Hand-drawn illustrations perfect for graduation albums and message boards. A collection of cute ideas.
As graduation season approaches, there are more chances to prepare things like graduation albums, message boards, and cards.
Why not add some cute hand-drawn illustrations to make them feel even more heartfelt? Motifs perfect for graduation—like cherry blossoms, ribbons, and party poppers—are surprisingly easy to draw, even if you’re not good at drawing.
In this article, we’ll share plenty of cute, hand-drawn illustration ideas that are easy for anyone to copy and perfect for graduation albums and message boards.
Add a warm, personal touch to your message for someone special with illustrations that reflect your style!
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Hand-drawn illustrations perfect for graduation yearbooks and message boards. A collection of cute ideas (1–10)
small bird
A design featuring a cute little bird that evokes the image of spreading one’s wings after graduation is easy for anyone to try and is highly recommended as a motif for a graduation yearbook.
Another great thing about the bird motif is how easy it is to adapt, from simple monochrome designs using pencil to colorful designs using colored pencils.
If you have the time, drawing other animals alongside the bird will give it a more polished finish.
It might also be nice to split up the work and have everyone draw different animals!
A graduate waving
When drawing a student, it can be hard to decide on a pose, right? If you’re drawing multiple people, you can imagine them laughing together, but when it’s just one person, it gets even trickier.
That’s why I recommend an illustration of a student waving.
Picture a smiling student raising their arm and giving a big wave.
With this idea, a single illustration can convey the story of saying goodbye to the school and moving on.
You can also have them holding a diploma if you like.
animal
How about a cute hand-drawn illustration to commemorate graduation? If you use animals as motifs, it will become a friendly piece that’s sure to make anyone smile.
For example, adorable animals like puppies and kittens have a way of warming people’s hearts.
Choosing chicks or small birds that evoke a sense of new beginnings is also recommended—perfect for marking the start of a new school or a new life.
Your work is sure to add a special touch to the big event of graduation! This is especially recommended when you want to create a gentle, relaxed cuteness with a soft touch.
Hand-drawn illustrations perfect for graduation albums and message boards. Cute idea collection (11–20)
classroom
As a recommended design for a graduation yearbook, how about drawing an illustration of a classroom filled with memories from your school days? Include desks, chairs, and the blackboard to capture the classroom where you spent so much time.
Then, add your classmates sitting in their usual seats to complete it! That one page full of memories will strengthen the bonds among your friends.
Using a soft illustration style or simplifying the characters will give it a cute, charming feel.
cherry blossom
A milestone graduation ceremony.
How about a hand-drawn illustration with a cherry blossom motif for such a special day? Cherry blossoms are a scene that symbolizes Japan’s graduation season, and their soft pink color evokes warm memories.
You could draw a single cherry tree, incorporate cherry blossoms or petals swirling in the breeze, or depict graduates smiling and chatting beneath the blossoms—any of these would make a heartwarming piece.
Try using gentle lines and soft, light colors to create a warm, inviting finish.
cracker
When it comes to celebrations, party poppers are a must-have item.
They’re popular for events like graduation ceremonies and birthdays as a way to liven things up.
The loud pop and the streamers or confetti that burst out are so much fun.
Drawing those party poppers on a memorable graduation yearbook or message board instantly boosts the celebratory mood! Just adding lively poppers or a cake can create a festive, luxurious feel.
Party poppers are also easy to draw, so they’re recommended even for people who aren’t very confident in their drawing skills.
four-leaf clover
Hand-drawn illustrations have a warm feel and are perfect for graduation albums and message boards.
Four-leaf clovers are beloved by everyone as a symbol of happiness and are very popular.
When drawing the illustration, the key is to start by shaping the four leaves and sketching them in a well-balanced way.
If you consider the drawing space and the size of the four-leaf clover you want to draw, you’ll end up with a lovely illustration.
Since four-leaf clovers are natural objects, using watercolor paints or colored pencils to add color may help convey their charm more effectively.
