Cool illustrations perfect for graduation. A collection of ideas you'll want to copy.
As graduation season approaches, many of us find ourselves wondering what illustrations to draw for graduation albums, message boards, or chalkboards.
If you’re going to do it, you probably want something more special than a typical design—something cool that really stands out.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of cool illustrations perfect for graduation.
From stylish designs to dynamic, eye-catching pieces, we’ve gathered illustrations in a variety of styles.
You’re sure to find a favorite idea that will brighten your important new beginning!
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Cool illustrations perfect for graduation. A collection of inspiring ideas you’ll want to copy (11–20)
hawk
With its sharp gaze and large wings, the hawk is a great motif when you want to give a cool finish to a graduation anthology or a message board.
It may be a bit harder to draw a hawk neatly compared to illustrations of the school building or classroom scenes, but if you take your time and use videos on YouTube and the like for reference, you’re sure to be satisfied with the result! If you have the bandwidth, try adding motion—like depicting a hawk spreading its wings to take flight—for an even cooler design.
Earth
How about drawing the Earth for a grand impression? It’s not just large in scale—the beautiful appearance is a highlight, too.
By the way, if you don’t have a compass, you can easily draw a neat circle using a rice bowl or similar object.
Layer blues, whites, and greens to create a smooth gradient.
You could also treat the blackboard itself as outer space and draw stars, planets, and the sun around it—that would be lovely as well.
When drawing space, the key is how you depict light, so keep that in mind as you work.
geometric pattern(s)
It’s also a great idea to draw geometric patterns for a stylish finish.
To begin with, geometric patterns are designs drawn using shapes like triangles, squares, circles, and ovals.
They may look quite complex, but there’s actually an easy way to draw them.
The key is to connect shapes as you go.
For example, with hexagons, imagine drawing them so that the lower half of one overlaps with the upper part of the next.
As you repeat this, a surprisingly intricate geometric pattern will emerge.
water
When you want to add an extra touch to a character illustration, drawing water is a great option.
Try painting splashing droplets across the scene, or depict wet hair and clothing.
It won’t just serve as an accent—it will also bring a sense of dynamism to your artwork.
By the way, a key tip for drawing water droplets is to vary the line intensity for each one.
For example, use darker lines for larger droplets and lighter lines for smaller ones.
That alone helps keep the illustration from feeling monotonous.
It’s also important to be mindful of the direction the droplets are flowing.
tiger
A tiger embodies a powerful, courageous image—an emblem perfectly suited to the new step that graduation represents.
In China, it is revered as a symbol of ferocity and kingship.
For example, a tiger design with striking black and yellow has a mysterious, cool allure.
Tiger illustrations on a collection’s cover or in chalkboard art will make impressive pieces that convey strength.
By rendering the traditional tiger patterns with care, their beauty stands out even more.
And a layout that makes the tiger seem to leap off the page will leave a vivid impression on viewers.
wolf
Here’s a wolf idea that can be finished either wild or cute.
Imagine what style you want for your graduation yearbook or chalkboard art, and draw a wolf with a touch that matches it.
A realistic style will convey coolness and impact.
A more stylized or anthropomorphized touch will feel friendly and approachable.
By the way, the key to drawing a realistic wolf is to sketch a smooth line from the head through the body to the tail.
Observe photos and study them carefully.
Cool illustrations perfect for graduation. A collection of inspiring ideas you’ll want to copy (21–30)
butterflyNEW!
Butterflies are symbols of good luck and motifs that evoke change, freedom, and beauty—perfect for a new beginning like graduation.
A scene with many butterflies dancing, like in this illustration, feels both energetic and graceful, calling to mind students taking flight into the future.
How about depicting cherry blossoms, a spring motif, together with the school building you’ll be leaving behind to adorn the cover of the class anthology? If it’s just butterflies, we recommend drawing them as small accents on the page or as a decorative border.
