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 (31–40)

stationery

@ghitoestudio
Hello, this is OSONO 😀 Today I’m introducing “casual stationery illustrations” ✨ • The key to illustrations is deciding which parts of the real object to simplify 💡✨ I think it’s easier to understand when you look at them alongside photos 😆 • A slowed-down version is uploaded on YouTube. If you’re interested, please take a look ✨ • You can find the YouTube link via the URL in my profile 👇 @ghitoestudio *#YuruIllustration Planner Illustration #PlannerDeco
♪ Original Song – OSONO – OSONO

Stationery with a friendly theme that symbolizes school life itself.

By drawing combinations of pencils, erasers, notebooks, rulers, and so on, it prompts memories of daily effort and time spent learning.

Tilting the arrangement slightly or overlapping the items adds movement and makes the page more vibrant.

Paying attention to the shapes and colors you actually used naturally connects to each memory.

Adding a message in the margins is also recommended.

It’s an idea that gently embraces school memories—not just studying, but also the time spent with friends.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

balloon

This idea strongly evokes an image of moving upward toward the sky and adds a positive feeling to the milestone of graduation.

Draw patterns on the rounded hot air balloon and place the sun and clouds around it to make the entire scene bright and expansive.

By emphasizing height in the composition, you create a sense of anticipation for the future, and simply changing the shapes of the clouds adds expressive variety.

It’s also a nice touch to write a small message or a name in the basket.

Using soft, pale colors makes the text easier to read and helps balance it with shikishi boards or class anthologies.

It’s a gentle way to depict setting off into a new world—an idea that carries hope.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

hakama

@yukata33
Lately I’ve been reading Haikara-san ga Tōru, and I’m really into drawing hakama (*◜௰◝*). I sooo want to wear a hakama!Hakama #Illustration Watercolor #watercolor #japan
♬ Cradles – Sub Urban

Hakama visually convey the special feeling of the milestone that is graduation.

By varying the colors of the kimono and hakama, it’s easy to express individuality, and if you draw friends side by side, you can also show the differences in each person’s vibe.

Without over-detailing the patterns, carefully rendering the obi and sleeve lines allows you to balance elegance with a hand-drawn feel.

Not only a standing front view, but also a rear view or a slightly turned pose naturally suggests stepping forward onto a new path.

Adding names and dates further heightens the commemorative quality.

It’s a keepsake idea that lets you feel both memories and the future at the same time.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Report card

@chiko303
Let's go ahead and express our gratitude to the teacher before winter break!Cute Illustration video Teacher Gratitude #thankyou
♬ Gyutto – Sexy Zone

A report card is a memorable format for students to express gratitude to their teachers.

If you treat the subject columns as spaces to write your feelings and add stories about how you were supported, you can put your honest thoughts into words.

Replacing the grading section with stars or flower marks can also soften the tone.

Drawing the borders by hand adds warmth and creates a more casual feel.

Varying the size of the letters is effective, too.

This is a memorable idea that delivers feelings that are hard to convey with words alone, with a playful touch.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

balloon

Feel free to draw any face on the balloon 🎈 If this was helpful, please subscribe to my channel 🫶🏻 #shorts #birthday #drawing #イラスト #illustration

balloon

Drawing balloons in graduation yearbooks or on message boards instantly brightens and enlivens the whole page.

Layering multiple balloons with ribbons naturally conveys a celebratory mood and a sense of anticipation for the future.

Using pastel colors gives a gentle impression and helps the message text stand out.

Varying the shapes of the balloons slightly and staggering their heights adds a hand-drawn sense of movement.

You can also place names and dates inside the balloons, subtly preserving memories—another charming touch.

It’s an idea that lifts the spirits and encourages a positive outlook.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Perfect for graduation season! A collection of stylish illustration ideas (41–50)

Copic illustration

https://www.tiktok.com/@hiirohiiro1/video/7074507695029587201

For an illustration perfect for a graduation card, how about drawing a friend in a school uniform with cherry blossoms? The uniform that accompanied student life will feel deeply nostalgic even when you look back years later.

Adding cherry blossoms really heightens the graduation atmosphere.

A tearful girl clutching her diploma is also a lovely touch.

Another recommendation is layering a photo-like drawing of smiling friends gathered together.

With the warmth of a hand-drawn piece, it can become a card that conveys unchanging friendship, even after graduation when everyone goes their separate ways.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Flapping bird

An illustration of a bird taking flight makes graduation feel like a step toward the next stage, doesn’t it? According to the Kojien dictionary, a bird spreading both wings is figuratively associated with taking off into a wider world.

Indeed, the sight of a bird spreading its wings wide and soaring through the sky feels majestic and full of momentum.

Graduation is a farewell to friends who shared the same time together.

A bird taking flight can make that farewell feel like sending off friends and cheering on their new lives.

It’s the perfect illustration for a graduation scene.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem