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
On-site: 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. Fine Arts: Both Traditional and Digital print entries are permitted to be up to A3 size.
Submission via 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. Traditional entries are preferably light enough to be displayed on a wall.
Theme Guidelines
The theme for this year is “Sci-Fi & Techwear.” While sticking to the theme is not mandatory, incorporating it will be seen more favourably.
Originality Requirement
All submissions must be original works created solely by the participant, for the purpose of this competition. Any copied or AI-generated art will be disqualified. Please do not sell digital entries as purchasable prints within the convention halls during the duration of the competition.
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, correctly write down their age in the indicated section, or inform the staff of their age 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, originality and is up to the discretion of the judging panel. 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 an incredible lineup of prizes proudly sponsored by Wacom and MangaArts. Here’s what you could win:

Digital Fine Art Drawing Competition (Theme: Sci-fi & Techwear — Sponsored by Wacom)

1st Place: Wacom MovinkPad 11
2nd Place: Wacom One Pen Display 14
Special / Mascot Prize: Wacom Intuos M Black

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: Wacom One Pen Tablet Small (Wacom Prize Pack)
Traditional Prize: Onsite Drawing Prize Pack from MangaArts

Best Children’s Prize

Curated Children’s Art Material Pack from MangaArts

Sponsor by

Wacom Australia

Manga Arts and Comic Art Gear

Calling all manga artists and webtoon creators! Animaga is proud to launch our official 2026 Manga Drawing Competition, hosted in partnership with Clip Studio Paint. We challenge you to showcase your storytelling, paneling, and artistic skills by creating an original one-shot comic or webtoon based on this year’s official theme.

The 2026 Theme: “The Path of an Idol”

Whether it is the glitz and glamour of the main stage, the exhausting behind-the-scenes grind, or a fantastical twist on stardom, show us your interpretation of what it takes to walk the path of an idol.

Prizes and Rewards

We have teamed up with Clip Studio Paint to offer some incredible tools for your creative journey:

Grand Prize: A full 1-year license for Clip Studio Paint EX will be awarded to the first-place winner.
Runner-Up Prize: A full 1-year license for Clip Studio Paint PRO will be awarded to the second-place winner.
Participation Reward: Everyone who submits a valid entry and completes our short post-submission survey will receive a 3-month Clip Studio Paint EX activation code to help support their ongoing projects.

Judging and Selection

The final winners will be decided through a balanced combination of public voting and an evaluation by a dedicated jury panel. Our jury will feature industry experts alongside a very special guest judge whose identity will be announced shortly.

Key Rules and Guidelines

Format Options: Submissions can be entered either as a traditional multi-panel manga/comic one-shot or formatted as a vertical scrolling webtoon.
Originality: All entries must be completely original works created specifically for this competition and must not infringe on existing intellectual property.
Human Creativity Policy: This contest celebrates authentic artistry and human craftsmanship. The use of generative artificial intelligence tools is strictly prohibited at all stages of the creation process.

Important Dates

Submissions Open: Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Submissions Close (extend): Friday, 28 August 2026 at 23:59 AEST
Onsite Submission Available: Saturday- Sunday, 29-30 August 2026 @ Trivia Stage

How to Enter

Please review the full technical requirements, formatting dimensions, and terms and conditions on our application page. You can submit your final entry directly through our official submission form:

Submit Your Entry Here

Sponsor by

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.

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 AREA

Our Origami Area offers a dedicated space to enjoy the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. This is a fully self-serve zone open throughout the weekend, allowing you to drop in at any time and fold at your own pace. Whether you want to try making classic shapes like cranes and butterflies for the first time or you are an experienced folder looking to work on complex designs, everything you need is ready for you.

All paper and materials are provided on-site at the Drawing & Craft Area. Feel free to take a break, get creative, and see what you can craft while enjoying your time 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.

DIY Water Bead Wish Jar

Bottle up the magic of your con weekend with a sparkling, hands-on DIY Water Bead Wish Jar! This interactive drop-in activity lets you build a radiant sensory keepsake packed with luminous, jewel-toned water crystals that will brighten up any shelf or workspace.

Dive right in and play with contrasting color palettes, craft dreamy swirling gradients, and cap off your finished jar with a personal wish or favorite event memory. Whether you are hunting for a fun family activity or looking to walk away with a charming personalized memento, this project is designed for pure, easygoing fun.

Every supply is provided for you on-site—from transparent display jars to an entire rainbow of vibrant water beads—and entry is completely free with your convention ticket. Grab a seat, test out your favorite color combinations, and make a custom keepsake during your show floor journey. Table spots and jar materials are open all weekend long while stocks last.

DIY Letter Keychain

Turn your favorite anime characters, ultimate biases, or personal gamertags into a wearable statement with our hands-on DIY Letter Keychain workshop! For just $8 each, string together vibrant letter blocks, playful pastel accents, stars, and colorful beads to build a one-of-a-kind accessory.

Clip it to your ita-bag, phone strap, keys, or convention lanyard to showcase your fandom everywhere you go. With tons of charms, colors, and cord styles ready at the tables, jump into the fun and craft a personalized piece of Animaga Melbourne 2026 to take home. Materials are available on a drop-in basis all weekend while stocks last!