Animaga Drawing Area
Step away from the buzz of the main floor and into a world of colour, creativity, and hands-on fun. The Drawing & Craft Area at Animaga Sydney 2026 is designed for everyone — from curious beginners to seasoned artists — offering a relaxing yet exciting space where you can create, experiment, and bring your ideas to life.
This year, the Drawing & Craft Area will feature an even wider range of interactive activities to spark inspiration and creativity. Whether you’re sketching your favourite character, folding intricate origami animals, designing a one-of-a-kind badge, or layering coloured sands into a tiny glass bottle masterpiece, you’ll find something to capture your imagination. Fans of traditional Japanese crafts can also enjoy making hand fans and exploring cultural-inspired projects that blend artistry with storytelling.
Our friendly team will be on hand throughout the weekend to guide you, share easy-to-follow templates, and encourage you to try something new. Everything is free to join, making it the perfect stop for families, groups of friends, or solo visitors looking to slow down, recharge, and make something memorable.
More activities and surprises will be revealed as we get closer to the event, so keep an eye on our updates. Whether you want to try origami for the first time, craft a keepsake to take home, or just let your creativity flow, the Drawing & Craft Area at Animaga Sydney 2026 is a must-visit experience that blends fun, relaxation, and artistic expression in the heart of the convention.
- Where: Animaga Drawing Area
- All-Day Event
The Animaga Drawing Competition returns in 2025, and this year’s theme is bound to spark your creativity: Time and Witch.
From witches wandering through forgotten ages to spellcasters who can bend time itself, this theme invites you to dive deep into the mysterious and the magical. Will you illustrate ancient sorcery, steampunk sorcerers, or whimsical enchantresses from timelines unknown? The stage is yours.
We welcome submissions in two categories: Fine Art and Digital Art, open to artists of all styles and skill levels. And don’t forget adding Animaga’s official mascot Annya & Maka to your piece could earn you the coveted Special Theme Award!
How to Enter
All entries must be submitted in person at Animaga 2025 during the event weekend. We are not accepting digital or mailed-in submissions. So pack your art and bring it along!
Follow our socials and keep checking the website for full prize details, judging criteria, and gallery display information.
We can’t wait to see the imagination you bring to life.
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.
Competition Rules
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.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
There is no set theme for this category. Artists are encouraged to express their creativity in any style or subject that inspires them.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 XPPen and MangaArts. Here’s what you could win:
Digital Fine Art Drawing Competition
• 1st Place – XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2)
• 2nd Place – XP-Pen Artist 13 (2nd Gen)
Traditional Fine Art Drawing Competition
• 1st Place – $100 worth of drawing materials from MangaArts
• 2nd Place – $50 worth of drawing materials from MangaArts
Onsite Drawing Competition
• 1st Place – XP-Pen Deco 01 V3
• 2nd Place – Drawing material pack from MangaArts
Special Mascot Prize
• XP-Pen Deco 640 for the most creative mascot-themed submission
Best Children’s Prize
• A drawing material bag valued at $50 from MangaArts
Sponsor by
Ready to let your imagination run wild with sweetness and style? The 2025 Clip Studio Paint x Animaga Global Online Drawing Contest is here, and this year’s theme is Cake and Sweets, featuring our beloved mascots, Annya and Maka!
Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator or a passionate hobbyist, this is your chance to bring deliciously dreamy artwork to life and share your creativity with fans around the world. Best of all, you don’t need to attend Animaga to take part. Submissions are open globally.
Create. Share. Compete for amazing prizes.
Let your art be the icing on the cake.
Click the button below to learn how to enter!
- All-day event
- online
Sponsor by
Freebie Swap Station – Animaga Sydney 2026
Sydney, it’s your turn to join in the fun! At Animaga Sydney 2026, the Artist Alley will host a special community corner — the Freebie Swap Station. This is your chance to share your creativity, discover unique treasures, and connect with fellow fans in a simple but meaningful way.
Bring along your own creations — from handmade stickers and postcards to prints, buttons, or zines — and leave them for others to enjoy. In return, you can pick up something fresh and inspiring from another attendee. It’s a space built on generosity, creativity, and the joy of exchanging fan-made goods that reflect the heart of the community.
Whether you’re a long-time artist, a casual doodler, or just someone who loves collecting, the Freebie Swap Station is open to all. Every visit is a new surprise, with the table constantly changing as fans add their own touches throughout the weekend.
✨ More details on how it works and what you can bring will be shared closer to the event — so start thinking about what you might contribute!
- All-day event
- online
Express Yourself at the Free Drawing Wall – Animaga Sydney 2026
At Animaga Sydney 2026, creativity doesn’t just stay on the stage or in the Artist Alley — it’s everywhere. One of the most colourful and community-driven spaces at the convention will be the Free Drawing Wall, where fans of all ages and skill levels are invited to make their mark.
Pick up a marker, find your spot, and add your touch to a constantly evolving mural that celebrates the spirit of our community. From quick doodles of your favourite characters to heartfelt notes, elaborate sketches, or silly scribbles with friends, every contribution becomes part of a larger tapestry created by the fans themselves. By the end of the weekend, the wall will stand as a living gallery of memories, energy, and imagination shared by everyone who passed through.
But that’s just the beginning. Alongside the Free Drawing Wall, Animaga Sydney 2026 will feature expanded art activities and creative workshops throughout the weekend. Expect live sketch sessions, beginner-friendly drawing tips, and maybe even some surprise appearances from guest artists. Whether you’re a casual doodler, an aspiring creator, or an experienced illustrator, you’ll find opportunities to learn, create, and connect.
- All-day event
Experience the Charm of Japanese Traditions at Animaga Sydney 2026
Take a moment away from the hustle and excitement of the convention floor to discover two beloved traditions from Japan — experiences that bring reflection, connection, and a touch of serenity to your Animaga journey. At Animaga Sydney 2026, you’ll have the chance to try both Omikuji fortune slips and the Ema wishing board, two practices that have been part of Japanese culture for centuries.
Discover Your Fortune with Omikuji
Step forward and draw a paper slip that holds a glimpse of what’s to come. Each Omikuji carries words of guidance — sometimes a blessing, sometimes a gentle caution, but always a moment of curiosity and reflection. Will your fortune promise happiness, hint at new opportunities, or offer advice to steady your path? Whatever it reveals, Omikuji is more than a prediction; it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and connect with tradition in a way that feels both personal and universal.
Share Your Hopes on the Ema Board
The Ema board is where wishes and dreams take form. Write your hopes — for success, happiness, health, or even a small personal goal — on a wooden plaque and hang it alongside the wishes of others. As the board fills, it becomes a tapestry of shared human spirit: hundreds of unique voices joining together in a chorus of hope. It’s a quiet yet powerful reminder that, while our dreams may be different, we’re all connected by the act of wishing.
Whether you’re seeking good fortune, setting an intention, or simply embracing the beauty of tradition, the Omikuji and Ema activities at Animaga Sydney 2026 are experiences not to be missed. They offer a gentle balance to the high energy of the weekend — moments of stillness, meaning, and connection that you can carry with you long after the event ends.
- All-day event
Discover the Art of Paper Craft at Animaga Sydney 2026
In the midst of all the excitement and energy of the convention, the Paper Crafting Corner at Animaga Sydney 2026 offers a moment of calm, creativity, and hands-on fun. This inviting space is perfect for anyone who wants to slow down, try something new, and experience the joy of making something with their own two hands.
Paper Crafting Corner
Think of it as your creative playground. With a wide selection of beautifully designed templates, you don’t need any prior experience to jump in. Whether you’re folding a cute character, piecing together a decorative box, or building a miniature paper scene, everything you need is right there waiting. Just pick a design, follow the simple illustrated steps, and watch your flat sheet of paper transform into something truly special. From beginner-friendly projects to more intricate models for those seeking a challenge, there’s something for every age and skill level. And best of all, you’ll get to take home your creation — a handmade souvenir that captures a piece of your Animaga weekend.
Origami Workshop
For those who want to dive deeper, our Origami Workshop celebrates the timeless Japanese art of paper folding. Guided by our friendly instructors, you’ll learn how to fold delicate cranes, blossoming flowers, playful animals, and more. Whether you’re trying origami for the very first time or honing your skills as a seasoned folder, you’ll leave with not only a finished piece but also a greater appreciation for the elegance and simplicity of this centuries-old tradition. It’s a calming, hands-on activity that perfectly balances focus with creativity — and yes, every piece you fold is yours to keep.
With both the Paper Crafting Corner and Origami Workshop, the Drawing & Craft Area at Animaga Sydney 2026 promises to be a highlight of the event. A space to create, relax, and discover the magic of paper art — one fold, one cut, and one design at a time.
- All-day event
Design, Craft, Create: Animaga Sydney 2026 Art & Craft Highlights
At Animaga Sydney 2026, creativity isn’t something you just watch — it’s something you experience. Across our Drawing & Craft Areas, we’ve prepared a vibrant selection of hands-on activities designed to spark imagination, encourage play, and give every attendee the chance to take part in the joy of making.
From sketching your favourite characters to layering colourful sands into miniature bottles, every corner of the Art & Craft spaces invites you to relax, explore, and express yourself. Families, friends, and solo visitors alike will find projects suited to every age and skill level, with easy-to-join stations and friendly helpers always nearby.
What makes these spaces truly special is the personal touch you bring. Every badge you design, every origami crane you fold, and every paper creation you build is uniquely yours — a keepsake of your Animaga weekend. These aren’t just crafts; they’re mementos infused with your own creativity and memories.
Create Your Own Keepsake at the DIY Badge Design Station
Unleash your inner artist at one of our most beloved activities — the DIY Badge Design Station, returning for Animaga Sydney 2026! This is your chance to design a one-of-a-kind badge that’s as unique as you are.
Take a seat, grab some markers, pencils, or coloured pens, and let your creativity flow. You can sketch your favourite anime character, doodle something fun and whimsical, or simply style your name in bold letters. However you choose to design it, the badge becomes a little piece of your imagination you can proudly wear throughout the weekend.
We’ll provide all the essentials — from paper inserts to art supplies, and of course the badge-making machine that transforms your drawing into a polished, wearable keepsake. Our friendly volunteers will be on hand to help guide you, cheer you on, or offer inspiration if you need it.
Do keep in mind that supplies are limited each day, so it’s best to visit early to secure your spot. The DIY Badge Design Station is completely free to join, and you’ll walk away with a personalised badge that you created yourself — a memento no merch booth could ever replicate.
Don’t miss the chance to design it, make it, and wear it — only at Animaga Sydney 2026.
- All-day event
Looking for a creative keepsake that’s both stylish and practical? Step into the Hand Fan DIY Station at Animaga Sydney 2026 and design your very own uchiwa-style fan. These traditional Japanese fans are a blank canvas just waiting for your imagination — and the best part is, you’ll walk away with something uniquely yours.
Whether you want to illustrate your favourite anime character, paint a bold design, add a funny inside joke, or simply play with colours and patterns, the choice is entirely up to you. Every fan becomes a reflection of your personal style, a one-of-a-kind accessory that’s as fun to make as it is to show off.
Our crafting tables will be fully stocked with blank fans, colourful markers, stencils, and inspiration boards, so even if you’re not sure where to start, you’ll have plenty of ideas at your fingertips. Take your time, enjoy the process, and bring your vision to life one brushstroke or doodle at a time.
And yes, it’s all completely free with your Animaga entry. Not only will your finished fan help you stay cool during a busy convention weekend, but it’ll also be a handmade keepsake you can treasure long after the event ends.
Create it, customise it, and carry it proudly — only at Animaga Sydney 2026.
- All-day event
Create a Magical Sand Bottle at Animaga Sydney 2026
Looking for something calming, colourful, and completely unique? The Sand Bottle Art Station at Animaga Sydney 2026 is back to let your imagination flow, one grain at a time. This fan-favourite activity transforms simple dyed sands into miniature works of art you can take home as a personal keepsake.
Choose from a variety of clear bottles in different shapes and sizes, then start layering vibrant sands in endless combinations. Tilt, pour, and stack the colours to design dreamy gradients, swirling landscapes, or bold abstract patterns. As the bottle fills, your creation comes to life — a dazzling piece of art that sparkles in the light and captures a little piece of your Animaga weekend.
The beauty of sand art is in its simplicity: no experience needed, just patience, creativity, and a love for colour play. It’s a soothing activity that’s just as fun for children as it is for adults, making it a perfect stop for families, friends, or solo visitors looking for a quiet moment of expression between panels and shopping.
Please note, Sand Bottle Art is extremely popular and materials are limited each day. To make sure you don’t miss out, plan to visit early and secure your spot at the crafting table. By the time you leave, you’ll have not just a souvenir, but a handmade treasure infused with your own creativity.
Relax, create, and take home a piece of the magic — only at Animaga Sydney 2026.
- All-day event
