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)

The way home

@manatsunoshuyaku
The Last Walk Home With YouTranslation #illustration #Illustration Time-lapse #IWantToBeOnTheRecommendations Graduation Spring #CherryBlossom
♬ Spring Melancholy by Harucha – Grip

It’s a wonderful idea to depict a scene that feels like a snapshot of the usual, everyday view.

Using school events or club activities as motifs is nice, but how about focusing on the walk home this time, with particular attention to students seen from behind and the background? Setting the scene against places everyone has passed through—like the school building or the nearby route to and from school—could create a work that evokes empathy and emotion.

Including items that suggest graduation, such as diploma tubes or cherry blossoms, would further enhance the atmosphere.

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A student looking up at the school building

It’s a beautiful, hope-filled piece, shot from a low angle, with a vast clear sky and a figure gazing at their alma mater.

Since they’re holding a diploma, we can assume it’s after the graduation ceremony.

The design conveys gratitude and memories of their school while hinting at expectations for the future, seen in the movement of the hair and the cherry blossom petals.

It’s an illustration with a meaningful message, not just cuteness, so please take this opportunity to use it as a reference and add your own arrangements.

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Perfect for graduation season! A collection of stylish illustration ideas (31–40)

A student singing while crying

Congratulations on your graduation 🌸 #shorts #イラスト #illustration #graduation

A student singing while crying

Many people may have the chance to sing in a chorus at their graduation ceremony.

This illustration focuses on a student who, while singing, is suddenly overwhelmed by tears along with thoughts like, “We’re really graduating,” “This will be our last chorus,” and “It’s sad that we won’t be able to see everyone anymore.” Of course, it’s wonderful to see graduation not only as something sad but as the start of the future.

Still, this piece, which expresses the emotions of the moment just as they are, really hits home.

The finished work has a sense of transparency, conveying a pure feeling.

Please feel free to use it as a reference.

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Daruma

@hareru_ya888
⬇️ Materials used are in the caption ✍🏻 —– Today I drew a message card with a Daruma illustration to cheer you on! 📣✨ If you’re taking exams or working hard at something, please try drawing this and sending it to someone! [Materials used] • ZEBRA Clickart Dark Brown (line work) • TACHIKAWA PURE WHITE 08 • ZEBRA Mildliner → Mild Red → Mild Gold • Kuretake ZIG Clean Color Dot → 502 (Yellow) If you have requests like “Please draw something like this!” let me know in the comments 🫶🏻How to draw Message Card Illustrator #Illustration making Loose illustration Illustration video #Mildliner Simple illustration hand-drawn illustration Clickart Daruma Support for exam takers Cheering message
♬ Happy Vacation – Sunny Vibes

As a symbol of hard work and wishes bearing fruit, daruma are a theme that pairs well with graduation scenes.

Since they can be drawn based on a simple round shape, they’re approachable even for those who aren’t confident in drawing.

By writing words like goals or gratitude on the daruma, each person can express their own feelings.

Using not only red but also pastel tones or class colors gives a softer impression.

Even slight changes in facial expression add individuality.

As a motif that suggests a future where wishes have been fulfilled, it’s a lucky idea that conveys a positive mindset.

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garland

@happymoji_ayuayu
The 6 best garlandsTranslation translation #Doodle
♬ CHILDAYS – BLOOM VASE

A garland is distinctive in that it can express words and decoration at the same time.

By drawing words of gratitude or celebration—like “Thank you” or “Congratulations”—on the flags and combining them with star-shaped or round motifs, it becomes easier to convey a celebratory feeling.

Drawing the lines a bit roughly adds a hand-drawn warmth, giving the entire card a soft atmosphere.

Arranging the garland in gentle curves up and down adds rhythm to the space and naturally guides the viewer’s gaze.

Leaving some white space as you finish helps maintain readability as well.

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school bag

@chiko303
Let's give a message card to a special friend! You can use it for graduation, too!Illustration video Cute Friend Best friend Graduation
I won’t forget the days with you – my hands are like cream bread.

These are familiar motifs that bring back memories of your daily commute to school and time spent with friends.

By drawing not only the bag itself but also the keychains that were attached to it, you can express the artist’s personality and the trends of the time.

Adding characters, club motifs, or initials will make the memories even easier to recall.

Tilting the subject slightly adds a sense of movement and enhances the hand-drawn feel.

It’s also a good idea to match the colors closely to the real thing.

This is an idea that turns memories into something tangible, allowing you to cherish and preserve the everyday moments of school life.

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The Blue Bird of Happiness

@ami_go_202
I had the honor of drawing the winner of the 10,000-follower milestone event, @pi_ko1827! Since their name was a bird, I imagined and drew a bluebird of happiness ❤Recommendation Tag: Writer (for text/fiction)Translation
♬ Fly Like a Butterfly – Badanamu

The bluebird of happiness, a popular motif that symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts.

By adding a four-leaf clover or small flowers nearby, you can subtly express hopes for the future and support for someone important.

Draw the lines finely for an elegant look that naturally matches messages in autograph boards or class anthologies.

If you angle the bird toward the upper right, it conveys a stronger sense of moving forward, helping you send a positive message to graduates and classmates.

It’s an idea that appeals across generations because it carries meaning without relying on flashiness.

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