Ken Sugimori

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Ken Sugimori in 2018

Ken Sugimori (Japanese: 杉森建, 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 were 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.

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

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

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

  • Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is Gengar due to its simple design.[14]
    • Another of Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is Venusaur, but he has also said its complexity makes it his least favorite to draw.[14]
    • In a Nintendo Power interview in July 2000, he gave Hoothoot as his answer, citing a childhood pet bird that stood on one leg.[5]
    • His favorite Pokémon from Pokémon Black and White is Zekrom.[15]
  • 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

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