After the wild success of my article and illustrations about the “and symbol” ampersand, I got to thinking: What other wonderful symbol art is possible? Which everyday or obscure signs can be made into beautiful drawings with some creativity?
My name is Ms. Marshall and I’m an artist, teacher, and Reiki practitioner, so upon reflection, I use symbols all the time! From Reiki symbols to editing signs on student papers, these quick notations are everywhere.
Drawing Signs For Communication
What’s fascinating is that symbols have been around for far longer than writing. As this Smithsonian article points out, humans have used signs to communicate for more than 8,000 years!
Let’s now dive into my growing list of illustrations of signs that communicate ideas in English, math, mediation, and so much more. If you have a suggestion for other ideas for me to draw (like the recent suggestion for Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen in Reiki), just let me know.
Symbol Art
Signs have been used by humans to communicate for thousands of years, so let's do some fun symbol art to celebrate how beautiful they are, as well as useful...
Scorpio Symbol
The Zodiac symbols are so cool! There are a number of different ways to draw the Scorpio symbol, so here are my takes on a few. Which horoscope sign should I sketch for you next?
The "At Sign"
The @ "at sign" is ubiquitous nowadays in the electronic and digital world, but it didn't always used to be. Learn its fascinating history and evolution here, plus notes on its name.
Treble Clef Symbol
Are you musically-minded? The treble clef is a key element of making music work -- and is also fun (and a little complicated) to draw. Here are some methods.
Pi Symbol
We love celebrating the Pi symbol: the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. The famed irrational number starts with 3.14... and goes on for forever -- so it's much easier to just draw the sign!
Om Symbol
In meditation and chakra work, the Om symbol is a powerful mantra that signifies universal energy. It's also gorgeous to draw, once you get the hang of the curves.
Raku Reiki Symbol
As a Reiki meditation worker, I find the Raku grounding symbol particularly useful in helping create space between past and present, client and practitioner. It's also incredibly enjoyable to sketch.
Shanti Symbol
One of my favorite symbols as a Reiki practitioner is the graceful Shanti sign, which signifies peace. It helps bring feelings of calm and ease when drawn. Love those curved ends...
Pi Day Printable Art Activity
Want some free printable fun to go with one of the symbols on this list? Check out these Pi Day activities for the geeky holiday on 3/14!
Symbol Art Requests
I hope you enjoyed that list! Remember, I have a whole shopping wing of my site which provides printables, posters, clothing, mugs, and more to order, and I can add products within minutes.
This means that if there’s a symbol you would like me to add to the inventory for purchase, just request it in the comments below. Remember that many of these signs can be drawn in a variety of ways and still be correct (while others like the Pi symbol are more standardized), so it’s useful to note which you like the best.
Symbol Art, in Sum
I look forward to continuing on this journey of symbol art for many years to come, exploring new signs that I haven’t yet set my pen to in creative drawings. I can’t wait to hear your requests!
Want more? Check out the vibrant Cho Ku Rei Power Symbol in energy work.
The author and artist, Lillie Marshall, is a National Board Certified Teacher of English who has been a public school educator since 2003, and an experienced Reiki practitioner since 2018. All art on this site is original and hand-drawn by Lillie. She launched DrawingsOf.com Educational Cartoons in 2020, building upon the success of her other sites, AroundTheWorldL.com (established 2009), TeachingTraveling.com (founded 2010), and ReikiColors.com. Subscribe to Lillie’s monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media to stay connected!
