HIGH SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN'S
PREMIER POP CULTURE EVENT
April 25-26, 2026
11AM - 12PM
From developing new cartoon series to supporting industry standards, professional animators share their professional experiences.
Get insights from the pros! Learn tips, tricks, and builds to take your cosplay game to the next level.
Join this exciting session to hear who won the Tragedy comic book cover competition! Hear feedback from the publisher on the entries.
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In this portfolio workshop you will learn what makes a great portfolio and have the chance to have your work reviewed by design professionals!
12:30 - 1:30PM
Ninety years. Two legendary schools. One shared legacy. Join us for a special anniversary alumni panel to discuss “curiosity” as a lifelong craft, career engine, and creative spark
Pop culture reporting has real impact on the media landscape and sparks compelling conversations. This panel of talented, credentialed journalists discuss how they pitch stories, juggle deadlines, and share their personal hardships and accomplishments.
How do the pros make it look so easy? Join us for a drawing demonstration where we break down the fundamentals of comic book art. If you've ever wanted to "see under the hood" of your favorite comics, this is a session you can't miss.
2 - 3PM
What makes the world sing in a graphic novel or come to life in a fantasy, scifi or horror novel? In this hands-on workshop, we'll challenge you to think about how we use words to world-build. By crafting the same scene as both a graphic script and a prose story, you’ll discover how each medium shapes world-building differently.
Step back in time to the late '90s with an illustrator who helped ignite Poké-mania! Get the inside scoop on the early days of the US launch. A&D alum, Waldo Cabrera, shares this personal experience!
Greg Pak talks about the latest installment of Star Wars!
Technical Cosplay Contest, judged by professional cosplayers. Saber Guild will give a demonstration while the judges deliberate.
3:30 - 4:30PM
Pivoting is an art form, and knowing how to value your work is a key skill in that process. Join our panel of experienced creative professionals to learn how to successfully navigate your own path.
How do you go from fan to power player? Join our panel of expert creators to learn the secrets of building a brand in the geek space—whether it's anime, movies, or comics to collecting and hosting. Don't miss it!
In this portfolio workshop you will learn what makes a great portfolio and have the chance to have your work reviewed by design professionals!
Join us at
FanfaireNYC 2026.
