A lovely graduation song

Cool illustrations perfect for graduation. A collection of ideas you'll want to copy.

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.

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!

Cool illustrations perfect for graduation. A collection of inspiring ideas you’ll want to copy (21–30)

turtle

@nooralmahdiart
I drew a turtle 🐢 #drawing #art #artist #turtle #realism #realisticart #draw #realisticdrawing #fyp #colors #colorpencils #foryou #blur #ocean #prismacolor #etsy
♬ Ride It – Regard

A turtle illustration can serve as a motif that links the milestone of graduation with the strength to move forward at one’s own pace.

Even if the steps are slow, the steady progress conveys the very passage of time that has been built up.

Writing the year or memorable words on the shell will make it a lasting record of growth.

When drawing, a front-facing or slightly angled composition tends to convey stability and presence.

Giving the turtle a gentle expression will soften the viewer’s feelings.

Adding a gaze directed into the distance can create a graduation-appropriate piece that quietly looks ahead to the new path about to begin.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

wave

@fedoralifestyle
How to draw water (crashing wave). Please follow! #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #art #creative #viral #howtodraw #artlessons #arttutorial #drawing #shading #water #waves
♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

An illustration of powerful, rolling waves is a striking motif that perfectly suits the milestone of graduation.

By depicting dynamic waves rather than a calm surface, you can convey past effort, uncertainty, and the determination to move forward.

Accentuating bold, sweeping lines and emphasizing spray gives the whole piece momentum.

Color choices also change the impression: sharpening the contrast between deep blues and white creates a crisp, tightened look.

Used for a message board or an album cover, it avoids excessive sweetness and adds a mature feel.

It’s an easy-to-use idea for an illustration symbolizing the departure that graduation represents.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Cool illustrations perfect for graduation. A collection of ideas you'll want to copy (31–40)

train

@kurochan0308
When you ride the Odakyu Line, you can’t miss them—they’re the most numerous train type. Here are five variations from the third batch onward.Odakyu Odakyu Line Odakyu 3000 series #3000 series #DrawingRailways Railway illustration #Illustration Illustration video #I tried drawing Please like this Please follow me Aim for monetization
♬ Gachi Yabee Jan – Pmarusama

We use trains to get to school, and we ride them on field trips and excursions—trains actually have a surprisingly close connection to school life.

By transferring, trains can even take us to faraway places.

Carrying our memories and transporting us to new destinations… with that image in mind, trains make a perfect motif for new beginnings.

Try incorporating them into a graduation anthology or a congratulatory message card.

Drawing connected train cars can evoke the bonds with your friends, while drawing a train from the front can overlap with the image of graduates bravely moving toward the future.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

airplane

@love.drawing04
Draw a Boeing 747 ready to go #drawings #airoplane #artist #lovedrawing
♬ original sound – Love Drawing

An airplane illustration is a motif that strongly conveys “setting out” or “a fresh start,” both fitting for graduation.

The image of taking off from a runway embodies the resolve to head into a new world.

If you depict it climbing up through the clouds, it will better convey hope and anticipation.

A simple design that makes use of silhouettes is recommended.

Emphasizing straight lines helps express coolness and strength.

Writing classmates’ names in the windows or adding a message in the direction of travel will further highlight the graduation theme.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

owl

I drew a barn owl with a 100-yen store ballpoint pen 🦉✨ #analogillustration #making-of #illustration #art #animals #100yenstore #ballpointpen #summer #stationery #beautiful #recommended #shorts #blue #owl

owl

An owl illustration is a motif that can convey an intelligent, calm coolness when used for graduation.

Known as a symbol of wisdom and growth, it pairs well with the moment of finishing one’s studies and taking a new step forward.

Drawing sharp eyes from the front conveys strong will, while a profile view creates a more mature impression.

Keeping the lines minimal for a simple finish or emphasizing the eyes are easy design approaches to emulate.

Choosing monochrome or subdued color schemes makes it suitable for messages or covers.

With an owl quietly gazing ahead, it can become a piece that evokes the future after graduation.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Butterfly

How to draw a butterfly #watercolor #aquarelle #hand-drawn feel #analog style #watercolor painting #original illustration #painting

Butterfly

As spring approaches, butterflies show us their graceful flight.

Their flight is lovely, of course, but their wing patterns are so beautiful you can’t help but stare.

Butterflies, which convey elegance and freedom in the way they fly and are also said to be symbols of good luck, are a perfect motif for scenes looking toward the future, such as graduation.

Simply depicting a delicate, beautiful butterfly will catch the eye, and turning a butterfly into a character can create a pop and cute impression.

Find a butterfly that matches your image and give drawing it a try.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

thunder

A lightning-fast recipe you can copy right away ⚡️

thunder

If you want to give your graduation anthology or graduation illustration some impact, how about a lightning illustration? Lightning is a phenomenon where charge separation occurs in the atmosphere and discharges, but because of the zigzag shape of the bolt and its bright glow, it’s often used to represent powerful energy, striking inspiration, or awakening.

It’s handy when you want to add an accent to a main illustration, and you can also incorporate it as a frame.

Using it as a background for text could create a cool, striking impression too!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem