Erika's Bellsprout
NO. 75Gym Heroes
Common
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Artist file
Atsuko Nishida
417Illustrated cards
399Full-card views
106Sets indexed
1999–2026Timeline
About
Atsuko Nishida (西田 敦子) is a Japanese graphic artist and character designer known for her significant contributions to the Pokémon franchise. She worked at Game Freak and later at TOYBOX Inc. Nishida played a pivotal role in designing iconic Pokémon species, including Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and several Eeveelutions like Glaceon and Sylveon. Pikachu's design was initially inspired by a daifuku candy and later influenced by her obsession with squirrels, which also inspired its electric cheeks. Nishida has illustrated hundreds of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) cards, with her work dating back to 1997. Notably, she created the artwork for the ultra-rare 'Pikachu Illustrator' card, which holds the record for the most expensive Pokémon card sold at auction, fetching $16.5 million in February 2026. Nishida is a private individual, having once conducted an interview while hidden behind a giant Pikachu plush doll.
Strongest lane
EX
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Timeline
1999–2026
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Signature plate
Gardevoir & Sylveon GX
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Current pull
Common
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