Judges’ Award
1st Runner-Up
Best Standard Card Illustration
Artist’s Comment
“I am so incredibly honored to have been chosen for this award! Feraligatr is normally a very fierce Pokémon, but I wanted to depict a moment of calm, as if Feraligatr is enjoying a morning swim and watching the sun break through the water. To try to capture this feeling, I took style inspiration from my love of linocut and risograph printing. I’m thrilled to be able to join so many other skilled artists in contributing to Pokémon. Thank you for all your support.”
Judge’s Comments
“The expression of light created by layering colors is wonderful. It seemed to convey the atmosphere in the clear water. I thought that the composition of looking up from under the water was perfect for bringing out the light coming in from above. We tend to think of cool illustrations for Feraligatr, but the overall use of gentle and calm colors and the pose of swimming leisurely in the water is refreshing.”
“The style really shows the artist’s individuality and is charming. I felt as if I was looking through the artist’s lens at the life of Feraligatr, and I felt that this story of Feraligatr had begun—my imagination expanded, and I felt an exciting worldview.”
“I loved the simplicity and unique texture of this piece. The lines really help accentuate the natural charm of Feraligatr swimming. I especially loved how this expressed a relaxed atmosphere through the underwater setting.”
Best ex Card Illustration
Artist’s Comment
“Thank you for choosing my illustration. I’m extremely happy. When I was a child, the world of Pokémon meant full of adventures, surprises, and exciting discoveries. I’m happy to say that this is still true for me as an adult. Toxtricity jumped right out of my memories and out of the frame for this illustration. I look forward to finding many new exciting memories in the world of Pokémon and turning them into illustrations.”
Judge’s Comments
“Despite the size of the illustration, you can see the power in the electricity and almost feel the soundwaves. With the guitar-playing pose and the angle, looking down on Toxtricity from above, makes for an extremely cool and impressive character! Its playful expression with its tongue out speaks to the artist’s talent in composition and their love for this Pokémon.”
“The angle capturing from behind and the composition where Toxtricity is jumping and turning away is unique and I felt it captured the Pokémon very well. Even in the limited frame, my gaze was drawn towards the depth of the background without effort, the way the art allowed my gaze to follow felt easy and pleasant. I also felt the skillfulness in how the character was depicted and has the same impact as an ex card with a 3D character.”
“It’s impressive how carefully the artist drew Toxtricity, with an angle that effectively captures the characteristics of the Pokémon. While the ex frame contains the dynamism of the Pokémon itself, I felt that the electric-shock effect, which seems to be both delicate and powerful, conveys the charm of this Pokémon very well.”
Grand Prize
Artist’s Comment
“I’m truly honored to receive this prize. As this was my first time taking part in this contest, I wasn’t sure what to draw and how to draw it. That’s when my dog came into my sight being cute—I was inspired to draw Pikachu in such a way that reminds me of my dog. So the prize belongs to my dog as much as it does to me, and we’re both extremely happy and honored. Thank you.”
Judge’s Comments
“It’s a situation that seems to capture a moment that you witness by chance, and the heartwarming, goofy, exquisite cuteness of the yawning Pikachu is very attractive. Of course, the background that is depicted in detail is wonderful, but even while plants and other objects are realistically drawn, the expression of light and touch make it feel as if Pikachu—the main character—is firmly present in the space.”
“I think it was difficult to draw the Pikachu that everyone knows for this contest’s theme. I was impressed by the natural and unadorned depiction of Pikachu’s daily life as a living creature. The entire illustration is organized in Pikachu’s yellow tones, giving you an intuitive sense of the world in which Pikachu is the main character. The dazzle of being enveloped in the warm sun is very attractive.”
“This illustration beautifully captures Pikachu in a tender moment during warm morning light. It’s challenging to make simple scenes like a yawn engaging, but the artist has succeeded in creating a relatable and evocative setting. Placing Pikachu at the center of the frame emphasizes the charm of the moment, while the subtle stylization adds originality without straying from authenticity. The background is thoughtfully rendered, contributing warmth, emotion, and stylized realism to the piece. Overall, the illustration conveys a universal sense of tenderness that resonates with viewers.”
