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!
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Perfect for graduation season! A collection of stylish illustration ideas (1–10)
Mimosa frame
Also great for group messages! Here’s a mimosa design idea that creates a soft, spring-like atmosphere.
When it comes to spring flowers, many people think of cherry blossoms, but mimosa, with its fluffy clusters of tiny yellow blooms that herald the arrival of spring, is lovely too.
This idea works well as a border or a small accent in illustrations, making it perfect for message cards, class anthologies, and other designs.
Why not incorporate bright, eye-catching, and charming mimosa?
A student looking up at cherry blossoms
@_nun_02_ Farewell, spring 🌸#Nina77#Illustration#Illustration makingMaking-of video#CherryBlossom#PR
♬ Original song – Nina77 – Nina77
The combination of uniforms and cherry blossoms makes for a wonderful design that evokes graduation, doesn’t it? By paying special attention to the main character’s expression, you can convey emotions like the loneliness and sadness of graduating, as well as hopes and expectations for the future.
If you adapt the uniform to match a specific school’s design, it’s sure to be a hit! Putting thought into creating consistency in tones and saturation will likely result in an even better finish.
Even if you’ve never drawn an illustration before, please take this opportunity to give it a try.
a student shedding tears
It’s a beautiful idea—the unique atmosphere that only hand-drawing can convey, and the process of letting the paint bleed softly, both come through in the finished piece.
In the video, you first sketch on the colored paper, then outline the person with a pen, and paint the background in soft, gentle colors with paints.
The person’s presence really stands out, and from the mood and facial expression you can tell they had a fulfilling school life.
It would be great to try incorporating this while customizing elements like the hairstyle, uniform, and background!
rainbow
@_.wan_yu._ I drew a rainbow. Step by step, it’s okay.#Illustration#Illustration making#AcrylicPainting
♬ original sound – Envy
A rainbow design that evokes hopes and the future might also brighten your mood.
In the video, it’s delicately drawn on a small piece of paper, but it would also be great to create a dynamic rainbow for the cover of a graduation message card or as part of a project design.
Many people in Japan think of rainbows as having seven colors, but it’s interesting how this varies from country to country.
It’s perfect for all of you who will spread your wings, each making the most of your own colors and individuality—just like a rainbow!
A student holding a bouquet
Here’s an illustration idea featuring a bouquet and a person, unified in pastel colors.
As graduation approaches, many people may be unsure about what design composition and color palette to choose for their work.
In such cases, a recommended approach is to combine a bouquet and a figure, and finish the entire piece using pastel colors or an adjusted tone.
Once you’ve decided on the motif, figure sketch, and overall composition, try converting your usual colors into pastel shades and unifying the tones—it could result in a stylish final piece!
Korean-style illustration
Korean-style illustrations with a simple, relaxed vibe are perfect for message cards to give at graduation ceremonies.
The key is not to cram in too much—intentionally leave plenty of blank space.
Simple line-drawn motifs like human silhouettes, faces, and flowers have a slightly retro, stylish feel.
Keep the colors clean with solid or monochrome tones in deep, subdued shades.
Avoid ornate lettering, and try for a casual, effortless look as if drawn with a single pen.
cherry blossom
How about drawing cherry blossoms that are perfect for a graduation message card? If you use watercolor markers, the soft colors of the blossoms will really stand out beautifully.
First, draw five circles on the paper, then use a water brush to blur the color over them.
From each initial circle, gradually draw petals that fade outward to create a gentle gradient.
If you make the outer tips slightly split, they’ll look like real cherry blossom petals.
Next, change the angle of your brush and dot small circles to scatter a few petals.
Finally, add branches with a brown pen to make the cherry blossoms pop even more vividly!