Ken Sugimori: Difference between revisions

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
m (missed a bit)
m (→‎Pokémon: >citation needed)
(15 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{incomplete|needs=Missing credits}}
{{incomplete|needs=Missing credits}}
[[File:Ken Sugimori 2018.jpg|thumb|Ken Sugimori in 2018]]
[[File:Ken Sugimori 2018.jpg|thumb|Ken Sugimori in 2018]]
'''Ken Sugimori''' (Japanese: '''杉森建''' ''Sugimori Ken''; born January 27, 1966) is a friend of [[Satoshi Tajiri]] and illustrator of the original artwork for [[Pokémon games]]. He also has developed conceptual artwork for the {{pkmn|movie}}s, and illustrates {{Trading Card Game}} cards and merchandising. The original artwork for all 151 [[Generation I]] Pokémon were done by Sugimori.<ref>http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2008/04/column_game_mag_weaseling_just.php</ref>
'''Ken Sugimori''' (Japanese: '''杉森建''' ''Sugimori Ken''; born January 27, 1966) is a friend of [[Satoshi Tajiri]] and illustrator of the original artwork for [[Pokémon games]]. He also has developed conceptual artwork for the {{pkmn|movie}}s, and illustrates {{Trading Card Game}} cards and merchandising. The original artwork for all 151 [[Generation I]] Pokémon was done by Sugimori.<ref>Gifford, Kevin (April 7, 2008). "COLUMN: 'Game Mag Weaseling': Just Checking In" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20080412172635/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2008/04/column_game_mag_weaseling_just.php archive]). ''GameSetWatch''.</ref>


Sugimori's change of style over the years has been noticeable. Initially, he used a stiff, lightly shaded style using watercolors that was very reminiscent of {{wp|Akira Toriyama}}'s visual style, particularly that from 1989 onward. However, his now digitally-produced drawings of people and creatures have gradually gained more muscle definition, significantly rounder corners, heavier shading, and more natural and fluid poses.
Sugimori's change of style over the years has been noticeable. Initially, he used a stiff, lightly shaded style using watercolors that was very reminiscent of {{wp|Akira Toriyama}}'s visual style, particularly that from 1989 onward. However, his now digitally-produced drawings of people and creatures have gradually gained more muscle definition, significantly rounder corners, heavier shading, and more natural and fluid poses.
The character in the [[Pokémon anime]], Kenji, or [[Tracey Sketchit]] in the English [[dub]], may be a homage to him, especially as both enjoy creating art. This is similar to the way Satoshi, known as [[Ash Ketchum]] in the English dub, is named after Satoshi Tajiri.


==Pokémon==
==Pokémon==
The following is a list of Pokémon designed by Ken Sugimori.
The following is a list of Pokémon designed by Ken Sugimori.
<gallery widths=100>
<gallery widths=100>
File:002Ivysaur.png|{{p|Ivysaur}}{{fact}}
File:034Nidoking.png|{{p|Nidoking}}<ref name=Shmuplations>(2001). ゲーム・マエストロ〈VOL.4〉デザイナー/イラストレーター編 ([https://shmuplations.com/pokemon/ English translation by Shmuplations])</ref>
File:003Venusaur.png|{{p|Venusaur}}{{fact}}
File:035Clefairy.png|{{p|Clefairy}}<ref name=Yomiuri-5>[https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/ichiran/20180501-OYT8T50139/5/ Interview with Yomiuri] about {{p|Pikachu}}'s creation (page 5)</ref><ref name=Pokemon.com>[https://web.archive.org/web/20211108083831/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/ Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu - Pokemon.com] (archived)</ref><ref name="NOM 2000-07 b">(July 2000). [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page02.html 『ポケットモンスター』開発スタッフインタビュー (ページb)]''Nintendo Online Magazine'' (N.O.M). No.23.</ref>
File:035Clefairy.png|{{p|Clefairy}}<ref name=Yomiuri-5>[https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/ichiran/20180501-OYT8T50139/5/ Interview with Yomiuri] about {{p|Pikachu}}'s creation (page 5)</ref><ref name=Pokemon.com>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/ Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu - Pokemon.com] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211108083831/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/ archived])</ref><ref name="NOM 2000-07 b">[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page02.html 『ポケットモンスター』開発スタッフインタビュー (ページb)]. ''Nintendo Online Magazine'' (N.O.M), July 2000.</ref>
File:081Magnemite.png|{{p|Magnemite}}<ref name=USUMPokedex>"What It Takes to Create a Pokémon." Interview with Ken Sugimori in ''[[Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon Edition: The Official National Pokédex]]'', p. xiii-xxi</ref>
File:081Magnemite.png|{{p|Magnemite}}{{fact}}
File:112Rhydon.png|{{p|Rhydon}}<ref name=Shmuplations/><ref name="NOM 2000-07 b"/>
File:082Magneton.png|{{p|Magneton}}{{fact}}
File:092Gastly.png|{{p|Gastly}}{{fact}}
File:093Haunter.png|{{p|Haunter}}{{fact}}
File:094Gengar.png|{{p|Gengar}}{{fact}}
File:102Exeggcute.png|{{p|Exeggcute}}{{fact}}
File:103Exeggutor.png|{{p|Exeggutor}}{{fact}}
File:112Rhydon.png|{{p|Rhydon}}<ref name="NOM 2000-07 b"/>
File:130Gyarados.png|{{p|Gyarados}}<ref name=Yomiuri>[https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/ichiran/20180501-OYT8T50139/1/ Interview with Yomiuri] about Pikachu's creation (page 1)</ref>
File:130Gyarados.png|{{p|Gyarados}}<ref name=Yomiuri>[https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/ichiran/20180501-OYT8T50139/1/ Interview with Yomiuri] about Pikachu's creation (page 1)</ref>
File:131Lapras.png|{{p|Lapras}}<ref name="NOM 2000-07 b"/><ref name=Yomiuri/>
File:131Lapras.png|{{p|Lapras}}<ref name="NOM 2000-07 b"/><ref name=Yomiuri/>
Line 27: Line 18:
File:163Hoothoot.png|{{p|Hoothoot}}<ref name=NintendoPower134>''Nintendo Power'' Vol. 134, July 2000, p.78-79 ([http://www.rigelatin.net/copycat/media/print/np134.php excerpt])</ref>
File:163Hoothoot.png|{{p|Hoothoot}}<ref name=NintendoPower134>''Nintendo Power'' Vol. 134, July 2000, p.78-79 ([http://www.rigelatin.net/copycat/media/print/np134.php excerpt])</ref>
File:172Pichu.png|{{p|Pichu}}<ref name=IGN>Harris, Craig (February 24, 2009). "[https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/23/pokemon-creators-on-platinum Pokemon Creators on Platinum] [sic]." ''IGN''.</ref>
File:172Pichu.png|{{p|Pichu}}<ref name=IGN>Harris, Craig (February 24, 2009). "[https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/23/pokemon-creators-on-platinum Pokemon Creators on Platinum] [sic]." ''IGN''.</ref>
File:185Sudowoodo.png|{{p|Sudowoodo}}<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page06.html 『ポケットモンスター』開発スタッフインタビュー (ページf)]. ''Nintendo Online Magazine'' (N.O.M), July 2000.</ref>
File:185Sudowoodo.png|{{p|Sudowoodo}}<ref>(July 2000). [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page06.html 『ポケットモンスター』開発スタッフインタビュー (ページf)]''Nintendo Online Magazine'' (N.O.M). No.23.</ref>
File:255Torchic.png|{{p|Torchic}}{{fact}}
File:201Unown.png|{{p|Unown}}<ref name=Shmuplations/>
File:256Combusken.png|{{p|Combusken}}{{fact}}
File:257Blaziken.png|{{p|Blaziken}}<ref name=ND84>''Nintendo Dream'' Volume 84, February/March 2003 ([http://lavacutcontent.com/sugimori-masuda-gen-3-interview/ English translation] written by Jacob Newcomb and commissioned by Dr. Lava)</ref>
File:257Blaziken.png|{{p|Blaziken}}<ref name=ND84>''Nintendo Dream'' Volume 84, February/March 2003 ([http://lavacutcontent.com/sugimori-masuda-gen-3-interview/ English translation] written by Jacob Newcomb and commissioned by Dr. Lava)</ref>
File:380Latias.png|{{p|Latias}}{{fact}}
File:381Latios.png|{{p|Latios}}{{fact}}
File:382Kyogre.png|{{p|Kyogre}}{{fact}}
File:383Groudon.png|{{p|Groudon}}{{fact}}
File:479Rotom.png|{{p|Rotom}}{{fact}}
File:483Dialga.png|{{p|Dialga}}<ref name=WCS>[http://web.archive.org/web/20100111034554/http://www.go-pokemon.com/op/news/articles/16.html Go-Pokemon.com - Pokémon Creators, Artists at the World Championships]</ref>
File:483Dialga.png|{{p|Dialga}}<ref name=WCS>[http://web.archive.org/web/20100111034554/http://www.go-pokemon.com/op/news/articles/16.html Go-Pokemon.com - Pokémon Creators, Artists at the World Championships]</ref>
File:484Palkia.png|{{p|Palkia}}<ref name=WCS />
File:484Palkia.png|{{p|Palkia}}<ref name=WCS />
File:490Manaphy.png|{{p|Manaphy}}<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20071103203031/http://blog.pokemon-movie.jp/archives/2006/07/post_85.html</ref>
File:490Manaphy.png|{{p|Manaphy}}<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20071103203031/http://blog.pokemon-movie.jp/archives/2006/07/post_85.html</ref>
File:506Lillipup.png|{{p|Lillipup}}{{fact}}
File:508Stoutland.png|{{p|Stoutland}}{{fact}}
File:538Throh.png|{{p|Throh}}<ref name=ND201>''Nintendo Dream'' Vol. 201, January 2011 ([http://lavacutcontent.com/ken-sugimori-nintendo-dream-3/ Translation by Dr. Lava])</ref>
File:538Throh.png|{{p|Throh}}<ref name=ND201>''Nintendo Dream'' Vol. 201, January 2011 ([http://lavacutcontent.com/ken-sugimori-nintendo-dream-3/ Translation by Dr. Lava])</ref>
File:539Sawk.png|{{p|Sawk}}<ref name=ND201 />
File:539Sawk.png|{{p|Sawk}}<ref name=ND201 />
Line 49: Line 32:
File:716Xerneas.png|{{p|Xerneas}} (with [[Yusuke Ohmura]])<ref name=Xerneas>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140803014650/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55616/ken-sugimori-got-artists-block-during-pokemon-x-and-y-development/ Ken Sugimori got 'artist's block' during Pokemon X and Y development]. Official Nintendo Magazine (published on October 24, 2013) (archived)</ref>
File:716Xerneas.png|{{p|Xerneas}} (with [[Yusuke Ohmura]])<ref name=Xerneas>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140803014650/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55616/ken-sugimori-got-artists-block-during-pokemon-x-and-y-development/ Ken Sugimori got 'artist's block' during Pokemon X and Y development]. Official Nintendo Magazine (published on October 24, 2013) (archived)</ref>
File:717Yveltal.png|{{p|Yveltal}} (with [[Yusuke Ohmura]])<ref name=Xerneas/>
File:717Yveltal.png|{{p|Yveltal}} (with [[Yusuke Ohmura]])<ref name=Xerneas/>
File:103Exeggutor-Alola.png|{{rf|Alolan}} Exeggutor<ref>Interview with Ken Sugimori in [[Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon Edition: The Official National Pokédex]]</ref>
File:103Exeggutor-Alola.png|{{rf|Alolan}} Exeggutor<ref name=USUMPokedex/>
</gallery>
</gallery>


Additionally, Sugimori had come up with the idea for {{p|Klink}}'s evolutionary line,<ref name=ND204>''Nintendo Dream'' Vol. 204, April 2011 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20110704155314/http://shellspider.blog101.fc2.com/blog-entry-502.html Shellspider's blog (Japanese)], [http://lavacutcontent.com/ken-sugimori-nintendo-dream-6/ Translation by Dr. Lava])</ref> although the designs themselves were done by [[Keiko Moritsugu]].<ref name=Moritsugu/>
Additionally, Sugimori came up with the idea for {{p|Klink}}'s evolutionary line,<ref name=ND204>''Nintendo Dream'' Vol. 204, April 2011 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20110704155314/http://shellspider.blog101.fc2.com/blog-entry-502.html Shellspider's blog (Japanese)], [http://lavacutcontent.com/ken-sugimori-nintendo-dream-6/ Translation by Dr. Lava])</ref> although the designs themselves were done by [[Keiko Moritsugu]].<ref name=Moritsugu/>


==Cards illustrated==
==Cards illustrated==
Line 156: Line 139:
* '''[[New Pokémon Snap]]''' (2020) - Very Special Thanks
* '''[[New Pokémon Snap]]''' (2020) - Very Special Thanks
* '''[[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]]''' (2022) - Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]]''' (2022) - Supervisor
* '''[[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]]''' (2022) - Concept & Visual Studio Supervisor


===TCG illustration===
===TCG illustration===
Line 181: Line 165:


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* The character in the [[Pokémon anime]], Kenji, or [[Tracey Sketchit]] in the English [[dub]], may be a homage to him, especially as both enjoy creating art. This is similar to the way Satoshi, known as [[Ash Ketchum]] in the English dub, is named after Satoshi Tajiri.
* Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is {{p|Gengar}} due to its simple design.<ref name=fav>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101230153442/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index4.html What is your favourite Pokémon? - Pokémon Black and White interview] (archived)</ref>
* Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is {{p|Gengar}} due to its simple design.<ref name=fav>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101230153442/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index4.html What is your favourite Pokémon? - Pokémon Black and White interview] (archived)</ref>
** Another of Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is {{p|Venusaur}}, but he has also said its complexity makes it his least favorite to draw.<ref name=fav/>
** Another of Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is {{p|Venusaur}}, but he has also said its complexity makes it his least favorite to draw.<ref name=fav/>
Line 186: Line 171:
** His favorite Pokémon from {{game|Black and White|s}} is {{p|Zekrom}}.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141011000532/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/24213/what-is-ken-sugimoris-favourite-pokmon/ What is Ken Sugimori's favourite Pokémon?] (archived)</ref>
** His favorite Pokémon from {{game|Black and White|s}} is {{p|Zekrom}}.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141011000532/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/24213/what-is-ken-sugimoris-favourite-pokmon/ What is Ken Sugimori's favourite Pokémon?] (archived)</ref>
* Sugimori has designed more Pokémon cards than any other artist.
* Sugimori has designed more Pokémon cards than any other artist.
* Sugimori has a Nintendo 3DS LL with a Dreamcast logo engraved on the top.


==References==
==References==
Line 196: Line 180:


{{Designer}}
{{Designer}}
[[Category:Game cast and crew|Sugimori, Ken]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sugimori, Ken}}
[[Category:Anime cast and crew|Sugimori, Ken]]
[[Category:Game cast and crew]]
[[Category:People|Sugimori, Ken]]
[[Category:Anime cast and crew]]
[[Category:TCG illustrators|Sugimori, Ken]]
[[Category:People]]
[[Category:TCG illustrators]]


[[de:Ken Sugimori]]
[[de:Ken Sugimori]]

Revision as of 14:57, 13 March 2023

050Diglett.png This article is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Missing credits

Ken Sugimori in 2018

Ken Sugimori (Japanese: 杉森建 Sugimori Ken; born January 27, 1966) is a friend of Satoshi Tajiri and illustrator of the original artwork for Pokémon games. He also has developed conceptual artwork for the movies, and illustrates TCG cards and merchandising. The original artwork for all 151 Generation I Pokémon was done by Sugimori.[1]

Sugimori's change of style over the years has been noticeable. Initially, he used a stiff, lightly shaded style using watercolors that was very reminiscent of Akira Toriyama's visual style, particularly that from 1989 onward. However, his now digitally-produced drawings of people and creatures have gradually gained more muscle definition, significantly rounder corners, heavier shading, and more natural and fluid poses.

Pokémon

The following is a list of Pokémon designed by Ken Sugimori.

Additionally, Sugimori came up with the idea for Klink's evolutionary line,[19] although the designs themselves were done by Keiko Moritsugu.[17]

Cards illustrated

There are 968 cards illustrated by Ken Sugimori, look: Illus. by Ken Sugimori.

Credits

Games

TCG illustration

For a list of cards illustrated by Ken Sugimori, go here.

Animation

Manga

  • Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorer's Guide (Original Manga by Sugimori included with Guide)
  • Jerry Girl (Original Manga by Sugimori)
  • Mendel Palace - Artwork

Trivia

  • The character in the Pokémon anime, Kenji, or Tracey Sketchit in the English dub, may be a homage to him, especially as both enjoy creating art. This is similar to the way Satoshi, known as Ash Ketchum in the English dub, is named after Satoshi Tajiri.
  • Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is Gengar due to its simple design.[20]
    • Another of Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is Venusaur, but he has also said its complexity makes it his least favorite to draw.[20]
    • In a Nintendo Power interview in July 2000, he gave Hoothoot as his answer, citing a childhood pet bird that stood on one leg.[8]
    • His favorite Pokémon from Pokémon Black and White is Zekrom.[21]
  • Sugimori has designed more Pokémon cards than any other artist.

References

  1. Gifford, Kevin (April 7, 2008). "COLUMN: 'Game Mag Weaseling': Just Checking In" (archive). GameSetWatch.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 (2001). ゲーム・マエストロ〈VOL.4〉デザイナー/イラストレーター編 (English translation by Shmuplations)
  3. Interview with Yomiuri about Pikachu's creation (page 5)
  4. Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu - Pokemon.com (archived)
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 (July 2000). 『ポケットモンスター』開発スタッフインタビュー (ページb)Nintendo Online Magazine (N.O.M). No.23.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "What It Takes to Create a Pokémon." Interview with Ken Sugimori in Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon Edition: The Official National Pokédex, p. xiii-xxi
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Interview with Yomiuri about Pikachu's creation (page 1)
  8. 8.0 8.1 Nintendo Power Vol. 134, July 2000, p.78-79 (excerpt)
  9. Harris, Craig (February 24, 2009). "Pokemon Creators on Platinum [sic]." IGN.
  10. (July 2000). 『ポケットモンスター』開発スタッフインタビュー (ページf)Nintendo Online Magazine (N.O.M). No.23.
  11. Nintendo Dream Volume 84, February/March 2003 (English translation written by Jacob Newcomb and commissioned by Dr. Lava)
  12. 12.0 12.1 Go-Pokemon.com - Pokémon Creators, Artists at the World Championships
  13. http://web.archive.org/web/20071103203031/http://blog.pokemon-movie.jp/archives/2006/07/post_85.html
  14. 14.0 14.1 Nintendo Dream Vol. 201, January 2011 (Translation by Dr. Lava)
  15. 15.0 15.1 Nintendo Dream Vol. 205, May 2011 (Shellspider's blog (Japanese), Translation by Dr. Lava)
  16. 16.0 16.1 How Pokemon Get Made, 1up.com (Archive)
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Archive of deleted tweet by Keiko Moritsugu, explaining which Generation V Pokémon she had designed
  18. 18.0 18.1 Ken Sugimori got 'artist's block' during Pokemon X and Y development. Official Nintendo Magazine (published on October 24, 2013) (archived)
  19. Nintendo Dream Vol. 204, April 2011 (Shellspider's blog (Japanese), Translation by Dr. Lava)
  20. 20.0 20.1 What is your favourite Pokémon? - Pokémon Black and White interview (archived)
  21. What is Ken Sugimori's favourite Pokémon? (archived)

External links


Pokémon designers

Emi AndoHitoshi ArigaKanako EoHiroki FuchinoMotofumi Fujiwara
Misaki HashimotoMana IbeAsuka IwashitaTomohiro KitakazeFumie Kittaka
Yusuke KozakiKazuyuki KurashimaLee HyunJungMegumi MizutaniShigeki Morimoto
Keiko MoritsuguKensaku NabanaAtsuko NishidaYusuke OhmuraTomohiko Ohkubo
Muneo SaitōKen SugimoritakeReiko TanoueAimi TomitaKenkichi Toyama
Saya TsurutaJames TurnerTakao UnnoEmi YoshidaHironobu Yoshida