Innovative design combining ecological aesthetics and cutting-edge functionality

The design and realisation of the cardboard stand for the company Lucca Manga School at Lucca Comics 2022 was an exciting and meaningful experience. This stand represents not only an exhibition space, but also a symbol of the extraordinary journey that led to the birth of Manga School and the spread of manga culture in Italy.

The story of Manga School is first and foremost the story of a passion. Like many others, Catherine has always nurtured a deep passion for drawing ever since she was a child. The discovery of manga, many years ago, was a decisive moment in his life. Looking at those pages full of fascinating characters and compelling stories, he thought: “When I grow up, I want to draw manga!”

The quest for excellence thus drove Caterina to embark on an extraordinary course of study. From a prestigious manga school in Japan, to several other schools, until the decisive turning point of meeting Matsuda Sensei, the director of Yokohama Manga Kyoshitsu.

And finally the idea of creating the first Lucca Manga School course. That course was the starting point of an extraordinary journey, characterised by constant growth and ever-increasing affirmation. Today Lucca Manga School offers more than 100 Manga courses each year covering all levels, from basic to advanced, offering courses both on-site and online.

Participating in Lucca Comics 2022 was an extraordinary opportunity to share our passion and experience with an even wider audience. Lucca Comics & Gamesis one of the most important international fairs dedicated to comics, animation, games, video games and fantasy and science fiction imagery. It takes place in Lucca, Tuscany, and attracts enthusiasts from all over the world.

The design of the natural cardboard stand was a fascinating creative process. The Natur Design design team wanted the stand to represent not only Manga School but also our passion for drawing and manga culture. The use of natural cardboard made it possible to create an ecological and sustainable stand, in line with the values we hold dear.

The stand included a cosy reception area of the Erpice series with a regular, solid line, where visitors could be welcomed and course information provided. The custom-made drawing table was the centrepiece of the stand, a place where visitors could experience the pleasure of manga drawing under the guidance of Caterina’s expert hand and her teachers. Customised exhibition walls displayed some of the most iconic works and offered a glimpse into the world of manga created by the students. In them we have embedded triangular columns with display niches. Finally, to give movement to the space, we created custom-made totems made of overlapping cubes mounted on a staggered plane. These were also customised with graphics depicting the extraordinary comic book drawings.

Preparing the stand was a team effort. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the arrangement of materials to the graphic design of the display walls. The end result was a satisfying work, a reflection of the dedication to manga culture and its dissemination in Italy.

During the days of Lucca Comics 2022, the stand became a meeting place for manga fans of all ages. The school shared their stories, taught drawing techniques, and inspired the next generation of manga artists.