Sports Day: A Collection of Poster Design and Motif Ideas

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.

Once the practice for the sports day starts, you can’t help wondering, “How many people will come to watch on the actual day?” For some, the more spectators and the more attention they get, the more motivated they become.

In this article, we’re introducing ideas for poster motifs—an essential item to promote your sports day to different audiences! We’ve gathered ideas that will help when you’re asked by your school to design a poster or when you want to submit a design for a contest.

Be sure to read to the end!

[Sports Day] Collection of Poster Design and Motif Ideas (1–10)

Raised fist

When you think of a sports day, the most striking image is probably one of energy.

This “Raised Fist” makes for a perfect poster for such an event.

A poster that depicts a fist head-on, like in the linked example, is powerful enough, but if you want even more impact, try drawing the character’s whole body to create a sense of perspective.

It might seem difficult, but if you draw the hand, head, torso, and legs, then connect the other parts loosely, you can achieve a convincing look without using formal perspective techniques—so give it a try.

Raise the rankinglower

Ryo

Report a problem

Runner Reflected in the Eyes

Depictions reflected in the eye are frequently used in films and commercials, so I think they feel familiar to everyone.

In that sense, this “runner reflected in the eye” is a poster that particularly grabs attention.

However, while such an image may seem simple, in reality you have to draw the subject reflected in the pupil with a fisheye perspective.

This is a very difficult technique, so using an image editing program like Photoshop to combine existing assets is one viable approach.

Raise the rankinglower

Ryo

Report a problem

paper airplane

If you want to create a simple poster, this paper airplane is recommended.

You can certainly use it as an eye-catching element like in the linked example, but you can also feature a bold tagline across the poster and add a paper airplane to complement it.

The great thing about this paper airplane is that you can make it without drawing anything.

You can create it not only with image editing software like Photoshop or Illustrator, but even with tools like Word.

On the other hand, since this type of poster requires strong design skills in other elements, those confident in their design abilities should definitely give it a try.

Raise the rankinglower

Ryo

Report a problem

[Sports Day] A collection of poster design and motif ideas (11–20)

Fast-footed animal motif

When it comes to sports day posters, many people tend to depict the events themselves.

Of course, that’s catchy and perfectly fine, but some may feel it looks a bit conventional.

For those people, posters featuring fast animals as a motif are recommended.

I think it would be interesting to show feline and canine animals vying fiercely and competing in speed.

Drawing animals is more challenging than drawing the human body, so it takes practice, but please give it a try.

Raise the rankinglower

Ryo

Report a problem

Godzilla vs. [Something] style

Enjoy the worldbuilding! Here are some ideas in the style of “Godzilla vs.

[Something].” Some of you may be thinking about creating a retro-style poster.

For those people, we recommend posters in the “Godzilla vs.

[Something]” vein.

Of course, the illustration design matters, but try crafting a poster that expresses the world by paying careful attention to details like typography and color palette as well.

Such posters are likely to catch many eyes and lead to increased attendance.

Give unique poster designs a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

tiger

A design with atmosphere! Here are some tiger ideas.

Many of you may want to create a powerful design for a poster, right? This time, let’s make a poster featuring an impactful tiger design.

Since various colors are used for the text and background, deliberately illustrating the tiger in black and white is a lovely touch.

The text is colorful, but by matching the tone, the design feels cohesive overall.

The three-dimensional lettering also catches the eye.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Shin Godzilla-style

A design finished in the style of the poster for the film “Shin Godzilla,” which radiates an overwhelming presence, is a great idea for adding dramatic intensity to a school sports day.

Use red and black as the main colors and infuse the background with stillness and tension to give it a distinct impression that sets it apart from an ordinary event.

Layer silhouettes of students and dynamic moments from the competitions to create a mood as if they’re facing a colossal challenge.

Place a short message in the center for a powerful impact.

Brief, sharp phrases like “Are you ready?” or “Run with everything you’ve got” work well.

This bold design will stand out as a memorable poster, stirring anticipation and enthusiasm and elevating the atmosphere of the entire event.

Raise the rankinglower

mutō