How to Draw a Graduation Cap and Diploma: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Graduation is a significant milestone, and the graduation cap and diploma are iconic symbols of academic achievement. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply want to commemorate this special occasion, this tutorial will guide you through the process of drawing a graduation cap and diploma.

Materials You'll Need

Pencil
Eraser
Paper
Pen or marker (optional, for outlining)
Colored pencils, markers, or crayons (optional, for coloring)

Drawing the Graduation Cap

A graduation cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a distinctive piece of academic regalia. Its unique shape might seem challenging to draw, but it's actually based on simple geometric forms.

Method 1: Drawing the Cap from the Top

This method depicts the graduation cap as if you're looking down at it.

Start with a Rhombus: Begin by drawing a rhombus, which is essentially a slanted square with equal sides. This will form the main body of the cap.
Add Parallel Lines: Draw straight lines parallel to two of the rhombus's sides. Connect these lines to the three points of the rhombus using short lines.

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Draw Descending Lines: Draw two straight lines descending from the top of the hat, positioned halfway on each near side.
Draw the Button: Draw a small oval in the center of the hat's top. Add a curved line parallel to one side of the oval to give it a three-dimensional appearance.
Create the Tassel String: Draw a pair of curved parallel lines crossing from the button to the edge of the hat, then drooping downward.
Form the Tassel Base: At the end of the tassel string, draw a circle. Below the circle, draw a series of flattened ovals.
Detail the Tassel: From the top of the tassel, extend a pair of long, curved lines. Connect them at the end with a series of short lines, forming a tight zigzag pattern. Detail the tassel by drawing lines of different sizes along its length.

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Method 2: A Simpler Approach

This method offers a slightly different perspective on drawing the graduation cap.

Initial Sketch: Start off with a pencil sketch, using light, smooth strokes for sketching. In the beginning stages, don’t press down too hard so you can easily erase if you make a mistake. Darken the lines only when you get the shape right.
Draw the Front of the Cap: Draw an angled line similar in shape to a wide letter V for the front part of the graduation cap.
Add the Back of the Cap: At the top, draw another angled line for the back portion of the graduation cap. The resulting shape should be similar to a diamond.
Create the Button: In the middle of the diamond shape, draw a small oval where the tassel will be fastened to the mortarboard.

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Form the Tassel: From the oval, draw a line that curves over the side of the graduation cap for the first part of the tassel. Draw a second curved line to make the tassel thicker. At the bottom, draw a small circle.
Add Tassel Fringes: To the left of the small circle, draw a couple of sloping lines for the sides of the fringes. At the bottom, draw a series of short strokes for the ends of the fringes.

Method 3: Drawing the Cap from the Bottom

Start with an Oval: Start in the middle of your paper so you have room to draw the top of the cap later on. Draw a narrow, horizontal oval so the center of the page lines up with the center of the shape.
Add the Skullcap: Begin your line on the left side of the oval, and extend it up at a slight angle toward the center. Make the line so it’s about half the length of the oval so it doesn’t extend too tall. Put your pencil on the end of the slanted line on the left side, and draw an upward arch so the highest point lines up with the center of the oval.
Draw the Side of the Cap: Begin on the left side of the skullcap so you’re about a third of the way down from the top. Make a straight, diagonal line extending out from the side that’s about half the length of the oval.
Connect the Lines: Start at the end of the diagonal line on the left side of the cap. Lightly sketch a diagonal line going up toward the middle of the cap so it’s parallel with the bottom line on the right side. Then draw a line coming from the end of the diagonal line on the right so it’s parallel with the bottom left line.
Add the Tassel Holders: Choose the halfway point on the top of the cap on either the left or right side. Draw 2 parallel lines coming down from the top of the cap so they end a third of the way down the side of the skullcap. Make a circle the size of your fingernail at the ends of the line.

Drawing the Diploma

The diploma represents the culmination of academic efforts. Here's how to draw it:

Draw the Rolled Diploma: Below the bow, draw two long, sloping lines for the rolled-up diploma. The second line should start near the middle of the bow. Close off the shape at the bottom using a smaller line.
Add the Bottom Edge: Below the previous shape, draw another sloping line for the bottom edge of the diploma. At the bottom, draw a curved line to indicate the diploma being rolled up.
Indicate the Corner: Inside the circular shape, draw an angled line for the corner of the rolled-up diploma.
Draw the Top Part: Above the bow, draw two more sloping lines for the top part of the rolled-up diploma. The section closest to the bow should be a bit narrower than the top. Draw a line in the middle for the edge of the diploma and close off the shape at the top.

Adding Details and Finishing Touches

Outline (Optional): Using a pen or marker, carefully go over the pencil lines to make your drawing permanent.
Erase Pencil Marks: After inking, get rid of any remaining pencil marks with an eraser.
Coloring (Optional): Color your graduation cap and diploma using colored pencils, markers, or crayons. Traditionally, graduation caps are black with golden tassels. However, those of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries were red in color. Use yellow-orange for the tassel and red for the bow. Color lightly at first and slowly build up to the level of darkness you like. Don't overlap the tassel.

A Brief History of the Graduation Cap

Originating in Britain, this hat is now standard graduation wear all over the world. Historians believe it can be traced to the biretta, a similar hat worn by the clergy of the Catholic and Anglican churches. During the fifteenth century, students and the learned wore a red hat such as this to symbolize power.

The tassel also has meaning. During most graduation ceremonies, the tassel is moved from one side of the hat to the other after the diploma is received.

Why is it called a mortarboard?

This is because it resembles the tool used by brick masons to hold mortar, the compound that holds bricks together. This gown, too, has a long history. As early as the twelfth century, students at frigidly cold universities in winter took to wearing thick hooded robes to stay warm.

Tips for Success

Start with Light Lines: Use light pencil strokes initially so you can easily erase and make adjustments.
Take Your Time: Don't rush the process. Take your time and focus on accuracy.
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the better you'll become at drawing.
Refine Your Drawing: Refine it to make the drawing look a little more like you are a professional artist.

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