Let's draw! Summary of ideas for the sports festival panel

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

That sense of unity at sports days and athletics festivals is wonderful, isn’t it? Aiming for victory together, cheering as one… just imagining it fires me up.

Now, when it comes to items that really elevate that feeling, nothing beats the team’s signature panels! With a cool illustration or powerful words at your back, your energy for the events goes way up! In this article, we’ve compiled design ideas for athletics festival panels that we hope will help anyone in charge of creating them.

Be sure to use it as a reference!

Let's draw! Summary of ideas for sports festival panels (1–10)

Shakyamuni Buddha

It’s an original idea to paint the Buddha, with his noble image, on a panel.

The Buddha’s bearing, distinctive head, and posing are sure to be visually striking on their own! It could also be nice to lay out the Buddha and his disciples with a halo in the background.

As a sports festival–style twist, it might be fun to give them headbands or sporty outfits.

In keeping with the Buddha theme, using a Siddham-style (bonji) design for the slogan could also enhance the overall look.

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miyabi

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Dragon

Despite being a legendary creature, dragons are something everyone has seen in some form.

Familiar from games, anime, and manga, dragons combine impact, power, and coolness—making them a sure way to energize a sports festival if used as a panel motif.

The key is deciding the angle from which to depict the dragon.

Rather than fitting the entire body into the frame, the trick is to center the layout on the part you most want to emphasize.

If you do want to include the whole body, using a silhouette can really bring out its cool appeal.

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miyabi

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Bee

How about a large, realistic panel depicting a wasp, one of the more dangerous creatures? The use of so-called warning colors—primarily yellow and black—and the impression of a venomous animal convey an intimidating presence.

Its wings and quick, darting movements are also key points, highlighting the speed and dynamism that are essential for a sports festival.

As a creature that can attack in swarms, it also evokes an image of solidarity.

Altogether, it embodies many elements important to a sports festival.

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kappamaki

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Let's draw! Ideas for sports festival panels (11–20)

fox

How about using a fox as the motif? Foxes aren’t just cute—they also evoke the image of a “strategist” and being “clever.” They’ve long been cherished as deities or sacred beings, too.

Because of that, they give off an auspicious vibe and a sense of strength.

Up to this point I’ve described a realistic fox, but it’s also great to make it adorably stylized or use a fox mask as the motif.

Try designing a fox that matches your class’s atmosphere!

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yamamoto

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orca

With their high intelligence and communication skills, orcas are often called the kings of the sea, making them a perfect subject for a sports festival panel.

Because orcas hunt by cooperating in pods, an illustration of them will boost the spirit of unity and teamwork that the festival celebrates.

Depicting the so-called kings of the sea can also convey a strong desire for victory.

By adding dynamic splashes and movement, you can portray the orcas more vividly and beautifully.

Aim for victory and create a wonderful panel!

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mayumi

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Elephant

This panel captivates with visuals full of overwhelming impact and energy.

Elephants have long symbolized strength, wisdom, and endurance, and the image of an elephant wreathed in flames powerfully expresses a quiet fighting spirit flaring up and the resolve to push beyond one’s limits.

This panel conveys not only raw power, but also an inner determination and focus, giving it a presence unlike any other.

It’s a soul-stirring panel that reminds us of the strength to never give up—perfect for a sports festival!

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courtesan (oiran)

This design is striking, featuring a powerful woman with a sharp gaze poised with a sword—an embodiment of sheer fighting spirit.

The red-and-black background contrast further elevates the piece, amplifying its impact and conveying resolve and intensity for battle.

We also recommend adding a word or phrase that stylishly expresses the spirit of unity—growing together with your teammates and becoming stronger.

Combining flair with strength, this panel is sure to give a powerful push to any team striving for victory.

Be sure to use it as a reference!

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