Annual Cartoon Museum Conference Returns to London this February

The Cartoon Museum has officially announced the return of its highly anticipated annual conference, set to take place in London on Monday, 23rd February 2026. The event serves as a vital hub for cartoonists, comic creators, and industry professionals to discuss the evolving landscape of the medium, from traditional print to high-end visual effects.

A Focus on Career Longevity and Professional Practice

This year’s programming is designed to provide actionable insights for creators at all levels. Beyond the creative process, the sessions will tackle the practicalities of the industry, including how to prepare work for retail environments and navigating the global publishing market.

The conference will open at 10:00 AM with an introductory address by the museum’s new Director, Beth Bryan.

Distinguished Speaker Lineup

The 2026 roster features a diverse group of experts spanning editorial cartooning, graphic novels, and television production:

• Editorial & Press: Regular contributors to The New Yorker and The Guardian, including Mads Horwath and Samuel Ojo, will provide perspectives on maintaining a presence in major international publications.
• Narrative & Impact: Award-winning creator Karrie Fransman will discuss her work with the Comics Cultural Impact Collective (CCIC), focusing on the social and cultural power of the medium.
• Writing & Editing: Ringo! Award nominee Dr. Colleen Douglas will share her extensive experience as an editor and writer in the comic book industry.
• Commercial Insights: Holly Burrows, Commercial Manager at The Cartoon Museum, will lead a session on optimizing creative work for the retail sector.

From Panels to Pixels: The VFX Connection

A significant portion of the afternoon will explore the intersection of comic art and major film/TV productions. Jules Darriulat (Concept Artist for Wednesday and 3 Body Problem) and Elpida Kyriakou (Character Artist at Framestore) will break down the transition from concept art to finished VFX, featuring behind-the-scenes insights from projects like Doctor Who and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Event Logistics

• Date: Monday, 23rd February 2026
• Time: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Talks begin at 10:00 AM)
• Venue: The Cartoon Museum, London
• Inclusions: Registration includes lunch and networking opportunities with speakers and peers.