James Turner Joins The Pokemon Company As Creative Director Of Pokemon Art And Design

Following his departure from Game Freak in 2022, James Turner, the art director of Pokemon Sword/Shield, has announced he is joining The Pokemon Company International.

In a post on X/Twitter, Turner revealed that he had started a new role as Creative Director of Pokemon Art and Design at The Pokémon Company International. Although he did not share specifics, the job title seems to imply that he will have some oversight over the designs of new Pokemon, or at the least over any officially produced artwork and designs featuring Pokemon.

Big news! I’ve started a new role as Creative Director of Pokémon Art and Design at The Pokémon Company International.

It feels great to be working in the world of Pokémon again, with a lovely group of people.

I’m very excited about what comes next!
🎨⚡#IWorkForPokemon pic.twitter.com/HHugqAxpZv

— James Turner (@JamesTurner_42) August 24, 2026

James Turner is of course no stranger to designing Pokemon, having not only served as the art director of Pokemon Sword/Shield, but was also behind the designs of many beloved Pokemon both during and after his tenure at Game Freak.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.