Ken Sugimori's Lifestory (Pokémon Art Director)
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- In this video, Did You Know Gaming takes a look at Ken Sugimori life, as well as his impact on the video game industry including his major contributions to Pokemon and other Game Freak titles like Pulseman and Drill Dozer.
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Special Thanks:
Our Japanese Translator: Jacob Newcomb
Our Proofreaders: SnorlaxMonster and Lewtwo
Game Freak issue #1 footage: Robert Sephazon
Outside Sources: HiResPokemon, Catstorm, Helix Chamber, Glitterberri, Trxns, Shmuplations, CFK, and Shinjinotikari17
Research/Writing by Dr Lava
Video Editing by TheCartoonGamer
Voice Over by Nasu
Sources/Further Reading:
ゲームマエストロ VOL.4 デザイナー/イラストレーター編 (Japanese book with Ken Sugimori interview, English title translation: "Game Maestro VOL.4 Designer/Illustrator edition")
ゲームフリーク 遊びの世界標準を塗り替えるクリエイティブ集団 (Japanese book by Game Freak dev Akihito Tomisawa, English title translation: "Game Freak: The Creative Group That Painted Over the Standards of the World of Play")(Scanned for us by HiResPokemon and Trxns)
杉森建の仕事 (Sugimori's Japanese art book, English title: "Ken Sugimori Works")
ポケモンストーリー （Japanese book, English title: "ポケモンストーリー"）(scanned for us by HiResPokemon)
Nintendo Dream volume #84 (Japanese magazine, February/March 2003 edition)
Dozens of Ken Sugimori tweets ( / super_32x )
ポケモンをつくった男 田尻智 (Japanese biographical manga, English title translation: "Satoshi Tajiri: The Man Who Created Pokemon")(translated by CFK, typeset by Shinjinotikari17)
Game Freak magazine issues #1 and #21 (footage of issue #1 via Robert Sephazon)
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon: Official Creators' Interviews
news.denfamini...
web.archive.or...
web.archive.or...
/ hirespokemon
helixchamber.c...
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shmuplations.c...
shmuplations.c...
#pokemon #nintendo #gamefreak
It’s somewhat heartbreaking to know that Sugimori sacrificed his dream to help his friends achieve theirs, only to have some of them eventually resent or grow tired of their creation. It’s sad to hear that he no longer wishes to be involved in manga and laments being known only as ‘the Pokemon Guy.’ He is so much more than just Pokemon; his kindness, loyalty, and sacrifice will always be remembered and appreciated.
Maybe he’s embraced it now cuz if he didn’t he would have quit by now
I hope people can say such nice things about me one day
They didn’t grow tired or resent their creation a lot of them still love Pokemon Masuda and a lot of other artists are always talking about Pokemon online and retweeting fan art and stuff
Agree about the rest of the sugimori stuff tho
He may have taken a step back from the games but he’s become more involved in the Pokémon anime sugimori designed characters like Goh and the protagonists from horizons
Pokemon has blown up the world beyond anything that ever has and engulfed many people's lives and made developers especially sick of it, they don't dislike Pokemon it's just they want to do other things and sugimori being a mangaka was one of those things, he skipped out on a part of his life because of Pokemon.
Sugimori’s a huge influence to my work as an artist - people make tutorials on how to emulate his style of drawing and painting. The world would be a much different place without him.
I couldn't second this any harder. It's a little hard to talk about it with a straight face with my avatar made like that.
Funny enough,Ken was pretty much how I got to draw humans.
sugimori’s art has always been my favorite art style. he’s the epitome of art to me. i wish he could understand how truly beautiful his art was
Ditto
How's that even possible for things like influences to go from one person to the next?
"He gave up on his dreams so his friends could achieve theirs"
Mr. Sugimori might not have ended up drawing Manga, but he definitely became the hero worthy of one.
This kind of coverage is *precisely* why it's always important for developers and creators to be interviewed and their work and words taken to heart - all of it. As much as is reasonably possible, anyway. A lot of art ends up...forgotten, with only some of the most recognizable pieces caught up in the corporate machine and pushed until that's *all* you're known for. Even worse is when you feel you've peaked and you can't top yourself... that's even worse. Knowing the feelings of the people whose work shaped our lives is...not just important, it's necessary.
Thank you Sugimori, and I'm sorry...
IMPORTANT ADDENDUM: DRILL DOZER WAS MY FUCKING CHILDHOOD. LIKE EVEN MORESO THAN POKEMON. YOU'RE TELLING ME THAT THAT WAS *SUGIMORI*'S PET PROJECT?
It's no wonder that as I grow older I still gravitate towards projects that are full of passion. That's where my childhood was. Sugimori still pursuing pixel art and new directions despite wanting to be a mangaka all along is...beautiful. I thought I was alone.
Also the absolute guts of saying "actually I prefer Sega" in a Nintendo Dream article
Damn. This story was honestly heart breaking, but easily one of the best videos I've seen on this channel for a long time. The research you guys do is so valuable, thank you DYKG!
The fact that Sugimori is more of a Sega fan strangely brings a new meaning to Sonic reaching his hand out to Pikachu in the Smash Ultimate: World of Light intro cutscene
What's funnier is, Tempo the Badass Elephant _was_ published by SEGA
Dunno if Sugimori worked on it, but just found it amusing
@@RadikAlice Apparently he did. He was one of the advisors from Game Freak. He also worked on the SEGA 3D games for 3DS.
@@themoocow7718 Oh, nice. Latter I did know, but it's still cool!
That's a shame that Sugimori feels that way about himself as an artist. I think his artwork and designs look incredible. His style is just so iconic. I don't think you need to go to school to be a good artist. I also like Sugimori's non-pokemon designs too and I wish games like pulseman and drill dozer got another chance.
True
He may have taken a step back from the games but he’s become more involved in the Pokémon anime sugimori designed characters like Goh and the protagonists from horizons
Drill Dozer my beloved...
What a beautiful look into a man that made so many people’s childhood. It’s kinda saddening that this man gave up his dream just for his friends. I hope he sees this video and knows just how much we as fans truly appreciate all the work he’s made and that he’s changed the lives of so many people
His original watercolor drawings of the first 251 pokemon are legendary. That could have been the only thing he ever made and he would be one of the greatest artists ever.
I wish they'd do a remake of RBY or GSC with the watercolor artwork instead of sprites.
Honest to God you're 100% on the money. Looking back at it now, those water color arts on my pokemon Blue hand book and all the posters I got/saw as a kid made it seem so cool and edgy. I'd have days where I'd just stare at the art of some of the drawings and just be happy with that. That style is a lost art and wish more of it were like that today. Please please please give us more modern pokemon in that old school water art.
We just found out that all old japanese Nintendo websites are still online, including all mainline Pokémon games! Please scour those old websites and make content on it!
Can you link this please please please??
Please link
His art will always be legendary!
Wow, this video was rather moving. I can't help but feel bad for Ken...
The more and more Pokémon goes on I just keep on hearing about how _exhausted_ all of its main contributors are about it, it's no surprise how most Pokémon games on the Switch ended up the ways that they did. That exhaustion has long since bled its way into the games themselves and us fans have more than taken notice...
It is abundantly clear, the old guard have played their parts and done their bests, they need new people to step to take up their mantles, hopefully younger creative people inspired and motivated by the joy amazing artists like Ken have helped bring into the world. He may not believe Pokémon will last forever but the millions of peoples of all kinds all over the world who have had their hearts, minds and lives touched by his work will carry that legacy on into the future.
Pokémon has without a doubt changed my life. Words would never be enough. Game Freak needs that love I feel injected back into its walls of its studios now more than ever.
@@tlst94 idk 🤷
this man's career started out of sheer passion
I believe it was more friendship than passion. His passion was manga, but he sacrificed it for his colleagues and friends.
I really like Sugimori's concept art for the original games, there's just something inherently magical about it. It'd be so awesome if they showed us more.
"The legend was just flesh and bones, like themselves."
Relatable feeling.
Cute Pokemon >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "Cool" Pokemon
Imposter syndrome is such a monstrous cloud over people. My mom, an old island woman who hasn't watched a cartoon in 30 years still knows Pokémon because of how iconic Sugimori's artwork is. Hopefully one day he will know how impactful his work has been. I hope ALL of his art get the respect it deserves.
Ken Sugimori is one of my biggest inspirations for me as somebody pursuing concept art as a career. It's incredibly heartbreaking to hear his story, how he left his dream behind so his friends can have theirs. I just hope he's able to find his true happiness again in some other form. You're never too old for new adventures.
To be fair, the age of retirement for Japanese men is supposedly going to rise up to 65 in 2025, so I'd say Ken should take the final 8 years of his work life to focus on himself and his dream. I think with his backlog and reputation, even if he doesn't think his individual work'll do well, there'll always be an audience for his work.
Exactly Even Miyazaki drew a couple of Manga after he retired the last time and he's like almost 30 or 40 years older then Ken Suigimori he should at least make a couple of one shot or very short series just to say he at least tried
they used to retire younger in japan? i thought for sure they went later than us for sure
@@nottucks the age of retirement in Japan is 60 until 2025 it's lower than USA but not by much they are raising it due to pension costs
Sugimori's artwork os what inspired me to start drawing. I remember staring at the manuals for the OG Pokemon games thinking i want to be able to draw like that. Later seeing his artwork for pulseman and drill dozer made me realize i didnt have to pigeon hole myself to one style, i could explore freely. I hope he knows how much of an impact he has had!
I shared this story with my brother today, and it got us thinking about what we wanna do with our lives and attempting to chase those dreams before it's too late. His honesty about having abandoned his dreams to help his friends really resonated with us, and got us talking about our own lives.
Thank you, Sugimori-sensei. You sacrificed your dreams, and you made such an impact on the world. You helped inspire dreams of so many just by making that choice. Is it worth it, to give up everything you wanna do to change the world? That's such a difficult question to answer.
To say this guy influenced me is an understatement, my avatar here speaks for itself. To think that after all of that he thinks so poorly of himself... honestly he deserves a hug and my deepest thanks.
Dude his artwork is perhaps the most iconic in all of modern times. If I were him, I would be so proud. Dude is a genius.
Awesome video! Thank you and for all the contributors for digging out and translating all this old material! Truly lots of stuff that I never knew about Ken Sugimori! Kinda sad that he didn't really want this kind of success, but he really did create some of the most memorable characters for one of the most popular games of all time - and he'll go down in history for that. Ken is the goat.
It's really sad he not got to do what he dreamed and how much he doesn't like his work. His art is so beautiful and I will always admire the art he drew.
this is a really heartbreaking and fascinating account of one of the most well known pop culture artists ever. thank you so much for your work in documenting this. Ken's feelings about his work are very relatable.
When I was younger, I was obsessed with Pokemon and too me Ken Sugimori became the face of Pokemon. When asked if I could have a meal with anyone in the world I would always answer, Ken Sugimori. Even to this day I hope to meet him but now instead of thanking him for just Pokemon I want to thank him for his art and his support to his friends. Also thank you Did You Know Gaming for Making this Video! I really appreciate it
So where were you when DidYouKnowGaming went from simply badly reading aloud erroneous wikipedia articles to becoming the trusted, peer-reviewed sources listed in modern (and now accurate) wikipedia articles?
I'm an aspiring game dev and i love seeing the human side of making games, manga, animation, etc. I love hearing the obscure stories of people behind them, both hit titles and unsuccesful ones, and both people who love their work and those that resent it.
This video really moved me, in a similar way that Archipel videos do. Can someone recommend me other places with stories like this? It doesn't have to be videos. Either way i'd love to see that Xevious video be made!
"I never wanted to be the Cherry Pie guy."
- The Cherry Pie Guy
It honestly makes me sad to know Ken gave up his dream to help his friends achieve their dream, only to be the last one left, but honestly his art has inspired millions across several generations and I am extremely grateful he helped give us something that would change us at our core.
Sugimoris pokemon art is a huge reason why i'm still in love with the games/world after 25+ years.
This is a wonderful video, thank you DYKG
I'd absolutely love to see Sugimori make his own original manga with where he is today. He'd kill it I'm sure.
This dude gave birth to the most popular franchise in existence and left Pokémon at its peak. Hats off to him. He’s right that he came in at the industries infancy but his art is damn good and missed. Hopefully he’s rich and I hope he will take the directors seat for a remake of gen 1 or gen 2. Hope someone will come up to him and tell him is art is the best
I LOVE Ken Suigmori's artwork, and it makes me so sad to hear how he views himself. Pokémon will last forever, and his artwork and hard work will be cherished forever by millions of people. In a couple generations will probably be fair to say billions.
I think his art is amazing! I much prefer his, to the cleaned up versions we got later of Pokemon. I'd also be interested in checking out his other manga and games. They looked interesting! I'm shocked a guy as famous/popular as Ken Sugimori has confidence issues, but I guess it just goes to show, no matter what, you can't escape your shyness. I hope he comes to realize that he is an amazing artist! I bet if he re-released his art and such, he would gain a fanbase for things like Pulseman and such.
Still more unique than the other franchises out there
Also it’s more like his art has improved
His old art looked more like designs he was sketching in a notebook at school or something it’s more professional now not sanitized
Professional always equals better I mean there’s a reason most fakemon artists always try to mimic the modern style over the classic one
@@madnessarcade7447 people mimic the new style because there's numerically more pokemon in the modern style to refer to, especially when making redesigns.
the opinion that "professional" art is always better usually comes from a person who's more of a consumerist than an appreciator of art.
his art has definitely improved but taste is subjective, skill is just a prerequisite. also, I don't think watercolors would be something in a school sketchbook ??
and finally, a ton of people imitate the old style, I don't know what you're talking about. It's just more unique so videos are usually specializing in that era because they have to start to imitate old traditional styles and watercolors...
"I don't have such lofty dreams of creating something that will last for perpetuity".
Bro, you already did.
You've inspired generations of artists and even programmers like me to become what we are today.
The fact you're revered as an inspiration without any formal training just speaks to your ability.
Took a lucky opportunity and ran with it. Sacrificed everything for your friends. Helped make good art a standard for games.
It don't matter how ya start, it's how ya finish that counts.
I absolutely LOVE Ken's watercolor style of the original Pokemon artwork and it was honestly a massive part of my childhood. Thank you Mr. Sugimori, for such beautiful and inspired artwork.
2:40 that is SO awesome. Bro was doing zines way before we were! This sounds like something I would’ve been into in school. It’s so lucky for the world that his artistic talents were nurtured!!
What a bizarre reality.
Knowing he has an art book I hope to one day get a hold of it. Would love to read his Quinty series etc
This is probably my favorite video on this channel, quite thoughtful and emotional.
It may be associated with early Pokemon by most, but very little truly bests his signature art and color style. I could see him doing art work of any media in his style and loving it. We were all simply exposed to it through Pokemon, but I think most of us wish we could have seen it in original works as well.
"Actually, I prefer Sega"
What a chad
Mr. Sugimori is an artist through and through, even being his own worst critic. His work has inspired many artists around the world. If his manga wasn't considered good enough to be published regularly, it must have been something to do with the writing and not the art.
And while I will admit I didn't buy the games he directed, it had nothing to do with him. Nintendo didn't really advertise Drill Dozer in the US, so I had no idea who even made it. I only realized (far too late) due to the main character being an assist trophy in Smash Bros. If Mr. Sakurai saw fit to include her, that's the kind of stamp of approval I can get behind.
That's another thing to note. Many in the industry likely have great respect for him as an artist. And while I doubt he will see this, I hope he understands that he has many fans around the world who still want to see his art, even now. I know because I'm one of them.
He may not think he's much, but the man single-handedly created my childhood alongside his friends. And, to this day I still prefer his old water colour art to the modern designs we have today. Pokémon is easily the most important thing to ever walk in to my life, it even saved my life at one point. And, I wish Ken would see this comment and all of the others. He will be remembered, and his creations will stand the test of time. In a way, they already have.
satoshi has a real toriyama style of art.. love the 80ys art style
It hurts to see him with such a bad case of imposter syndrome. Ken Sugimori's artwork kept me completely enthralled in Pokemon, the artwork always felt alive. I would buy strategy guides for the games not because I needed them, but because I loved seeing the art of all the Pokemon in the back of the book. I spent hours just looking at the artwork. It was the thing that got me drawing and was a safe space for me when I was bullied in school.
I hope he can eventually come to terms with how meaningful his work is. Even if it's not what he originally planned, it's what many people needed, and that's worth the world over.
I absolutely ADORE Sugimori's art style, so this video detailing his history is amazing for me. I also love how Princess Peach is basically his number one waifu, and has been since he was young. I just find that really neat.
Ken Sugimori’s my number one favorite artist, I’ve always looked up to him ever since i was a child bc of Pokémon, but the one thing that really make me appreciate him on a whole other level was that one video from the official Game Freak RUclips channel where he drew Pulseman (there’s a clip of it in this video, but i can’t find it). His way of lining and coloring was completely new to me at the time, his lines were kinda messy and imperfect, but instead of going back and fixing them he rolled with it and the final result was incredibly cool and had so much personality, he made me see art under a new light and learn to appreciate imperfection as part of the process, I’m so grateful for that, he’s such a great artist
As an artist who grew up with Pokemon from year 1...Thank you. This video almost had me in tears
If only Ken and Satoshi could see just how impactful pokemon has been in my life...its so heartbreaking to hear how much he sacrificed for the sake of the series...I'm eternally grateful for everything Ken and everyone at Game Freak has done for Pokémon, I wouldn't be who I am today without it.
Wow, that broke my heart. Sugimori's art, to me, is legendary. It's clearly "Manga" but with a unique touch that makes it stand out from the rest. Like Takehito Harada for example. Hearing that he finds himself inadequate really feels bad.
It’s a bummer he feels that way but I can understand why. For what it’s worth, his work on pokemon has surely put many eyes on other things he’s done from people who appreciate his style, he will forever be one of my favourite artists and character designers and a massive inspiration to many. This is probably one of the best videos you guys have ever put out but I am also a massive fan of Sugimori’s work.
Such a legend. This man has shaped and inspired many lives and will continue to inspire generations.
I remember when I was 6 years old and just getting into Pokemon. It started with the cards. I loved the artwork for all of them, but the ones that I cherished the most had the name 'Ken Sugimori' at the bottom. He is the first artist I ever knew by name and sought out because his style meant so much to me. The life he breathed into Pokemon and everything else he's done will forever be one of my biggest inspirations as an illustrator. Thank you for everything, Sugimori-san! We love you!
One of the best videos DYKG has ever made. Congrats
These bios you guys do are my favorites. They're always so bittersweet and human.
Ken Sugimori makes great character designs that are like an anime. So timeless that the nice people miss.
I thank him for his work. He made an art style I will cherish from my childhood and one that will never be forgotten. Inspiration and a lesson for the next generation of aspiring artists. ❤
I don't understand how he can give up on his dream when he is still able to make art or go to art school. He could make his own manga and I'm sure his fame would help him get it out there. Just sad that he's given up
Because he already was "The Pokémon guy". No matter how much effort he ended up putting into his career, the shadow of his pokemon fame would follow him and overtake his new path no matter what he did.
Midlife crisis can be severe, and I don't see it being any easier in Japan, if he was already a recluse as a teen. To be 60 years old in art school in Japan would probably so ostracizing.
I hope he finds something to re-ignite his passion for manga.
@@nimbossit worked for James Turner he was the Pokémon guy but he left
Maybe sugimori embraced it now cuz if he didn’t he would have quit by now
i'm sure you're being expressive but there's other reasons to stop, aside from not being physically capable of doing art
fame brings exposure but it has nothing to do with the creative process; it can actually discourage attempts if it adds too much pressure. we don't know, but you could argue his reputation casts an exhaustive, intimidating shadow over future work.
peoples feelings change, especially when you're looking at statements made to public writing years ago, we can't overassume or doomify his feelings
also, I will add… he has drawn more manga, it's not like he gave up point-blank. but very few people gave it the time of day compared to his presence at pokemon
I just want to meet this man and thank him for making my childhood. I understand he doesn't want to be only associated with Pokémon and he wants to be recognized for his other works, but I would want want him to know that the things he contributed to in Pokémon defined a generation. His artwork, his designs, his contributions. I don't want him to devalue the positive impact he has made on millions of people through Pokémon.
Pokémon may not be his biggest passion, but it has become the biggest passion for many of us.
Thank you, Sugimori-san.
I got teary eyed near the end ngl! This was a very well put together video about a man i have looked up to since i was a child, but growing up in america back then, there wasnt any info abt him u.u his art has been such an inspiration to me❤ im glad to see him get recognition for his other works, and to see such a great video with so much information in it ^^
At 9:39 you're talking about the game Yoshi made by Game Freak and show its Japanese cover on the left (Yoshi no Tamago), but you also show the Japanese cover of a different game, Yoshi's Cookie (Yoshi no Cookie), on the right, which Game Freak did not work on.
Thank you for sharing this touching story. Mr. Sugimori is a true artist: Never thinking himself good enough to actually be the person he became, while creating the most amazing-looking pieces (not just for how iconic they are). I hope he one day, even though he's approaching retirement age, he'll pick up working on manga again. Maybe under a pseudonym, so people won't buy it just because it has his name on it..
And honestly, I really liked Drill Dozer, despite sadly only playing it on emulator. If I could get a physical copy of that game for a reasonable prize, I would definitely play it again.
I think it's important everyone here remember that translations from years or decades ago don't fully account for how peoples feelings change constantly, there is an uptick in his involvement with pokemon recenetly
also, fame doesn't magically help the creative process, it can hinder it or add pressure, he has his own reasons, not all of them are in this video
Ironic that a man whose work brought so much joy to millions over the years can have such a defeated outlook of himself, how saddening.
@@MartenFerretNintendo doesn’t get most of the Pokemon money
Tpc does what are u talking about lmao
@@MartenFerretno it didn’t Pokémon pays for itself like the cards the manga the anime future games
That’s why tpc is mostly independent
Go do research
It’s sweet how much Sugimori loves Pulseman. Played it for the first time when it was added to NSO, and it’s a solid and underrated Action Platformer
i really wasn't expecting to cry when i clicked on this video
It's really a bittersweet thing to think about. Sugimori's artwork to me is always how I think about Gen 1, I remember sketching Pokemon based on it. While he may not have much confidence in his skills modern Pokemon art really lacks the same feel and personality to it that his works did.
Anyone ever see that scene from _Dr. Who_ where the Doctor brings Vincent van Gogh to the future to show him just how much his art has affected people? I feel like someone needs to do something similar with Sugimori, show him just how much his art is loved by people all over the world.
A long time ago, I entered a game store and discovered one of my all time favorite games, Drill Dozer. I bought it not because I knew Game Freak had developed it (I didn't), not because of the cool looking cartridge, but because I saw Jill on the front sticker through the glass case and thought "she looks pretty cool!" All of Sugimori's artwork, Pokemon or not, just has this near magical quality that can just pull you in to appreciate it, I hope the man himself realizes this someday.
Looking forward to watching this later.
I had a poster that my grandmother bought me as a kid that had all 150 Pokémon drawn in watercolor. I REALLY loved that poster. Poor man, I hope he comes to be a little more proud of his work and legacy.
Great video!! Totally didn't cry lol. I hope this video has some kind of positive effect on this man's life.❤
Makes me wonder how many people get burned out at Game Freak, with fans getting angry, demanding they only make Pokémon?
Understood his sentiments . Since his Dream has been left out to really pursue and push forward their Projects.
But his Artwork is really Top Tier. Only an Artist with Natural Skills can do it. Creating and Drawing from Imagination and Experience is very outstanding.
His artwork is simply superb! I still wait for his artworks. There is soul in hand drawn artwork. Pure Passion!
What a kick in the balls, and relatable no less. I'm an character designer wannabe, constantly struggling with depression and not being good enough. And it sucks to be someone so influential to my art and a lot of other peoples' too struggle in the exact same way.
I hope he has enough money going around. I hope he finds something that re-ignites his spark and that he can finally draw a full fledged manga as a pet project.
If he's not a billionaire by now, he's close to it.
@@MartenFerret I wonder about that... I'm sure that Tajiri, Masuda and Ishihara probably are stupid rich now, but I wonder about the rest of the team. It doesn't seem like Gen 1 and 2 saw the color of money until somewhat later and they were pretty small then, it's impossible to know what their contracts looked like.
If there's any justice in the world, he probably still gets checks from eshop residuals to this day, but I wonder.
That makes me so sad. Ken Sugimori is so talented in his works. His ideas are so interesting and where Pokémon came from is always so inspiring to me.
Ken's early art still inspires me to this day, ever since I first saw the boxes for Red and Blue when I was 8. His early art, with the watercolor paint, was so unique and striking to me and really embodies the soul of Pokemon.
He is an icon to millions all over the world. He's inspired so many kids to pursue art, and likely given them their own dreams to chase in the process.
He is his own harshest critic, and I'm sorry to hear how he views the situation. I just hope he knows the impact his work has had on people, popular culture and the world, and that his artwork planted the seeds for the dreams of future generations of artists.
Bro so cool he made friends through his art, as a kid who moved from school to school a lot, I also found it to be a good way to impress others and make friends
Wanted to make this video quite a long time
It just goes to show that nobody is inmune to impostor syndrome, nobody is immune to feeling inadequate, or feeling like a failure. Even one of the most recognizable names in video games feels let down by himself because his most famous work isn't the one he's most proud of.
To anybody out there trying to live your dream, trying your best, and feeling like you're just never quite good enough: Don't stop trying. You're doing just fine.
NOOOOOOOOOOO Sugimori's original Pokemon art is so meaningful to me. It had such a big impact on me as a child and it's so precious to me. 😭 I wish he knew how much the younger generation cherishes his work.
3:06 Most people even these days probably don't even know that Space Invaders was made by Taito, let alone that like Pac-Man still being owned by Namco, now Bandai Namco, Taito is still around and still owns Space Invaders. I'd imagine most people in the US at least never even heard of Galaxian though. It was never as big of a name here.
This channel has evolved quite nicely over the years, good original research
I am shocked that Masuda knew nothing about coding and managed to save the game like that
At least he made his parents eat his words. Billions of times over.
There's much I can say, but as someone who loves Pulseman. The fact I share a favorite with the man himself
is very touching in a way I dunno how to articulate, I too wish he was recognized as a character designer
without having to attach Pokémon to that. It's all both beautiful and heartbreaking to hear
Wow, I never would have guessed that Ken Sugimori would be so... unfulfilled, I guess? I mean, I've always seen him as a towering success. He's THE most prominent artist behind the creation of the world's biggest media franchise, who defined its art direction from then on. And what's more, by all evidence he was pretty much calling his own design shots, rather than working directly under an art director or producer or whatever. Pokemon may have had a rough start, but after all was said and done, he came up with his own designs, and worked in his personally preferred style, and reached tremendous commercial success doing so. That's living the dream as far as I'm concerned. But now I realize that Pokemon itself wasn't quite HIS dream, and that's surprisingly sad.
I know that personal satisfaction is just that- entirely personal- and it's ultimately his own perception that determines his own creative fulfillment. But I wish that instead of just seeing the flaws and shortcomings Pokemon represents to his own creative journey, he could see his Pokemon work the way his fans do. Through the eyes of those of us who love it. To me, those old Sugimori watercolor illustrations aren't the work of some C-tier wannabe manga artist. They aren't what I settled for because Game Freak didn't have a better artist. Those illustrations are the top tier stuff that I've idolized and seek to emulate for most of my life. His artwork was integral to Pokemon being so great, not the other way around. And it's not just me who sees it that way, countless others love his old stuff. If the enduring popularity alone doesn't speak loud enough already, I absolutely know it's loved because I've been commissioned multiple times to make original work emulating his style. And nothing, and I mean nothing, says you love someone's art more than being willing to search out a specific creator out and then pay them actual money just to get an imitation it. So again, his feelings and reasons are ultimately his own, but I really wish he could see the value in his Pokemon work that everyone else does, because it's not right for him to find so little joy where it's so abundant for everyone else. He deserves better.
the old school screenshots in magazines were great. i have a few very old nintendo power issues, and the screenshots are clearly stitched together photographs of tv screens, complete with e.g. a mario sprite on every screen. there was a charm to it that modern, perfect screenshots lack.
Hard to think someone gave up his dream the way Sugimori did... never being able to reach his goals... trapped in the shadow of the biggest success of his career... I've played PulseMan, I still love Drill Dozer (it needs to be on NSO), and it's clear to me he put his heart and soul into everything he worked on.
All that said: I know for a fact that his art is _leagues_ better than mine.
One of my favourite artists all time. Really appreciate his work
Thank you Atsuko Nishida, for creating some of the most popular Pokemon to this day, especially my favorite Pikachu. Thank you Ken Sugimori, for my inspiration to keep drawing, even if I’m not an artist by trade. Huge respect for him even when he hoped to become a mangaka.
Sugimori is the most humble guy I've seen in the videogame industry. And yes, his art is good. He made the most iconic Pokemon art of all time and I hate how the Pokemon designs have strayed way from his original designs.
Didn't know a DYKG vid could bring me to tears
It's really fascinating to hear stories about Japanese game developers. It's really tough and it sucks that they are overworked, don't get me wrong but the passion and dedication that they pour in what they do is exactly why I highly respect them.
Edit: As an artist, I feel him. Having to think that your art is not good enough really sucks but at the same time, I wish he wouldn't be too hard on himself. His artstyle inspired many artist nowadays, including me.
When I started collecting Pokémon TCG's first sets, cards illustrated by Sugimori always caught my eye most of all. Sure, a lot of it was just his own official art on CG backgrounds . . . but, as a kid, what stuck out to me most of all was his linework. His linework was what made me a fan of his, even if it was just Pokémon at first. I hope he can feel where his passions lie is recognized and appreciated.
Ken Sugimori will never 'just the pokémon guy' to me. He is talented, respected and an inspirational artist. I always wanted to play pulseman and drilldozer, but i honestly could never afford to. Now especially considering how much they cost. But i have always had a deep respect for his work and him as an artist. I understand all too well that imposter syndrome of thinking 'im not good enough', so this really hits close to home.
Drill Dozer is one of the best GBA games of them all!
Even if it wasn't exactly what he wanted, even if impostor syndrome gets the best of him, Ken Sugimori's passion and work on Pokémon shaped and inspired the childhoods of several generations (real life people generations, I mean). Say what you will about the games' quality; but everyone, and I mean _everyone_ at least knows about them thanks in no small part to the characters he helped design and the worlds they live in.
He is indirectly responsible for anime hitting the mainstream outside of Japan. I'd say that's a pretty successful career.