HIGH SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN'S
PREMIER POP CULTURE EVENT
April 25-26, 2026
11AM - 12PM
How do they do that?! Talk body paint, wig styling, and recycled materials with award-winning cosplayers.
This portfolio workship is geared toward middle school students to learn what makes a good portfolio. Have your portfolio reviewed by teachers, parents, and professionals to prepare for the high school application process.
Tomo Moriwaki brings his extensive experience in game design to discuss the art of world-building and how to successfully adapt a game into a comic strip.
Join senior effects technical director and Visual Effects Society NY leader George Jimenez as he explores this year’s FanfaireNYC theme, curiosity. See how curious minds develop the artistry to problem solve directors’ visual problems.
12:30 - 1:30PM
How does curiosity build the outside world? Landscape architects discuss how curiosity and openness drive the decisions that create an engaging outdoor experience.
What is the process for creating an indie anime series? Ellen Su and Rob Chandler discuss the journey of launching their new venture, Studio MoonMoon.
Prospective and accepted middle school students have the opportunity to learn about the school from administrators, parents, and recent alumni.
Learn the secrets, tricks, techniques and practical tips of capturing live fashion with expert demonstrations.
2 - 3PM
Scooter LaForge knows how to create high fashion with a painted T-shirt. Come to this hands-on session to learn his style and leave with a shirt of your own.
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Learn how to turn your favorite family or life stories into a comic strip! Lisa and John have done exactly this in their series, Background Noise. Bring your life stories and your sense of humor to learn how to make a 4-to-6-panel comic strip starring your family.
Art can be a powerful tool to make a statement. Hear how comic artists, muralists, and a writer and photographer make statements.
Go EXTRA! The People's Choice Cosplay Contest is here! Show us your most fabulous cosplay and capture the essence of your character. Couples and groups, bring it on!
3:30 - 4:30PM
Comics creator Sean Chen and publisher Phil Russertt discuss the shift from large-scale publishers to direct-to-market comic book publishing.
Ryan Dunlavey and Fred Van Lente have the formula for making nonfiction fun. Join the conversation to learn how a strong partnership, combined with illustration and writing, makes learning fun.
In this portfolio workshop you will learn what makes a great portfolio and have the chance to have your portfolio reviewed by design professionals!
Join us at
FanfaireNYC 2026.
