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

starting dash

A start-dash design that captures the tension and passion of a sports day.

By boldly depicting the energy at the instant the runner pushes off the ground and the forward momentum, it delivers a strong impact.

A realistic composition works well, but an abstract touch or artistic use of color is also recommended.

Incorporating motifs like a clock to symbolize time, as well as wind or light in the background, further conveys themes such as the courage to set off and the challenge of the future.

The momentum that spreads across the entire poster will elevate the overall morale of the sports festival and create a compelling visual that stimulates enthusiasm for the events.

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mutō

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Baton Pass

A design that depicts the moment of a baton pass against a backdrop of blue sky and an athletic field is a compelling way to convey an iconic scene from a sports day.

The expansive sky evokes hope and a sense of an open future, while the act of handing off the baton illustrates teamwork and deep bonds.

Adding a catchy phrase to this composition communicates the message both visually and verbally, capturing viewers’ attention.

If you emphasize dynamism in the layout and pay close attention to the athletes’ taut muscles and expressions, the result will be powerful.

It will create a sense of immediacy, as if the supporters are participating together in the event, boosting the atmosphere of the venue.

It’s a classic yet profound art poster that visually expresses the importance of effort and cooperation.

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Rainbow-colored art

A poster design themed around rainbow colors will brighten the sports day as a symbol of hope, diversity, and an open future.

By vividly depicting students running at full speed, the moment they break through the finish tape, and even the baton in their hands in rainbow hues, you create a visual brimming with energy and dreams.

Adding a large rainbow in the background and composing it so they appear to run along it will introduce a narrative of challenge and growth.

Applying gradients and light effects to the text and catchphrases will enhance the visual impact.

It’s a design that artistically expresses the essence of a sports day—individual personalities shining as one team.

The result is a memorable piece that brightens the heart.

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Jurassic Park style

For children, a sports day is, above all, an exciting event.

If you want to create that sense of excitement, this Jurassic Park-style poster is highly recommended.

The great thing about this poster is how easily its design can be adapted.

As shown in the link, you can use the Jurassic Park design just for the background, but boldly imitating the font is also a good idea.

You might also trace only the silhouette and fill the inside with a pattern.

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A student holding a championship flag

Class posters can boost each class’s competitive spirit and sense of unity.

Many of us probably remember, as kids, looking at posters and talking with friends, saying things like, “That class looks strong.” This “Student Holding a Championship Flag” is a powerful poster that symbolizes a class’s strength.

You can depict it simply, like in the linked example, or go for a scene where the student raises the championship flag and lets out a triumphant roar.

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Ryo

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Flavors of autumn

This “taste of autumn” motif also seems to be used frequently on sports day posters.

To be honest, not many people may associate sports day with the season of hearty appetites.

So while it might not be ideal for class posters, if you plan to put up posters in an area where children and parents will eat together, a poster featuring autumn flavors would be more suitable than any other.

Whether ingredients or dishes look delicious depends on how well you render their textures.

Be sure to closely observe real objects or photos and try drawing from them.

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Ryo

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[Sports Day] Collection of Poster Design and Motif Ideas (21–30)

Crepe-style

Speaking of crepes, one of their charms is the variety of flavors, and the choice you make can really reflect your personality.

Let’s capture the fun of everyone coming together to create something, using a design themed around crepes.

Choosing the color of the batter and deciding what to put inside may be key to bringing out the spirit of a sports day.

If we include elements like the equipment used in the events and everyone giving it their all, we can nicely layer the fun of crepes with the excitement of a sports festival.

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kappamaki

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