andstudio Unveils Typographic Identity for Pictoplasma 2026, Built from Two Dots
The Berlin festival of character design, Pictoplasma, will unveil a fresh visual identity crafted by the Vilnius-based creative agency andstudio for its 2026 edition. This rebranding replaces 20 years of neutral aesthetics with a typography-focused design featuring two dots symbolizing eyes. The newly created typeface, Pictoplasma Melun, incorporates a "ct" ligature and an eye glyph. The collaboration began when andstudio connected with Pictoplasma organizers at a conference in Vilnius. Research indicated a need for a new identity to engage creatives and broaden its geographical appeal. The design was influenced by the tagline "Never faceless." Notably, the 2026 festival sold out six weeks in advance. Pictoplasma was established in 1999 by Peter Thaler and Lars Denicke, launching its conference in 2004.
Key facts
- andstudio, based in Vilnius, Lithuania, created the new identity for Pictoplasma.
- Pictoplasma is a Berlin festival of character design founded in 1999 as an online archive by Peter Thaler and Lars Denicke.
- The first Pictoplasma conference was held in 2004 and later expanded to New York and London.
- The new identity uses a custom typeface called Pictoplasma Melun, adapted from Melun by Lift Type, featuring a "ct" ligature and an eye glyph.
- The design employs two dots as eyes, creating a face through pareidolia, and can be typed without additional drawing.
- The strategy aims to attract creatives from motion design, filmmaking, studios, and agencies, and to expand recognition across Europe, the US, and Asia Pacific.
- Motion designer Greta Griniūtė developed the motion identity, and Dutch space designer Tony Michiels worked on physical applications.
- The 2026 Berlin festival sold out six weeks in advance, earlier than usual, providing more planning time for the next edition.
Entities
Artists
- Peter Thaler
- Lars Denicke
- Rugilė Jasiulionytė
- Greta Griniūtė
- Tony Michiels
Institutions
- andstudio
- Pictoplasma
- Lift Type
- Creative Boom
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Vilnius
- Lithuania
- New York
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom
- Europe
- Asia Pacific