Now is your chance!

After the 2022 contest, Creatures and The Pokémon Company International are back with a new Illustration contest. This time, it's not limited to Japan and the United States; it's open to residents of Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Mark your calendars for October 12, 2023, as the contest kicks off and runs until January 31, 2024.

The contest theme, 'Magical Pokémon Moments,' will be divided into two categories: Standard Card Illustration and EX Card Illustration. The featured Pokémon include Charizard, Pikachu, Eevee, Feraligatr, Flygon, Absol, Bidoof, Melmetal, Amped Form Toxtricity, and Koraidon.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash value of $5,000. There will be award for the Best Standard Card Illustration/
Best ex Card Illustration. One (1) Best Standard Card Illustration Winner, and one (1) Best ex Card Illustration Winner will receive a cash value of $3,000.

There is no mention if real promo cards will be distributed of the winners, unlike the winners from the 2022 contest. These were given out as Pokemon Center promos in both Japan and US/CA/UK in 2022.

You can check the official website here for more details and of course, apply for this contest in the future. The website mentions the winner does not guarantee you will become an official Pokemon TCG illustrator.

Q: Can I become a Pokémon Card Illustrator if I win the grand prize in this contest?

A: Winning does not guarantee that you will become a Pokémon TCG Certified Illustrator. You will only become a Certified Illustrator if, after consultation, it is decided that you will be drawing Pokémon card illustrations for us.

Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest Prizes

Grand Prize

Best Standard Card Illustration / Best ex Card Illustration

First Runner-Up

Judges’ Award