keitheaverage

I just learned yesterday that Pikachu, my favorite Pokemon, was originally designed not by Ken Sugimori (he only finalized the design), but by a female graphic designer named Atsuko Nishida. 

Also after googling her, I found out that she’s also designed Sylveon–another favorite PKMN of mine. She’s also illustrated some very pretty Pokemon cards!!

Thank you Ms. Nishida! :-) May you get more credit and love for your contribution to the Pokemon franchise.

bluekeaton

as a camera shy person myself, knowing she hides behind plushies is just amazing

cat-harman92

Her and Yoko Taro are legends at hiding from cameras. xD 

mizulyn

Here’s some other Pokemon she’s designed, for anyone curious:

source: x

and not to derail this post into anything overtly political, but: If it weren’t for a woman in the gaming industry, we wouldn’t have freakin’ Charizard. I feel like that’s something more people should know about!