Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest 2024 is closed.
Thank you for your participation.
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Since the Pokémon Trading Card Game (developed by Creatures Inc.) debuted as Japan's first full-fledged trading card game, it has continued to be one of the most popular and best-selling trading card games in the world and has been shipped in 14 languages and 89 countries and regions to date. The Pokémon TCG is celebrating 27 years this year, alongside the 27th anniversary of the beloved Pokémon brand.
It all started in Japan in 2019 with the Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Grand Prix, which was followed by another one the following year. Then, in 2021, the Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest 2022 started accepting submissions from both Japan and the United States for the first time. These contests let us see wonderful illustrations brought to life and new talents brought to light. This year's contest has "Magical Pokémon Moments" as its theme, and we are accepting submissions from Japan, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. We can't wait to see what incredible and exciting artwork you will come up with.
Awards
Grand Prize
One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash value of $5,000.
AND the winner's illustration will be made into a promo card.
Best Standard Card Illustration/ Best ex Card Illustration
One (1) Best Standard Card Illustration Winner
One (1) Best ex Card Illustration Winner
will receive a cash value of $3,000.
AND the winner's illustration will be made into a promo card.
First Runner-Up
Six (6) First Runners-Up will receive a cash value of $1,000.
Judges’ Award
Fifteen (15) Judges’ Award Winners will receive a cash value of $500.
Promo card distribution will vary by country.
The method of distribution for these promo cards will be announced at a later date.
The regions where these promo cards are distributed may be limited.
Judges
Tsunekazu IshiharaThe Pokémon Company, President
Kenji OkuboThe Pokémon Company International, President
Yuji KitanoCreatures, Inc. President
Atsuko UjiieCreatures, Inc. Executive Director, CG Studio Executive Art Director
Atsushi NagashimaCreatures, Inc. Executive Director, Pokémon TCG Development Division Executive Creative Director
Satoru NagayaCreatures, Inc. Art Director
Haru SaitoCreatures, Inc. Illustration Director
OOYAMAIllustrator Judges
kantaroIllustrator Judges
TeeziroIllustrator Judges
Atsushi FurusawaIllustrator Judges
Masahiro KarasawaSpecial Judge
Position titles are as of the time of the event.
All Submissions that meet the requirements will be reviewed by a panel of no less than four (4) judges that will include selected directors and executives from The Pokémon Company International, The Pokémon Company, and Creatures Inc. (the "Judging Panel") and may include some from the list above.
For more details on the judging criteria and process, please see our OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES.
He took part in the first Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Grand Prix (2018)*, and he has been working on illustrations for the Pokémon Trading Card Game since 2021.
His works include promotional cards for the video games Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet as well as illustrations for many other video games.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Illustration Grand Prix was held in Japan between December 2018 and March 2019
Creator's Voice
Four years ago, I took part in this contest and submitted my art. I can hardly believe that now I'll be sitting on the other side judging submissions.
Sometimes while you're drawing, things will not go as you had planned, and you'll want to scrap everything. When you feel like that, try to remember why you wanted to draw that Pokémon in the first place. Focus on that, and I'm sure you'll be able to draw your art to the end!
Some of his card illustrations
kantaro
Illustrator
He has been illustrating for the Pokémon Trading Card Game since 2022.
Through games, he has had opportunities to work in many different fields, including illustration, music videos, and clothing design.
His first experience with Pokémon was playing Pokémon Red, and his favorite Pokémon is Mr. Mime.
Creator's Voice
As a Pokémon Trading Card Game illustrator, my goal is to convey the charm of each Pokémon as a living creature as much as possible. I'm looking forward to seeing where all of you find beauty in Pokémon and how you will choose to express it to the players. I'm sure that seeing different perspectives will be a lot of fun.
I will judge all your submissions very closely to make sure I can find all of the beauty in them!
Some of his card illustrations
OOYAMA
Illustrator and game designer
He was part of the team that initially designed the Pokémon Trading Card Game. In recent years, he has been illustrating the Pokémon Old Maid game. He is also developing new games under his personal brand, OOYAMA GAME. Dr. OOYAMA, a character that appears on some Japanese cards in the Pokémon TCG, was based on him.
Creator's Voice
I was chosen as a judge for this contest, but as an illustrator myself, I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to go about judging other people's illustrations! (Laughs)
For one thing, I tend to focus not only on how well an illustration is drawn but also on how fun and interesting it is.
I hope I'll also see some unique illustration styles and ideas—like abstract/colorful designs or weird settings—among the submissions.
I look forward to seeing your work.
Some of his card illustrations
Teeziro
Illustrator
Initially, drawing was a side job for them, but they now are a full-time freelance illustrator.
They started drawing for the Pokémon Trading Card Game in 2021, with the Sword & Shield—Chilling Reign expansion.
Lately, they have also worked on illustrations for announcements on Pokémon HOME.
They currently publish their independent works on X (formerly Twitter) and at Comitia.
Creator's Voice
This contest is a huge opportunity for everyone—both those who are already confident in their drawing skills and those who haven't been able to put them to the test yet.
Winning the grand prize or drawing something that everyone will like isn't that important. What is important is having fun. So, draw the Pokémon you like, have fun doing it, and submit your illustration.
I can't wait to see what will come to life once your personalities are mixed with each Pokémon's individuality!
Some of their card illustrations
Masahiro Karasawa
Director, National Crafts Museum
Born in 1964 in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture, Karasawa holds a graduate degree in fine arts from Aichi University of the Arts. After working as a curator at the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Karasawa accepted a post as a chief researcher for the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. In 2020, he became the Director of the National Crafts Museum. Karasawa specializes in the history of modern and contemporary ceramics.
Some of his recent exhibitions include “Forms of HITOGATA (2022)” and “POKÉMON x KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft (2023).”
His favorite Pokémon is Obstagoon.
Special Judge’s comment
Pokémon card illustrations can be exciting, enticing, adorable, fun, and so many other things. I'd like to see your submissions portraying your favorite Pokémon in a pose you like or one that makes it look cool, or maybe in a scenario you came up with that fits it and the Pokémon world perfectly. I'm looking forward to seeing portrayals of that Pokémon and its world that only you could ever come up with.
