Ken Sugimori

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 s, and illustrates cards and merchandising. The original artwork for all 151 Generation I Pokémon was done by Sugimori.Gifford, Kevin (April 7, 2008). "COLUMN: 'Game Mag Weaseling': Just Checking In" (archive). GameSetWatch.
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 '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.
==Designs==
===Pokémon===
The following is a list of Pokémon designed by Sugimori.
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	(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) 	Interview with Yomiuri about 's creation (page 5)Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu - Pokemon.com (archived)(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. 	 		 	"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						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	Interview with Yomiuri about Pikachu's creation (page 1) 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
Nintendo Power Vol. 134, July 2000, p.78-79 (excerpt) 	Harris, Craig (February 24, 2009). "Pokemon Creators on Platinum." IGN.	(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. 	(colors, alongsideAtsuko Nishida)https://web.archive.org/web/20230516083008/https://lavacutcontent.com/ken-sugimori-eevee-origins/	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
Nintendo Dream Volume 84, February/March 2003 (English translation written by Jacob Newcomb and commissioned by Dr. Lava) 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
Go-Pokemon.com - Pokémon Creators, Artists at the World Championships 	 	http://web.archive.org/web/20071103203031/http://blog.pokemon-movie.jp/archives/2006/07/post_85.html 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
Nintendo Dream Vol. 201, January 2011 (Translation by Dr. Lava) 	 	Nintendo Dream Vol. 204, April 2011 (Shellspider's blog (Japanese), Translation by Dr. Lava)(idea, finalized byKeiko Moritsugu)Archive of deleted tweet by Keiko Moritsugu, explaining which Generation V Pokémon she had designed	(idea, finalized byKeiko Moritsugu) 	(idea, finalized byKeiko Moritsugu) 	Nintendo Dream Vol. 205, May 2011 (Shellspider's blog (Japanese), Translation by Dr. Lava)		How Pokemon Get Made, 1up.com (Archive)(Draft byKeiko Moritsugu)	(Draft byKeiko Moritsugu) 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
(with Yusuke Ohmura)Ken Sugimori got 'artist's block' during Pokemon X and Y development. Official Nintendo Magazine (published on October 24, 2013) (archived)	(with Yusuke Ohmura) 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
 	 	 	 	 	 		 	 						
====Capsule Monsters====
The following are a list of Pokémon designed by Sugimori that were eventually redesigned, either by him, or another designer.
GYAON.png|Gyaōn from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheethttps://web.archive.org/web/20230426182306/https://twitter.com/Lewchube/status/1651287332916428811
Early Clefairy.png|Clefairy from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet
Early Spearow.png|Spearow from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet
Early Ivysaur.png|Venusaur from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet
Protolapras.png|Lapras from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet
Omega Capsule Monsters 1990 Sprite Sheet.png|Omega from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet
Gyarados Capsule Monsters 1990 Sprite Sheet.png|Gyarados from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet
Scyther Capsule Monsters 1990 Sprite Sheet.png|Scyther from the 1990 Capsule Monsters sprite sheet
==Characters==
The following is a list of characters designed by Sugimori.
RG Yujirou.png|YujirouYujirou, the original Viridian City Gym Leader from Tweet posted by Sugimori confirming he designed Yujirou & Sabrina
RG Brock.png|Brock from Tweet posted by Sugimori confirming he designed Brock, Misty, Surge & Erika
RG Misty.png|Misty from 
RG Surge.png|Lt. Surge from 
RG Erika.png|Erika from 
RG Sabrina.png|Sabrina from 
RG Koga.png|Koga from Tweet posted by Sugimori confirming he designed Koga & Blaine
RG Blaine.png|Blaine from 
Spr Y Jessie James.png| Jessie and James from Tweet posted by Sugimori confirming he designed Jessie and James
Liko anime.png|Liko from Pokémon Horizons: The SeriesFrom the filenames of the original concept art
Roy anime.png|Roy from Pokémon Horizons: The Series
==Artwork==
===Official artwork===
This is a collection of official Pokémon artwork drawn by Sugimori.
001Bulbasaur RG.png|Key art of every Pokémon from All key art for RG, Blue, GS, RS, FRLG, and DP was drawn by Sugimori, credited on all TCG cards using that artwork.
001Bulbasaur RB.png|Key art of every Pokémon from 
152Chikorita GS.png|Key art of every Pokémon from 
0252Treecko.png|Key art of every Pokémon from 
001Bulbasaur.png|Key art of every Pokémon from 
0387Turtwig.png|Key art of every Pokémon from 
0152Chikorita.png|Key art of every Pokémon from 
Bandai Bulbasaur card.jpg|Art for every Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards
RG Yujirou.png|Yujirou from 
RG Brock.png|Brock from 
RG Misty.png|Misty from 
RG Surge.png|Lt. Surge from 
RG Erika.png|Erika from 
RG Sabrina.png|Sabrina from 
RG Koga.png|Koga from 
RG Blaine.png|Blaine from 
Yellow Brock.png|Brock from Brock's Grit
Yellow Misty.png|Misty from Misty's Determination
FireRed LeafGreen Giovanni.png|Giovanni from Giovanni's Scheme
Diamond Pearl Cheryl.png|Cheryl from 
Black White N.png|N from 
XY Korrina.png|Korrina from 
XY Lysandre.png|Lysandre from 
XY AZ.png|AZ from 
ORAS Ace Trainer M.png| from Ace Trainer
ORAS Ace Trainer F.png| from 
Pokémon Masters artwork.png|Key art from Pokémon MastersYouTube video of the announcement
Sword Shield Avery.png|Avery from Avery (Chilling Reign)
===Merchandise===
This is a collection of official Pokémon merchandise that Sugimori has contributed artwork to.
There are cards illustrated by Sugimori, though most of them include re-used artwork from various games. For a list of cards he has illustrated, see here.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (Chance Encounter with a Shiny Pokémon)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (A Sky where Latias and Latios Roam)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (Jirachi's Shooting Star)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (Rayquaza's Imperial Wrath)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (Mew's Presence)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (Confrontation at Spear Pillar)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (Extra-Dimensional Battle)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (N's Reshiram)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (N's Zekrom)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (Battle at the Secret HQ — Xerneas)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 Pokémon Gallery Collection (Battle at the Secret HQ — Yveltal)Each Pokémon Gallery Collection has Sugimori's signature.
 VS Complete Book Vol. 13
==Credits==
===Games===
* (1989) - Character Designer, Character Digitalizer
* (1991) - Game Designer, Story, Character Designer
* (1991) - Character Designer
* (1992) - Direction, Game Design, Graphic Design
* (1993) - Character Designer
* (1994) - Direction & Game Design, Graphics
* (1996) - Character Design, Monster Design
* (1996) - Graphics
* Pokémon Blue (1996) - Character Design, Monster Design
* (1997) - Graphics
* Game Boy Camera (1998) - Special Thanks
* Click Medic (1999) - Graphic Support
* Pokémon Stadium (Japanese) (1998) - Original Characters
* (1998) - Character Design, Monster Design
* Pokémon Trading Card Game (1998) - Card Illustrator
* Pokémon Stadium (1999) - Original Characters
* (1999) - Graphics Director, Monster Design
* Pokémon Puzzle Challenge (2000) - Pokémon Supervision
* (2000) - Graphics Director, Monster Design
* Pokémon Stadium 2 (2000) - Original Character Design & Character Art
* Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR! (2001) - Card Illustrator
* Pokémon Party mini (2001) - Supervisor
* Pokémon Pinball mini (2001) - Supervisor
* Pokémon Zany Cards (2001) - Supervisor
* Pokémon Puzzle Collection (2001) - Illustrator, Supervisor
* Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001) - Original Game Staff (Graphic Director: Pokémon)
* Pokémon Tetris (2002) - Supervisor
* Pokémon Race mini (2002) - Supervisor
* Pichu Bros. mini (2002) - Supervisor
* Machop at Work (2002) - Very Special Thanks
* Kingler's Day (2002) - Very Special Thanks
* Togepi's Great Adventure (2002) - Supervisor
* (2002) - Art Director, Pokémon & Graphic Designer
* Pokémon Box: Ruby & Sapphire (2003) - Designer
* Pokémon Channel (2003) - Supervisor
* Pokémon Colosseum (2003) - Pokémon Games Designer
* (2004) - Art Director, Graphic Designer, Pokémon Designer
* (2004) - Art Director, Graphic Designer, Pokémon Designer, Package & Manual Illustration
* Pokémon Dash (2004) - Package Illustration, Special Thanks
* Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness (2005) - Pokémon Characters Designer
* (2005) - Director, Game Design
* Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team (2005) - Package Illustration
* (2006) - Art Director, Pokémon Designer & Graphic Designer
* Pokémon Battle Revolution (2006) - Pokémon Characters Designer
* Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness (2007) - Package Illustration
* Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008) - Supervisor (Original Games)
* My Pokémon Ranch (2008) - Character Design (Hayley)
* (2008) - Art Director, Pokémon Design & Graphic Design
* Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (2009) - Package Illustration
* Pokémon Rumble (2009) - Game-Design Advisor
* (2009) - Pokémon Design, Graphic Supervisor
* (2010) - 2D Art Director, Director of Pokémon Characters, Pokémon Character Design
* Pokémon Conquest (2012) - Game-Design Advisor
* (2012) - Director of Pokémon Characters, Pokémon Character Design
* HarmoKnight (2012) - Adviser
* Pokémon X and Y (2013) - Character Art Director, Pokémon Characters Design (Director), Pokémon Design Coordination
* The Thieves and the 1000 Pokémon (2014) - Very Special Thanks
* Pokémon Art Academy (2014) - Very Special Thanks
* Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U (2014) - Supervisor (Original Games)
* Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014) - Character Art Director, Pokémon Characters Design (Director)
* (2014) - Package Illustration
* Pokkén Tournament (2015) - Very Special Thanks
* (2015) - Advisor
* Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (2015) - Package Illustration
* (2015) - Package Illustration
* Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016) - Pokémon Characters Design, Trainer Graphics Design (Lead)
* (2017) - Adviser
* Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017) - Pokémon Characters Design & Concept, Design Art
* Pokémon Quest (2018) - Supervisor
* Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! (2018) - Creative Supervisor
* Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) - Original Game Supervisor
* (2019) - Adviser
* (2019) - Supervisor
* Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) - Supervisor
* New Pokémon Snap (2020) - Very Special Thanks
* Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) - Supervisor
* Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022) - Concept & Visual Studio Supervisor
* Pokémon Sleep (2023) - Pokémon Settings Supervision (GAME FREAK inc.)
* Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (2023) - Design & World Concept Supervisor
===TCG illustration===
For a list of cards illustrated by Ken Sugimori, go here.
===Animation===
* 1998-07-18 Pikachu's Vacation (Character Concept Art)
* 1998-07-18 Mewtwo Strikes Back (Character Concept Art)
* 1999-07-17 Pikachu's Rescue Adventure (Character Concept Art)
* 1999-07-17 The Power of One (Character Concept Art)
* 2000-07-08 Pikachu & Pichu (Character Concept Art)
* 2000-07-08 Spell of the Unown: Entei (Character Concept Art)
* 2001-07-07 Pikachu's PikaBoo (Character Concept Art)
* 2001-07-07 Celebi: The Voice of the Forest (Character Concept Art)
* 2002-07-13 Camp Pikachu (Character Concept Art)
* 2002-07-13 Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias (Character Concept Art)
* 2003-07-19 Gotta Dance! (Character Concept Art)
* 2003-07-19 Jirachi: Wish Maker (Character Concept Art)
* 2004-07-17 Destiny Deoxys (Character Concept Art)
===Manga===
* Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorer's Guide (Original Manga by Sugimori included with Guide)
* Jerry Girl (Original Manga by Sugimori)
* - Artwork
==Trivia==
* The character Kenji from (known as Tracey Sketchit in the English dub) may be a homage to Ken Sugimori, 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.
** Similarly, one of the default rival names in Pokémon LeafGreen Version is Ken (Japanese: ケン Ken), an allusion to Sugimori.
* Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is due to its simple design.What is your favourite Pokémon? - Pokémon Black and White interview (archived)
** Another of Sugimori's favorite Pokémon is , but he has also said its complexity makes it his least favorite to draw.
** In a Nintendo Power interview in July 2000, he gave as his answer, citing a childhood pet bird of his that had a habit of standing on one leg.
** His favorite Pokémon from is .What is Ken Sugimori's favourite Pokémon? (archived)
* Sugimori has illustrated more Pokémon cards than any other artist.
==References==
==External links==
* Personal blog at Game Freak's official site, archived as of September 4, 2013 (Japanese)
* Ken Sugimori's Twitter page (Japanese)
Category:Game staff
Category:Animation cast and crew
Category:People
Category:TCG illustrators
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