Japanese or US resident? Want to have your own Pokemon card promo? Now is your chance!

Creatures and The Pokémon Company International have announced a new Illustration contest, and this time it's not only for Japan, but is also open for residents from the United States. The illustrations of the Grand Prize Winner and the two runner-ups from both Japan and the US, will be made into a promo card.

There is no mention of how these promos will be distributed yet. The last two (Japan only) Pokémon Card Game Illustration Grand Prix promos were given out as free Pokemon Center Japan promos at the time. The 2019 version was Gardevoir done by Yuu Nishida, and the 2020 version was Charizard done by Jiro Sasumo.

From their Q&A section:

Q: The illustration for Grand Prize, First Runner-Up for Japan and US will be made into actual cards. Where can I get one of these cards other than having one given to me directly by the award winner?
A: This is currently undecided.

Everyone can apply up to 3 illustrations between October 12, 2021 and January 31, 2022. Winning artists will be announced around June 2022. You need to be an adult (18 years or older) to participate in this contest. 

The theme of this illustration contest will be “The Daily Life of Pokémon”. And you can choose between Bulbasaur, Charizard, Pikachu, Arcanine, Galarian Rapidash, Scizor, Greninja & Cramorant. Shiny Pokemon are not allowed in this contest.

You can check the official website here for more details and of course, apply for this contest in the future. The website mentions the winner will not become an official Pokemon TCG illustrator.

For the past two contests in Japan, Creatures mentioned that they might ask the winners (including the winners of the excellence awards), to work as an "Pokemon Card Game Certified Illustrator", but there was no guarantee either.

There are artists in Japan that have been commissioned for Pokemon TCG cards by Creatures that have previously entered the past illustration contests, but did not win the actual contest. Some of these artists are: takuyoa, OKACHEKE, Souichirou Gunjima, Atsushi Furusawa, Nagomi Nijo, Teeziro and Narumi Sato. Mari Inoue from the past contest, got commissioned too for the Eevee Heroes - Eeveelutions Set artwork and the "Let's have fun. Spring, Pokemon Card Game.'' sticker, but not an actual real PTCG card. momo irone also participated in the past, but never illustrated a card but has illustrated mulitple pokemon shirts patterns.

From their Q&A section:

Q: Can I become an Official Pokémon Card Illustrator if I win the grand prize in this contest?

A: No, winning does not lead to becoming an Official Pokémon Trading Card Illustrator. However, we may contact certain contest participants to gauge interest in contributing to future illustrations for the Pokémon TCG.

Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest Prizes

One overall artist will be chosen from the entire field. Winning artists will be announced in June 2022.

Grand Prize

One (1) Grand Prize Winner from either Japan or the United States will receive a cash value of $5,000.
AND the winner’s illustration will be made into a promo card.

First Runner-Up

(Japan / United States)

Two (2) total First Runners-Up, one (1) from Japan and one (1) from the United States, will receive a cash value of $3,000.
AND each runner-up’s illustration will be made into a promo card.

Second Runner-Up

Two (2) Second Runners-Up from either Japan or the United States will receive a cash value of $1,000.

Judges’ Award

Fifteen (15) Judges’ Award Winners from either Japan or the United States will receive a cash value of $500.