields and meet people they wouldn't otherwise.

Júlia Mota Albuquerque
Illustrator & Muralist, Berlin

Creative Lunch Club is an amazing initiative for us creatives to meet others who are like-minded. As creatives we have our friends, colleagues and acquaintances, but having the opportunity to connect and get to know other operators who are inspiring and each have a story to tell is what our industry needs more of – to feel a part of a community.

Simon Morehead
Creative Director, Stockholm

Thanks to Creative Lunch Club I found friends and inspiring conversations and connections with people that I probably would not have met otherwise. The process is easy and straight forward and everyone is so friendly, interesting and talented - what an amazing experience.

Danii Pollehn
Illustrator, Lisbon