Art direction shift in pokemon

[KidChaos27]

This has been rolling around in my head for a while, but I think I figured out one of the reasons why people don't like the recent pokemon designs. When I look at all the pokemon designs there seems to be a shift in pokemon designs. Have you ever noticed the lack of "anime eyes" on pokmon eyes these days. I don't know if it's just me, but if I switch gigalith's and Graveler's eyes, or taros's eyes with Buffolant (in my head obviously because i don't have a picture) the more modern pokemon designs seem more like the original pokemon designs. Try it I think it might work for others too.

 

[GR0]

It's more the overall looks than just the style. Just compare every (pre-)evo that has been introduced a gen or multiple gens later: the more gens difference, the bigger the difference in looks.

 

 

 

The real difference is this: Pokemon designs started out simple, yet effective. Just compare Rhyhorn and/or Rhydon to Rhyperior for instance. What they apparantly do now, is take a simple design, but then smack a million of unnecessary things on it, I suppose "to make them look cool".

 

[KidChaos27]

I suppose that could also be another reason. I was really racking my brain trying to figure out why the pokemon seemed a bit different, because I've noticed a certain shift in design and I couldn't put my finger on it for the longest time. Anyone else that has an idea of how the designs shifted in art direction feel free to share.

 

 

 

[Turtwig5848]

Alot of time shows start to lack quality , the the creators just get lazy. Which is what im seeing here

 

but the change isnt as drastic as this

 

 

[KidChaos27]

It's not that I think they are getting lazy I just sense a shift in art direction and I'm trying to figure out how they shifted.

 

[Turtwig5848]

well ur definetly right with the eyes but i also think some of the detail has changed from dp to bw dp has a bit more detail in shading and the lil things if u check

 

[KidChaos27]

Well a lot of them do have lots of colors (sigaliph compared to most of gen 1) but also I've noticed the designs became more abstact the later the gens (Gen 1's designs being mostly based on animals using simpler designs and color scemes, due to hardware limitations I guess while later gens expanded on the ideas and made them unique using inventive designs (I guess due to greater hardware and larger color pallet). Though maybe that's just me.

 

[Turtwig5848]

nah i see it too

 

( this is starting to get boring i need to do something online fun or i just shut my computer down and play pokemon )

 

[WondererBailey]

Personally, I think the designs look more interesting now. I mean...yeah the first few gen's were cool to but when I look at the 5th gen I can't help but think...."Wow, those look pretty cool." Heck, I'll admit that I was not too keen on the idea of a 5th generation and put off / refused to get Black and White....now I have both with B2W2 on the way.

 

 

 

I'm not sure if this makes any sense...heh...

 

 

 

But anyway, what I'M looking forward to is the day when the Pokemon anime steps up its quality ;D...aka B2W2 trailer quality~ oh yeah~

 

[MarxSoul]

The Pokemon designer (Ken Sugimori and assistants) is getting better and better at drawing. Compare the concept art of Red and Green from the original Japanese Red and Green versions with the new Black 2 and White 2 characters designs, MAJOR difference!!

 

And with the Pokemon it is the same thing. Though, over the years, they have recieved new concept art.

 

[KidChaos27]

I realise his drawings have been getting clearer since his earlier days, but when I look at some of more recent art of classic pokemon () I just sense a change in art direction (or what ever you call it). It's not that I don't like it, in fact some of my favorites come from later gens, I just sense that it is there, but maybe I'm wrong and just imagining things. (sorry for bad pics)

 

[MarxSoul]

 

I realise his drawings have been getting clearer since his earlier days, but when I look at some of more recent art of classic pokemon () I just sense a change in art direction (or what ever you call it). It's not that I don't like it, in fact some of my favorites come from later gens, I just sense that it is there, but maybe I'm wrong and just imagining things. (sorry for bad pics)

 

 

He is basing Pokemon on real life elements (Like Chinese for Emboar and French Royalty for Serperior) I have noticed, maybe he is more inspired by different countries.... or something like that, too make his Pokemon more unique.

 

 

 

 

 

Or something.

 

[KidChaos27]

Well I get the Chinese and Japanese things for Emboar and Samarott, but don't get French royalty for Serperior (maybe because I'm not that knowledgable with France). Though I think you might be on to something here...

 

[SecretNinetails]

I think you are right about Serpirior, French royatly suits it.

 

[KidChaos27]

Speaking pokemon cultures..... Darmanitan, Lilligant, Cofagrigus, Sigiliyph, and Maractus do seem to be inspired by some culture.

 

[PokemonEliteFour]

Cough a greg ous is most likely based on Egyptian Royalty.

 

[KidChaos27]

There seems to be more pokemon influenced by cultures in gen 5 than any where else, but it would make sense since Unova is based on the US and the US is called the "melting pot" of cultures.