Over time I’ve noticed that the concept for some of the card art is based on the video games. For example the pokemon is in a setting where it can be found in the game or is doing something that was part of the game.
Here are some examples:
Vending 2 Zapdos is outside the powerplant.
Fan Club Porygon has slot machines behind it because you can win it in the Celadon City Casino.
Shadow Lugia (Jumbo) which was introduced in Gale of Darkness.
TMB Phone Cards (Articuno, Moltres, Zapdos) were all exclusively featured in the Trading Card Game for Gameboy Color as the final prizes.
Shining Gyarados from Neo Revelation is red and enraged just like in Gold & Silver.
These are some of the ones I though of off the top of my head but everyone should look around and see what they can find
I will add to this list as the thread goes on.
Hopefully you guys enjoy this!
There’s probably a lot more than just these because the HGSS era has a lot of background scenery that looks like it’s meant to be Johto - lots of Water Pokemon in the water near whirlpools with possible Whirl Islands in the background, lots of Pokemon that have Ecruteak- or Sprout-esque towers in the background, etc.
The BW TCG had entire expansions set in game locations but I don’t have time to make a list right now.
