Guided by the theme of “Finding Connections to Society Through Wacom’s Instruments and Technology,” we are exploring new ways to engage meaningfully with society through experiences that use our instruments and technology as creative mediums. In November 2024, students from Seigakuin High School in Tokyo, Japan participated in a digital painting workshop at Connected Ink 2024 Tokyo, an event hosted by Wacom.
Finding connections between students and society
Seigakuin High School prioritizes STEAM education*. As part of its program, the school incorporates Wacom pen tablets and displays into a unique class called "Box Art," where students design semi-3D spaces. During our visit, we discovered the teacher's aspiration to provide students with opportunities to connect meaningfully with society. Inspired by Connected Ink 2024, we are excited to collaborate with Seigakuin High students to organize a workshop featuring Wacom technology.
*STEAM education is an educational concept that combines five acronyms: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
Opportunity to deepen their classroom learning
Seven high school students, most of whom have a passion for drawing, embraced the challenge of the workshop. NewtMini and D, both highly skilled in digital drawing, took the lead in creating line drawings for the coloring activity. They created original pieces inspired by the theme of Connected Ink 2024, "Ordinary Days." Their classmates pitched in to help run the workshop, and once it began, the seats quickly filled with eager participants.
Photo left: NewtMini "Variable 2229Solid layer group"
On the day of the workshop, 17 participants, mainly business professionals, attended the event. The group included both newcomers to digital creation as well as international guests. The students thoughtfully guided each participant, offering personalized support based on individual needs. Some attendees showcased impressive creative techniques, prompting students who were observing nearby to comment, "This is an incredible learning experience for me." Participants were equally impressed by the quality of illustrations created by the high school students, while others praised the students for their clear and effective explanations. The event proved to be an inspiring experience for everyone involved.
In their classes, students primarily work with pen tablets and pen displays to learn about layer structures in digital creation. For this workshop, they built on that foundation by inviting participants to contribute their creative input to student-created illustrations, adding colors through new layers, and resulting in collaborative artwork. This interactive experience provided a fresh, hands-on approach, helping students to deepen their understanding of layer structures in a creative and collaborative setting.
Moreover, entrusting participants with the coloring process sparked new forms of creativity and provided opportunities for students to learn from one another’s unique approaches to how others use Wacom’s instruments. This experience highlighted the diverse possibilities of creation. With Wacom's cutting-edge tools and technology, we hope to continue inspiring high school students through innovative learning experiences and creative exploration.