Kouki Saitou

Kouki Saitou (Japanese: 斎藤コーキ), born May 13, 1973, is a freelance illustrator who does work for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Prior to this, he did a lot of manga illustrations for popular Japanese game tie-ins under his label. He has also designed a number of characters and mascots that feature on his website as part of a fantasy land called "Kortlek", which showcase his quirky yet detailed drawing style.

Work for the TCG
Saitou's images focus on realism and dynamism. Many of his illustrations are reminiscent of the style in which characters are portrayed in the, though he uses light and shadow effectively to give them more depth. He also uses high and low angles to enhance the feeling of movement in many of his images. Saitou's first illustrations were featured in the TCG Aquapolis expansion and he has continued to produce work for the TCG since. He has also produced artwork used on deck kits, booster packs and many pieces of merchandise sold through Pokémon Centers. For a list of cards he has illustrated, go here.