Discover How a Talented Pokémon Artist Brings Creatures to Life
As a long-time enthusiast of the Pokémon franchise, I’ve come across insights from developers at Game Freak and creatives at The Pokémon Company for years. Today, I’m reflecting on a notable quote from James Turner, who recently returned as the Creative Director of Pokémon Art and Design at The Pokémon Company after his departure from Game Freak in 2022. His return has sparked excitement and debate among fans, especially considering the various Pokémon and characters he crafted during his tenure at Game Freak. Whether you adore the charming professors from Scarlet and Violet or have a strong aversion to the infamous ice cream Pokémon, Vanillite, it’s clear that Turner has a deep understanding of the Pokémon universe. I want to highlight his thoughts on designing these creatures from a 2019 interview.
Turner announced his new role with enthusiasm, expressing his joy at rejoining the Pokémon world and collaborating with a fantastic team.
In 2019, during a cover story on Pokémon Sword and Shield, the games were a hot topic among fans, particularly because Game Freak had decided to limit the Pokémon available for capture and transfer. However, with time, many players have come to appreciate these titles more. As the art director for Sword and Shield, Turner was responsible for designing several Pokémon in the Galar region, including alternate forms of classic favorites like the Gigantamax Pikachu, which pays homage to the character’s earlier, rounder design.
In the interview, Turner delves into the design philosophy behind creating Pokémon, emphasizing how artists bring their unique styles while adhering to the overarching rules and vibe of the Pokémon universe. He poses the challenge of making a cute Pokémon like Pikachu and a formidable entity like Arceus feel distinct yet cohesive within the same world. His explanation beautifully encapsulates what makes Pokémon a universal experience, appealing to fans of all types, whether they prefer the adorable, the cool, the terrifying, or the bizarre.
Turner states, “An important thing is that every Pokémon you feel like you could be friends with. They can’t just be intimidating; they can’t just be scary. There has to be something there that makes you think, ‘Oh, I could be friends with this Pokémon. They could be on my team; we could go on an adventure together.’”
He uses Buzzwole, an Ultra Beast from Generation VI, as an example of a Pokémon that might seem intimidating at first glance. This bug/fighting-type creature resembles a muscular superhero crossed with a mosquito, but Turner argues that its inherent “silliness” transforms what could be a terrifying figure into one that feels approachable and companionable.
As someone whose favorite Pokémon includes the literal god of space, I believe the franchise excels at making even its most monstrous creatures feel relatable, contributing to the idea that “every Pokémon is someone’s favorite.” With over 1,000 Pokémon now in existence, even those you might find unattractive or annoying have their own fanbase, and Turner’s philosophy highlights why that connection exists.
Turner has created numerous Pokémon and human characters over the years, and while not every design may resonate with everyone, I genuinely believe his return to the company will be a positive development. He understands the essence of Pokémon, and since he designed my favorite character, Professor Turo, he’s earned the freedom to explore his creativity.
