Japanese website CGWorld has written an very interesting article showing how Pokemon TCG artwork are designed for cards and packaging.

First up is a look at how Shiftry GX is made. The first step is to open up a 3D model of Shiftry in a 3D graphics application called Maya to adjust Shiftry’s pose. You can see how the wireframe and Shiftry’s skeleton looks like below.

The next important steps are creating a background image, placing Shiftry into the artwork, adding effects, and doing a bit of touch up.

Here’s the final product:

A similar process is followed when it comes to designing packaging for Pokemon TCG products. For instance here’s Dusk Form Lycanroc, featured on Pokemon TCG Sun & Moon: Forbidden Light.

First, here’s a look at a draft of the artwork, which was never used in the final packaging as it wasn’t “fierce enough”.

Now a look at how the final artwork was made. First, adjusting Dusk Form Lycanroc’s pose.

Next – creating a much “fiercer” background and stunning effects.

Here’s the final product:

Can you spot the differences between the draft and final artwork?