BEHIND THE ARTWORK

Kouki Saitou

Light, atmosphere, and Pokémon in their habitats

Sprigatito by Kouki Saitou
SprigatitoPaldea Evolved · 196
Floragato by Kouki Saitou
FloragatoPaldea Evolved · 197
Meowscarada ex by Kouki Saitou
Meowscarada exPaldea Evolved · 256

Kouki Saitou aims to make Pokémon feel present in their natural surroundings. In his official illustrator conversation, he explains how air and light help establish that presence. His process evolved from pencil sketches and scanned ink into digital drawing, while his Pokémon work also includes merchandise such as the Poncho-wearing Pikachu series. His approach invites a slower look at the whole scene: how a creature belongs to a place and what it might be doing there.

Explore 670 credited catalog cards →

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Read the original interview or explore the artist’s wider work.

Sources reviewed 2026-10-20. Profile by Binderpages.

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