Jiro Sasumo

About

Jiro Sasumo (Japanese: さすも次郎, Sasumo Jirō) is an illustrator for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), who first gained professional involvement by winning the 2nd Pokémon Card Game Illustration Grand Prix. His winning entry was used as artwork for his first card, which featured Charizard as one of the S-P Promotional cards. Since the Brilliant Stars expansion, Sasumo has been contributing artwork to Pokémon TCG cards on a regular basis. He began posting illustrations online during his youth and attended art school, but his professional career started after winning the contest. He creates his artwork using a pen tablet and Photoshop. Sasumo's favorite Pokémon generation is Generation II, and his favorite Pokémon is Charizard. The total number of cards illustrated by Sasumo varies by source, with estimates ranging from 21 to 38 cards. Notable cards he illustrated include Vaporeon from Brilliant Stars Trainer Gallery, Leafeon VSTAR, and Gardevoir ex. His artwork is recognized for its storytelling qualities, earning acclaim from collectors and fans.