The Anatomy of Kawaii Character Design
Turn your passion for anime, manga, and video games into original characters inspired by the irresistible world of kawaii!
Led by Cinzia Bruschi, teacher and expert in Japanese culture, this workshop will introduce you to the fundamentals of this fascinating visual language. You'll learn the techniques that make a character truly irresistible, from proportions and shape language to facial expressions, personality, and visual storytelling.
Through practical exercises, you'll create your own illustrations while developing a structured and effective approach to designing kawaii characters with creativity and confidence. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will help you draw with greater confidence, avoid common mistakes and frustrations, and take your artwork to the next level.
What we’ll do:
- Discover the fascinating origins of kawaii culture and what makes "cute" such a unique visual language.
- Learn practical techniques and professional tips for creating charming and irresistible kawaii characters.
- Understand every stage of the creative process, from the first sketch to a finished illustration.
- Bring your own idea to life by drawing and colouring your character using Copic markers, acrylic paint pens, or the latest multi-colour pens that are currently hugely popular in Japan. The choice is yours!
Cinzia Bruschi
Certified teacher in visual education and plastic arts (SUPSI DFA). She also trained at the European Academy of Manga, where she first studied and later taught.
Specialized in Japanese pop culture, she dedicated both her dissertations to Japan, further deepening her studies at Ca’ Foscari University.
For more than fifteen years, she has travelled regularly to Japan for study, work, and inspiration. One of her greatest passions is attending Japan's major self-publishing events, such as Comiket and COMITIA, where she meets artists, discovers emerging artistic trends, and explores the latest developments in illustration and printing techniques.
To access the workshop area, you will need to wear the wristband provided at the festival entrance. To make entry easier, we recommend purchasing your festival ticket online. For people with disabilities or reduced mobility, please contact us in advance via email at info@japanmatsuri.org so we can arrange stress-free access.