Elena Vitagliano to Attend Go Japan with Free Manga Drawing Workshops
Renowned Italian mangaka Elena Vitagliano will be attending this year’s Go Japan event, where she will host a series of free, pre-booked manga workshop sessions for fans and aspiring artists alike. This is an exciting opportunity to learn first-hand from one of Europe’s most successful manga creators.
Who is Elena Vitagliano?
- Award-winning manga artist: Elena is the 2017 Grand Prix winner of the Silent Manga Audition with her story The Cruelest Rule, and the first European woman to be published in Shōnen Jump Plus with her gothic one-shot Miriam of the Skulls.
- Deep cultural roots: She studied Oriental culture and Japanese language, spent a year in Tokyo, and is now based in London where she continues her manga career.
- Popular instructor and speaker: Elena has delivered manga storytelling workshops at leading institutions like CG Master Academy, Japan House London, the V&A Museum, and the British Museum.
What to Expect at Go Japan
At Go Japan, Elena will lead free, workshops for all skill levels. Attendees can look forward to:
- Character Design Basics: Learn to build expressive manga characters through anatomy, facial features, and stylized design.
- Yonkoma & Kawaii Art: Dive into four-panel storytelling and learn to draw cute, charming characters with proper proportion and flow.
- Live Drawing & Demos: Watch Elena sketch live as she shares professional tips, layout techniques, and feedback on audience sketches.
Why You Should Attend
- Beginner-Friendly & Inclusive
Elena’s step-by-step teaching style ensures anyone—from total beginners to experienced illustrators—can participate and grow. - Authentic Manga Storytelling
With her expertise in visual narrative and experience publishing in Japan, Elena offers a rare insight into the essence of manga beyond just drawing. - Empowering & Inspirational
As a trailblazing European woman in the Japanese manga industry, Elena’s presence and workshops are especially meaningful for diverse and underrepresented creators.
Workshop Takeaways
- Start with the story in mind: Good character design is about emotion, not just technique.
- Panel pacing matters: Visual rhythm and layout are crucial in conveying mood and action.
- Expressive detail wins: From subtle facial expressions to dramatic poses, Elena’s approach focuses on visual storytelling.
Book Your Free Session In Advance
Two different workshop themes will each run twice throughout the day.
You can book your FREE place for the workshop below. Please note that an entry ticket to the event must be purchased separately.
Manga Workshop: Fun with Facial Expressions
Learn simple techniques to give your manga characters a range of emotions, from happiness and surprise to anger and sadness.
This fun and easy workshop is perfect for beginners.
Two slots
Session 1 – 11.00am BOOK HERE
Session 2 – 1.00pm BOOK HERE
Manga Workshop: Create Your Own Chibi Character
Come and create your own cute chibi character!
Follow a simple step-by-step demonstration and learn how to draw chibi faces, bodies and poses.
No experience is needed, making this a fun and accessible workshop for complete beginners.
Session 1 – 11.50am BOOK HERE
Session 2 – 1.50pm BOOK HERE
