The Pokémon Company International and Creatures Inc announced the Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest 2024 Winners on September 24th, 2024.

YouTube Clip - Winner’s Announcement | Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest 2024

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R1cxqpy_xg

Grand Prize - Kazuki Minami

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.

Best Standard Card Illustration - Acorviart

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 - Anderson

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.

First Runner-Up - teluna

Artist’s comment:
Thank you for choosing my illustration! I am honored.
It took a lot of trial and error to make Absol look as charming as I could ever imagine. Nothing would make me happier than imagining that I was able to convey the charm of this Pokémon and its habitat to the people who see my art!

Judge's Comments:
The fine shadows creates a rich and strong impression, the silhouette creates an impact based on the dynamic pose, and despite the difficult posing, the appeal of Absol is expressed naturally, which is cool! The structure in the background gives a sense of mystique to Absol, and the natural objects are simply good. The frontal lighting is also effective in emphasizing the drama and silhouette in the moment of the flash, and it is great to use the illustration space to the fullest!

I could directly feel the impact of Absol’s somewhat androgynous charm, supple body line, and cool eyes. The touch that brought out the appeal of its character was wonderful.

First Runner-Up - Devin Elle Kurtz

Artist’s comment:
I can hardly believe that my piece was chosen from within such an awesome pool of entries! Pokémon have a way of sparking unmatched inspiration in artists, and that feels especially true in this contest. I was inspired to create a scene that felt as warm, soft, and fluffy as Eevee is. From a lifelong fan, thank you so much for this honor!

Judge's Comments:
Without exaggerating the cuteness of Eevee, I was impressed by this dramatic creation that brought out its charm, almost like a living creature—a focused production that expanded the innocence of Eevee, which is called out with sparkling eyes. I felt that the backlighting, the sense of speed in the background, and the scattered cottonlike fur were all very effective to concentrate on with Eevee.

The artist vividly captures a dynamic moment of Eevee running through a golden meadow, bathed in warm backlight. The distinctive silhouette of Eevee is instantly recognizable and adds a touch of familiarity for fans. The scene is both playful and full of movement, conveying a strong sense of warmth and emotion. The way the light interacts with Eevee and the surrounding nature enhances the overall vitality and joy of the moment.

First Runner-Up - tayu

Artist’s comment:
I am incredibly happy and honored that my illustration was chosen.
I have many treasured memories involving Pokémon, but this prize I won with Feraligatr's help makes it even more special.
I want to improve in my art and show even better how charming Pokémon can be.
Thank you.

Judge's Comments:
The impact of the work as a full-surface embroidery was first and foremost, but the charm unique to embroidery was fresh. The gradation of colors woven by the threads was also wonderful, and it was a very impressive piece that allowed you to feel not only the awesomeness of delicate picture creation but also the softness and warmth made by the hands of the people who encompassed it all.

Using embroidery textures really showed off a beautiful layering of colors. While there are so many shades of blue in this image, each element is so visually distinct. Feraligatr looks peaceful as it generates bubbles while swimming around.

First Runner-Up - Emma Bieber

I am honored to have been chosen. My older brother and I used to love drawing these creatures as kids, which made the process of creating this piece full of nostalgia. I was inspired by Flygon’s color palette and wanted to use it to create an atmosphere that is buzzing and full of life, just like the Pokémon.

Judge's Comments:
I like the delicate and trendy feeling. I thought it was cool to say that the way the black shadows were added was in the style of foreign comics. There is a hidden Weedle... (laughs)

Not only the Pokémon but also the water, trees, grass, and leaves felt as if they were alive. I felt the charm of the picture in every corner of the frame. It is one piece filled with various charms that express the worldview, scattered in the illustrations and unbridled line depictions that feel playful.

First Runner-Up - Royce Li

Artist’s comment:
What an honor to be selected as one of the finalists amongst so many amazing artists! Given the theme of a magical Pokémon moment, I was imagining what it would be like to experience the world as the Desert Spirit, Flygon, and honestly the feeling of soaring down from the sky must be truly magnificent. Capturing that perspective was a challenge, but I’m thrilled with how it turned out! Thanks again for this amazing opportunity!

Judge's Comments:
It was easy to imagine how it would swoop down from the sky and create a sandstorm. I think the illustration captures the characteristics of Pokémon well.

I love this perspective of Flygon swooping high above the clouds, surveying a vast desert below. The dynamic pose immediately captivates the viewer, inviting them to explore the story behind the scenes. The characteristics of this illustration perfectly capture the essence of Flygon and its attributes.

First Runner-Up - gohealth

Artist’s comment:
I am honored that my illustration was chosen among the many wonderful artworks that had been submitted.
Making a Pokémon like Melmetal, with its inorganic body, look alive, took effort, but it was a valuable and rewarding experience.
I hope I can keep tickling people's imaginations with my art!

Judge's Comments:
There was a gap between the design of the composition that simply shows the Pokémon. The expression of solid paint that doesn't use any gradations, blurring, or blurring at the boundaries between colors gave a fresh impression. The blurred view in the distance also gives a sense of graphical expression, and the combination with the flat technique is the charm of modern picture making.

I thought it was wonderful to be able to depict such a rich amount of expression with a limited number of colors. The moment when this Pokémon—which is characterized by its weight and strength—seems to be relaxing and staring into the distance was very attractive, and it was a work that felt nostalgic and new at the same time. I felt that the placement of Meltan also gave an exquisite balance in the composition of the illustration.

Source: https://www.ptcgic-cr.com/2024/en/result/prize-winners/