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, drop-in manga workshop sessions for fans and aspiring artists alike. This is an exciting opportunity to learn firsthand 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.
Learn More from Elena
Can’t wait for Go Japan? Elena also teaches:
- Online storytelling courses at CG Master Academy.
- Live museum demos at Japan House London, the V&A, and more.
- Original works like Miriam of the Skulls available on Shōnen Jump Plus.
Join Elena Vitagliano at Go Japan and take your first steps into the world of manga art—or deepen your skills under the guidance of one of Europe’s top mangaka. Whether you’re sketching your first character or building your next story arc, Elena’s sessions will offer inspiration, insight, and hands-on practice.
