Animaga Melbourne 2026 | Drawing & Craft Activities

Animaga Drawing Area

Discover a world of color and hands-on creativity at the Drawing & Craft Area for Animaga Melbourne 2026. Located within the MCEC, this space is open to everyone—from first-time creators to practiced artists—to try new techniques and bring their unique visions to life.

This year’s schedule includes a wide variety of interactive projects. You can draw your favorite characters, learn to fold intricate origami, or assemble custom badges to wear throughout the convention. For those who enjoy color and texture, our sand art station offers vibrant bottle designs, while our cultural workshops focus on traditional Japanese hand fans and projects that blend art with storytelling.

Our dedicated team provides support and easy-to-use templates throughout the weekend, ensuring every visitor can complete a project they are proud of. All activities are free for attendees, providing an excellent way for friends and families to connect while making something tangible to take home.

We will announce more activities and special features as the event gets closer. Whether you want to learn a new skill or spend time focused on a specific project, the Drawing & Craft Area is a primary destination for artistic expression at Animaga Melbourne 2026.

The Animaga Drawing Competition returns for the Melbourne 2026 event at the MCEC. This season, we are challenging artists to explore the intersection of futuristic design and functional style with our official theme: Sci-Fi & Techwear.

This prompt encourages you to combine high-concept science fiction with the structured, utilitarian look of modern tactical fashion. Whether your vision involves dystopian urban gear, advanced protective suits, or cutting-edge street styles for a future era, we want to see your interpretation on paper or screen. Artists are welcome to enter across two categories: Fine Art and Digital Art. We invite participants of all skill levels and artistic backgrounds to contribute their vision to the gallery.

For those looking to qualify for the Special Theme Award, ensure your entry features our official mascots, Annya and Maka, styled within the Sci-Fi and Techwear aesthetic.

Entry Requirements To participate, you must deliver your completed artwork in person during the Animaga Melbourne 2026 weekend. We are only accepting physical entries brought directly to the venue; digital uploads or mailed-in submissions will not be eligible for judging. Be sure to prepare your work for display and bring it with you to the competition area on-site.

Stay updated by following our social media platforms and checking the website for upcoming announcements regarding the prize pool, specific judging criteria, and gallery details. We look forward to seeing your creative work on display in Melbourne.

Animaga Drawing Competition Rules

At Animaga, we’re proud to celebrate creativity in all forms. Our Drawing Competition offers artists of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to showcase their work and share their passion with the community. Below you’ll find all the important rules and details to help you prepare your submission.

Submission Format
All entries must be submitted using the official A4 competition sheet, which will be available at the Drawing Area. Only artworks submitted on this sheet will be accepted into the competition.
Submission by Proxy
If you are unable to attend the event to submit your work personally, you may ask a friend to bring your completed artwork and submit it onsite at the Drawing Area on your behalf.
Accepted Mediums
Participants are free to use any traditional art materials they prefer — from pencils and pens to markers, crayons, or mixed media.
Theme Guidelines
The theme for this year is “Sci-Fi & Techwear.” While sticking to the theme is not mandatory, incorporating it may improve your chances of catching the judges’ eyes!
Originality Requirement
All submissions must be original works created solely by the participant. Any copied or AI-generated art will be disqualified.
Number of Submissions
While you are welcome to submit multiple artworks, only one piece per participant will be considered for judging in the competition.
Special Mascot Prize Eligibility
To be considered for the Special Mascot Prize, your drawing must feature at least one of Animaga’s official mascots, Annya or Maka.
Children’s Prize Eligibility
To be eligible for the Best Children’s Prize, participants must present a valid child admission pass when submitting their artwork.
Submission Deadline
All entries must be submitted to the Drawing Area no later than 2:00 PM on Sunday of the event weekend. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Winner Announcement
Winners will be announced at 4:00 PM on Sunday. Judging will be based on artistic skill, creativity, and originality. Please ensure you are available to be contacted at that time — if you cannot be reached, your prize may be forfeited.

Disclaimer All personal details collected through the Drawing Competition will remain strictly confidential and will only be used for the purpose of this event. Submitted artwork may be displayed during the convention and could be featured in Animaga’s official marketing materials, website, or social media.

We’re excited to offer a wide range of prizes generously sponsored by XP-Pen and MangaArts. Here’s what you could win:

Digital Fine Art Drawing Competition

1st Place: XP-Pen Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) 4K
2nd Place: XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro V2
Special / Mascot Prize: XP-Pen Artist 12 3rd

Traditional Fine Art Drawing Competition

Winner: Premium Art Supply Pack (Sponsored by MangaArts)
Runner-up: Deluxe Art Supply Pack (Sponsored by MangaArts)

Onsite Drawing Competition

Digital Prize: XP-Pen Deco 01 V3
Traditional Prize: Onsite Drawing Prize Pack from MangaArts

Best Children’s Prize

Curated Children’s Art Material Pack from MangaArts

Sponsor by

Get your digital canvases ready! The Clip Studio Paint drawing competition is back, and it is making its way to Animaga Sydney. Whether you are a seasoned illustrator or an aspiring character designer, this is your chance to show off your talent to the community and win some fantastic software to level up your workflow.

The Theme: Sci-Fi & Techwear

This time around, we want to see your most futuristic, stylish, and innovative character designs. Bring your best cyberpunk aesthetics, sleek futuristic details, and high-tech street fashion to the canvas!

The Prizes

Our top artists will walk away with premium software to power their future creations:

1st Place: 12-Month Clip Studio Paint EX License
2nd Place: Clip Studio Paint PRO License

How to Enter

Make sure you stop by the drawing area during the convention at the ICC Sydney this March 14-15. You can participate on-site, submit your sci-fi masterpiece, and check out the amazing artwork from your fellow attendees.

Sponsor by

Melbourne is getting its own dedicated corner for community exchange at the MCEC this year. The Freebie Swap Station in the Artist Alley is a space designed for fans to showcase their artistic voice and discover unique keepsakes left by others. This area is built on the spirit of the community, turning small artistic exchanges into a shared highlight of the weekend.

You are encouraged to contribute your own creations—such as handmade stickers, postcards, mini-prints, buttons, or zines—to leave for the next visitor. In return, you can pick up a piece of work that catches your eye. Because the table is updated by attendees throughout the convention, the collection is always evolving, offering a fresh surprise every time you stop by.

Whether you are a seasoned creator or simply enjoy collecting fan-made goods, the Freebie Swap Station is open to everyone. It is a simple, meaningful way to connect with the local fandom and support the creative energy of the event. We will provide more details on participation and contribution guidelines as we get closer to the August date, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you would like to swap.

The Free Drawing Wall at Animaga Melbourne 2026 is a dedicated space for fans to contribute to a large-scale community mural. Located at the MCEC, this area invites attendees of all skill levels to find a spot and add their own drawings, character sketches, or messages to the wall. As the weekend progresses, these individual contributions combine to create a collaborative gallery that reflects the collective creativity of the Melbourne community. By the end of the event, the wall serves as a visual record of the passion and imagination shared by everyone who participated.

In addition to the wall, we are hosting various creative activities including live sketch sessions and drawing workshops. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn new techniques, get practical advice, or watch guest artists at work. Whether you are a practiced illustrator or a casual creator, the drawing wall and surrounding workshops offer a way to share your work and connect with fellow fans. We look forward to seeing the variety of styles and ideas that the community brings to the MCEC this August.

Discover the cultural practices of Japan at Animaga Melbourne 2026. This year at the MCEC, we are featuring two historical traditions—Omikuji and Ema—that offer a space for reflection and community connection. These activities invite you to participate in customs that have been central to Japanese culture for centuries.

The Ema board provides a place where aspirations and goals take a physical form. You can write your personal hopes—whether they are for success, health, or happiness—on a wooden plaque and hang it among the wishes of fellow attendees. As the board fills throughout the weekend, it becomes a collective display of the community’s shared spirit. It serves as a reminder that while our individual paths are different, we are often united by our shared goals and positive intentions.

Alongside the wishing boards, you can also engage with Omikuji fortune slips. By choosing a random slip, you receive a traditional message regarding your future path, adding a unique element of cultural storytelling to your event experience. Participating in these rituals allows you to experience traditional customs firsthand, providing a meaningful addition to your time at the convention. We look forward to seeing the Ema board grow as the Melbourne community shares their visions for the future this August.

Explore the versatility of paper at the Paper Crafting Corner and Origami Workshop at Animaga Melbourne 2026. Located within the MCEC, these areas provide a focused environment for attendees to engage in hands-on building and traditional folding techniques.

Paper Crafting Corner

This area serves as a creative space where you can transform flat sheets into three-dimensional art. We provide a selection of pre-designed templates that allow you to construct 3D character figures, decorative containers, and miniature scenes. No previous experience is necessary; simply choose a project and follow the illustrated guides to assemble your model. The projects are categorized by difficulty, offering simple designs for beginners and more complex kits for those seeking a technical challenge. Every piece you build is yours to keep as a handmade souvenir of the weekend.

Origami Workshop

Our Origami Workshop highlights the historical Japanese art of paper folding. Instructors are available throughout the event to demonstrate how to create recognizable shapes—such as cranes, flowers, and animals—using precise folding methods. This workshop is open to all skill levels, providing a chance for newcomers to learn the basics and for experienced folders to refine their skills. It is an opportunity to learn the techniques behind this traditional craft and understand the history of the art form.

All materials and tools are provided on-site at the Drawing & Craft Area. We look forward to seeing the various models and designs the community produces at the MCEC this August.

Design, Craft, Create: Animaga Melbourne 2026 Art & Craft Highlights

At Animaga, the artist in you gets to play. We have curated a vibrant lineup of hands-on projects at the MCEC designed to turn every visitor into a creator, regardless of experience.

From sketching iconic characters to layering brilliant sands into miniature bottle art, our stations serve as a playground for every artistic style. Whether you are exploring with the family, hanging out with friends, or visiting solo, you will find activities that are easy to jump into, with our enthusiastic crew ready to help you get started.

The real value of these spaces is the personal touch you leave behind. Every badge you press, every origami crane you fold, and every paper model you piece together is a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your journey. These are more than just projects; they are unique keepsakes of the creative energy and memories you build throughout the weekend.

Create Your Own Keepsake at the DIY Badge Design Station

Craft your own wearable art at the DIY Badge Design Station, a fan-favorite destination heading to Animaga Melbourne 2026. This is your opportunity to build a custom accessory that is entirely your own, turning a blank canvas into a physical piece of your convention experience.

Grab a seat and use our selection of markers, pencils, and pens to start your masterpiece. Whether you want to sketch a classic character, doodle a whimsical original design, or stylize your handle in bold colors, your artwork will become a one-of-a-kind highlight of your weekend at the MCEC. We supply everything you need, including the paper templates, professional art materials, and the badge-pressing machine that turns your drawing into a finished, polished souvenir. Our helpful crew will be there to assist with the machinery or offer a spark of inspiration if you are looking for a place to start.

Because this is one of our most popular activities, materials are allocated on a daily basis. We recommend stopping by the station early to ensure you get a chance to create before supplies run out for the day. The activity is completely free for all attendees, leaving you with a personalized item that captures the spirit of your weekend in a way no shop-bought merch ever could.

Design a Functional Masterpiece at the Hand Fan DIY Station

Design a functional piece of art at the Hand Fan DIY Station, arriving at Animaga Melbourne 2026. This activity invites you to transform a traditional uchiwa-style fan into a canvas for your imagination, resulting in a signature accessory that is entirely your own.

Whether you want to illustrate an iconic character, experiment with bold patterns, or style a personal message, the design is completely up to you. Every fan becomes a physical memory of your weekend at the MCEC—a one-of-a-kind item that is as enjoyable to create as it is to carry. Our crafting area comes fully equipped with blank fans, vibrant markers, and stencils, providing all the tools you need to bring your vision to life.

Best of all, this activity is free for all Animaga attendees. Your finished fan isn’t just a stylish way to stay comfortable during a busy convention day; it’s a handmade keepsake you can keep long after the August event concludes. Come by, customize your design, and carry a piece of your own creativity with you.

Layer Your Imagination into a Vibrant Treasure at the Sand Bottle Art Station

Build a vibrant masterpiece one grain at a time at the Sand Bottle Art Station, returning for Animaga Melbourne 2026. This fan-favorite activity transforms simple dyed sands into miniature works of art, offering a unique way to capture the colors and memories of your weekend at the MCEC.

You can select from a variety of clear bottles in different shapes and sizes to begin your project. By layering bright sands in endless combinations, you can design dreamy gradients, swirling landscapes, or bold abstract patterns. As the bottle fills, your creation takes shape—a dazzling piece of decor that catches the light and serves as a personal souvenir of the event.

The appeal of sand art lies in its accessibility; no prior experience is required, making it an excellent activity for children, adults, and solo visitors alike. It is a focused, creative process that allows you to express your individual style through color and texture.

Please be aware that Sand Bottle Art is a high-demand activity and materials are limited each day. We recommend visiting the station early to secure your spot at the crafting table. By the end of your session, you will have a handmade treasure infused with your own creativity to take home.