Step 1: Gather materials

Before you begin, gather your essential drawing tools: a sheet of paper, pencil, eraser, ruler, and colored pencils or markers.

Step 2: Draw the base

Start by drawing a slightly elongated oval shape. This will be the base of the graduation cap.

Step 3: Add the headband

Directly above the oval shape, draw a slightly curved line that extends horizontally beyond both sides. This represents the cap’s headband.

Step 4: Connect headband to the base

Add two short, curved lines from the ends of the headband to connect it back to the base.

Step 5: Draw the top of the cap

Draw a trapezoid with short vertical parallel lines connecting the headband’s ends, and slanted lines converging at an imaginary vanishing point above the headband. Close off this shape with a horizontal line connecting the slanted lines.

Step 6: Add details to the top

Draw diagonal lines from each corner of the trapezoid toward the center, creating an asterisk-like pattern. This adds dimension to the cap’s top.

Step 7: Draw mortarboard’s button

On top of where all diagonal lines intersect, draw a small circle representing the button on top of the mortarboard.

Step 8: Create tassel’s string

From the button, draw a slightly curved diagonal line that extends beyond any other lines in your drawing. This will be part of your tassel’s string.

Step 9: Loop tassel’s string

At the end of this diagonal line, add a small loop and bring another line back towards your original point but at a different angle.

Step 10: Finish tassel’s string

Bring this returning line back to connect with your button completing your tassel’s string.

Step 11: Draw tassel’s head

Beneath the loop, draw an elongated oval shape perpendicular to the loop. This will represent the head of the tassel.

Step 12: Add tassel’s strands

Draw several curved, parallel lines extending from the head of the tassel. They should resemble loose, flowing threads.

Step 13: Erase any unnecessary lines

Go through your drawing, carefully erasing any sketch or construction lines leaving a clean and refined image.

Step 14: Color your graduation cap

Lastly, use colored pencils or markers to bring your graduation cap to life. Traditional colors include black for the cap and various hues for the tassel based on your school colors or academic field.

Congratulations! Your drawing of a graduation cap is now complete.