How to Draw a Graduation Hat

Graduation marks an important chapter in anyone's journey, symbolizing years of dedication, growth, and achievement. The graduation hat—also known as the mortarboard—has become an iconic emblem representing this pivotal moment. Its unique shape, complete with a flat square top and dangling tassel, is instantly recognizable and often featured in cards, invitations, decorations, and keepsake artwork. Learning how to draw a graduation hat is a wonderful way to celebrate academic accomplishments, personalize a congratulatory card, or even add a creative touch to a scrapbook or journal page commemorating your own or a loved one's graduation.

This tutorial is designed to make drawing a graduation hat approachable for artists of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking for a simple, structured project or a more experienced artist aiming to refine your skills in drawing geometric shapes and adding realistic details, you'll find valuable tips and techniques here.

We'll guide you step by step, focusing on the proportions of the mortarboard, the angles of the cap, and the flowing tassel, as well as optional shading techniques to bring your drawing to life. By the end of this guide on how to draw a graduation hat, you'll have a finished piece that you can be proud of and new skills that can be applied to other drawing projects. Remember, every artist improves with practice, so grab your drawing tools and let's celebrate this milestone together through art!

Materials Required

Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials handy:

1. A pencil
2. Eraser
3. Fine-tip black marker or pen
4. Drawing paper
5. Ruler

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let's dive into the drawing process!

Step 1: Draw the Brim of the Hat

To start, draw a horizontal line near the bottom of your paper. This will serve as the base for the brim of the graduation hat. Use your ruler to ensure that the line is straight and evenly spaced.

Step 2: Add Depth to the Brim

Next, we want to give the brim of the hat some depth. Start by drawing another parallel line slightly above the first one, but make it shorter in length. This will create the illusion of a folded brim.

Step 3: Complete the Brim

Connect the ends of the shorter line to the longer line using two diagonal lines, forming a trapezoid-like shape. This will complete the brim of the graduation hat.

Step 4: Draw the Top of the Hat

Now, let's move on to the top part of the graduation hat. Start by drawing a square shape directly above the brim. This will serve as the base of the hat.

Step 5: Add Height to the Hat

To make the graduation hat look more realistic, we need to add some height. Draw four vertical lines extending upwards from each corner of the square shape. These lines will determine the height of the hat.

Step 6: Connect the Lines

Connect the top ends of the vertical lines with horizontal lines to close off the shape and form the top part of the graduation hat.

Step 7: Add a Tassel

No graduation hat is complete without a tassel! Draw a small rectangle shape at the center of the top part of the hat. This will be the base of the tassel.

Step 8: Create the Tassel Strands

Tip: As you draw your graduation hat, take the time to observe real mortarboards and their details, such as the texture of the fabric and the way the tassel hangs, to enhance your drawing's realism. Additionally, consider experimenting with different shading techniques to create depth and dimension, making your artwork not only more visually appealing but also a true reflection of your artistic style.

Now, draw several short and curved lines extending downwards from the base of the tassel. These lines will represent the strands of the tassel. Be sure to add some variation in length and thickness to make it look more realistic.

Step 9: Shade the Tassel

To give the tassel some dimension, add shading to the strands. Use your pencil to lightly shade one side of each strand, creating a subtle shadow effect.

Step 10: Ink the Drawing

Once you're satisfied with your pencil sketch, it's time to ink the drawing! Grab your fine-tip black marker or pen and carefully go over the main outlines of the graduation hat. Be confident with your strokes, and remember to take your time.

Step 11: Erase the Guidelines

Now that the ink has dried, go ahead and erase any pencil guidelines that are still visible. Use a gentle touch to avoid smudging the ink.

Step 12: Add Details

To make your graduation hat drawing even more impressive, consider adding some additional details. You can add a button or a ribbon on the front of the hat, as well as some stitching lines along the brim.

Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a graduation hat. With practice, you'll be able to create even more intricate and detailed drawings. Remember, don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to make your artwork unique.

Conclusion

Drawing a graduation hat may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and practice, anyone can achieve great results. In this step-by-step tutorial, we have covered the process of drawing a realistic graduation hat from start to finish. By following these instructions and taking your time, you'll be able to create a stunning graduation hat drawing that you can be proud of.

So, grab your materials, put on your artist hat, and start drawing your very own graduation hat masterpiece!

Fun Facts About Graduation Hat

• The graduation hat is commonly called a mortarboard because its shape resembles the tool used by bricklayers.
• The tradition of wearing academic caps dates back to the medieval universities of Europe.
• The tassel on a graduation hat is typically worn on the right and moved to the left after receiving a diploma.
• In some countries, the color of the tassel or cap can signify the graduate's field of study.
• The square shape of the mortarboard is believed to symbolize the book and the scholar.
• Some universities have unique traditions, such as decorating the graduation hat with personalized messages and designs.
• Graduation hats are often paired with gowns, a tradition that began as a way to keep scholars warm in unheated medieval buildings.
• In Finland, graduates wear a special white cap called a ylioppilaslakki instead.
• The first U.S. patent for the mortarboard was filed in 1950 using fiberglass for stiffness.
• The mortarboard evolved from the biretta worn by Catholic clergy in the 15th century.
• The tradition of cap-tossing began at the 1912 Naval Academy graduation.

Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Graduation Hat Drawings

• A graduation hat tossed into the air above a cheering crowd of graduates, capturing the joy and excitement of the moment.
• A stack of textbooks with a graduation hat resting on top, symbolizing academic achievement and hard work.
• A close-up of a graduation hat with a personalized tassel charm (e.g., the graduation year or initials) hanging from the button.
• A graduation hat perched at a jaunty angle on a pet (dog or cat), celebrating a beloved companion's participation in the festivities.
• A scene of a graduate looking into the distance while wearing their cap and gown, with a bright future or dream career illustrated in the background.
• A whimsical drawing of a graduation hat transformed into a tiny house or boat, representing new journeys and adventures ahead.
• A graduation hat resting atop a world globe, symbolizing global opportunities and ambitions post-graduation.
• A creative interpretation of a graduation hat decorated with flowers, stars, or meaningful symbols reflecting the graduate's unique personality.
• An open journal or scrapbook page with a sketched graduation hat and handwritten inspirational quote about success and new beginnings.
• A group of diverse graduates wearing their hats and gowns, standing together to represent unity and shared accomplishment.