Illustration ideas to brighten the graduation yearbook: a collection of memorable designs
Have you ever found yourself unsure about what kind of illustration to draw on the cover when making a graduation anthology? Not only the writing inside, but the cover illustration is also an important element of a graduation book.
There are plenty of motifs you might want to draw—classroom scenes, memories with friends, and more—but when it’s time to actually draw, many people end up wondering how to go about it.
In this article, we’ll introduce illustration ideas that are perfect for graduation anthologies.
We’ve gathered ideas that work well not only for the cover but also for interior spot illustrations.
Whether you’re confident in your drawing skills or not, you’re sure to find helpful tips.
Let’s decorate your graduation anthology—something you’ll treasure for a lifetime—with wonderful illustrations!
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Illustration ideas to brighten up the graduation anthology: A collection of memorable designs (61–70)
Comic-style panel layout
These days, people often draw illustrations and manga using drawing apps and illustration software.
And just like how some schools offer classes in manga creation, manga has become a familiar part of life for people of all ages.
One of manga’s charms is the unique touch you can’t get with digital illustration.
The process itself—carefully sketching, inking with a G-pen, and applying screentones—can become a cherished memory.
As graduation approaches, you can almost feel the creators’ passion coming through their work.
It would be perfect for a graduation yearbook cover.
papercut style
If you want to finish an illustration with a unique vibe that stands out from others, I recommend giving it a paper-cutout style.
Unlike actual paper cutouts, it’s still a flat illustration, but by drawing a double outline around characters and objects, you can create a sense of depth.
Before you start drawing, it helps to look at various paper cutout works and absorb their textures—that will make things go more smoothly.
Also, a key tip for achieving a paper-cutout look is to avoid making the design too intricate.
uniform
Finishing student life brings a mix of emotions—sadness, relief, and everything in between.
Your school days may not have been all fun, but with time, they’ll likely turn into good memories.
And one thing you can’t forget from that time is your uniform! Why not draw the uniform you wore through it all in your graduation yearbook? Adding a heartfelt message is also a great idea.
It’s cute, of course, and the best part is you can easily draw it with just a pen.
star
Star-themed designs are a great motif when you want a pop, playful feel.
From classic five-pointed stars to distinctive shapes like crescents and Saturn, combining various types within a single design instantly gives it a polished look.
Also, matching the font of any accompanying text to the star motif—choosing a rounded typeface—creates a stronger sense of cohesion.
Just that simple change can quickly elevate the design, so give it a try!
castle
Ideas that use castles to create stylish and cool designs are a perfect motif for busy students.
One great thing about this motif is how easy it is to arrange into your favorite style—from simple versions that use only triangular and rectangular outlines to more elaborate ones that pay close attention to details like windows and walls.
It’s also recommended to base your design on castles that appeared in your history classes; when you look back later, it’s more likely to feel nostalgic.
in the style of René Magritte
René Magritte, the great Belgian painter known for works such as The Son of Man and The Lovers.
His pieces are characterized by a surrealism with imaginative, otherworldly designs.
So, if you want to give your graduation yearbook a distinctive vibe, trying a René Magritte–style design could be a fun idea.
By the way, if you’re not good at drawing, it might actually work to use a little trick: claim that your finished design is “in the style of René Magritte” and pass it off that way! (Haha)
Geometric design
Hand-drawn geometric patterns have a unique charm.
What you learned in math class—and those well-worn compasses and set squares—really come into their own here.
Sharpen your sense for which shapes to use and how to arrange them.
It can also be fun to subtly incorporate the school emblem into the design as a “hidden logo” that only people who look closely at the cover will notice.
You can add depth to the pattern by adopting a typographic approach as well—arranging triangles and circles so they resemble letters of the alphabet.
