A lovely graduation song

Ideas for stylish illustrations you’ll want to use during graduation season

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!”
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

When graduation season arrives, there are more occasions when you’ll want to add illustrations to graduation anthologies, message cards, or group notes along with your congratulatory words.

If you’re going to draw something, why not choose stylish illustrations that perfectly suit graduation scenes and create a special feel? In this article, we’ll showcase a wide range of chic, graduation-themed illustrations—from classic motifs like cherry blossoms and diplomas to sophisticated designs.

Find the perfect illustration to accompany a message to someone special!

Perfect for graduation season! A collection of stylish illustration ideas (21–30)

uniform

A high school girl who somehow draws me in 🥺 #analogillustration #illustration #illustrationmaking #illustration #kawaii

uniform

When you think of school days, uniforms come to mind.

The uniform that felt a bit embarrassing at first, that didn’t seem to suit you, probably started to feel like it fit you perfectly as you wore it every day.

It would be cool to draw that memorable uniform on a graduation card for someone close to you.

Add shading to express volume, shadows, and wrinkles.

Incorporate the person’s individuality in details like how the ribbon is tied or the bag they carry, and create a striking illustration!

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Handwritten POP-style illustration

[Handwritten POP] [Illustration] I will create congratulatory POP signs for graduations and preschool/school completions.

Handwritten POP-style illustration

How about incorporating eye-catching pop signage from supermarkets and big-box stores into the design of your class anthology or message cards? The whole point of pop signage is to stand out! From using fluorescent markers to drawing bold, 3D-looking letters with drop shadows that fill the frame, it’s packed with techniques that grab the viewer’s attention—perfect for creating pages that leave a lasting impression.

Even with black-and-white printing, you can achieve striking text and illustrations by varying pen thickness and adding shadows, so check out the video for reference and give it a try!

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A film that captured memoriesNEW!

@root3_1100
#Graduation Anthology #sakura Memories Translation #Recommended to rideDid I do a good job drawing the cover for the graduation yearbook? If you think it looks good, press the heart!
Sakura – Naotaro Moriyama

These days, everyone has a smartphone that can easily take photos and videos, so we use standalone cameras less often.

But as a nostalgic, “emo” item, film cameras are surprisingly popular among young people.

So how about incorporating an illustration of film capturing memories as a graduation artwork? Try sealing scenes that evoke youth—school events like sports festivals and cultural festivals, club activities, romance, and more—inside the film frames.

Rendering them only as black-and-white silhouettes will give it a great atmosphere.

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hold handsNEW!

When you see an illustration of people holding hands, it really gives a sense of closeness, doesn’t it? It’s perfect for expressing bonds and friendship in a simple way! So for a graduation illustration, let’s depict students holding hands with a dynamic feel.

You could zoom in on a pair holding hands, or show a large group holding hands to express a circle of friendship.

While recalling the time spent with your dearest friends, be sure to create a moving illustration.

Every time you see it, it will surely make you feel encouraged.

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Desk and chairNEW!

Desks and chairs are things we use every day in school life, aren’t they? Conversations with friends you had while sitting there, memories of dozing off and getting scolded by the teacher, the changing seasonal scenery seen through the large windows…

Just seeing a desk and chair brings back all sorts of memories.

That’s exactly why they make the perfect motif for a graduation illustration.

Try carefully copying the actual desk and chair you used to capture those memories.

Adding shadows or recreating the doodles on the desktop will make the illustration even more striking.

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A student wiping away tearsNEW!

Leaving the places we’ve grown attached to and saying goodbye to the friends we’ve spent time with.

Life in a new place is exciting, but it’s natural to feel lonely too.

This illustration highlights that sense of loneliness.

A school building and cherry blossoms in the background, and a schoolgirl with tears in her eyes… It’s a heart-wrenching scene, but don’t you also feel a sense of resolve to move forward, as she wipes away her tears? It’s a moving illustration, perfectly suited to the departure that is graduation.

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Tulip

[Simple & Stylish] Here's How to Draw Tulips! #shorts

Tulip

Tulips are flowers that can brighten a page with a cheerful, gentle impression.

Their petal shapes are easy to recognize, and you’re free to combine colors, so even when multiple people draw them, it’s easy to keep a unified look.

Lining up reds, yellows, pinks, and more can express the diversity of classmates or club members.

Drawing the stems and leaves a little longer can evoke growth and a sense of the future.

Arranging them in a rhythmic layout also adds a sense of fun.

It’s an idea that soothes viewers and conveys support for a fresh start.

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