Throughout the history of the Pokémon TCG, there have been many talented illustrators who have utilized their skills to depict hundreds of Pokémon from the Pokémon series. Full art cards, a type of card where the artwork takes up the entire card, allow illustrators to unleash their creativity and have more space to work with.
The use of color, the composition of the Pokémon, and the background of the illustration all help the cards stand out, creating a new interpretation of Pokémon. These full art cards can be on the pricey side if you want a specific card, but the unique artwork makes them worth seeking out.
These full art cards were chosen based on the way they represent each Pokémon, the artistic techniques used, and the little details that take the cards to the next level.
Updated June 28, 2026 by Niall Walsh: New sets are being released at an incredible rate, so there's always new full-art cards joining the fray. The Chaos Rising expansion added two more choices to this list. Mega Evolutions have brought us so many amazing card designs, it's only natural that some of them would make our list.
Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex – Fateful Rivals #231
menacing glare
Nostalgic full art cards always score big. Especially when the artwork is a nod to Pokémon's past. Two menacing figures stare out of the card in menacing poses made even worse by the flashy color choices.
With Giovanni and Mewtwo staring down at you, any opponent who has to deal with this card can be intimidated by the artwork alone. The light around Mewtwo adds an extra layer, showing its power subtly instead of overtly acting. This gives the card an exemplary edge that solidifies its place on this list.
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The great thing about collecting Pokemon cards comes from the beautiful artwork that adorns each card. Introducing the best illustrators.
Clive – Paldin Destiny #236
Adorable chibi style art
One of the particularly interesting aspects of trading card games, especially Pokémon, is how different the art styles can be. This makes every unique card special. This Clive card showcases the Scarlet and Violet crew in the most adorable way.
Some key Pokémon are also shown in adorable chibi style, and these cards tell the story of Scarlet and Violet's group and introduce them in a whole new light. It's a great example of how impressive the variety of art in a TCG can be, regardless of the art style.
Kecleon – Rising Flame #213
How many Kecleons can you see?
When you first look at this card, you might think there's only one Kecleon in the picture, but if you look closely, you'll notice several other Kecleons mixed into the background, matching the colors of the flowers and clinging to the branches.
Mori Yuu's illustrations contrast flat colors and textures to create eye-catching effects. This approach is perfect for depicting Kecleon's ability to camouflage itself in its surroundings and for making the central Pokémon stand out. It's easy to imagine a group of Kecleons behaving like this in the wild.
Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex – Prism Evolution #168
The Blood Moon Rises Again…
Keiji Yano's description of Bloodmoon Ursaluna, a Pokémon first introduced in Scarlet & Violet's DLC, captures its fearsome nature. In Keiji's illustration, Bloodmoon Ursaluna is hunched over and breathing heavily with a blood-red moon in the background.
The Pokémon's breath is used to add another layer to the picture as it spreads throughout Bloodmoon Ursaluna's body and pools beneath its feet like a cloud. This configuration also makes it look as if the Pokémon hears movement behind it and is jumping around, ready to attack.
Hydrapple ex – Stella Crown #167
The value of tapestry
Teeziro is one of the most prolific TCG artists, and this Hydrapple ex is one of the best they've drawn. Hydrapple was introduced in The Indigo Disk in Gen 9 and was inspired by hydras and candied apples.
This Hydrapple card resembles an ancient mural reminiscent of Pokémon's mythological inspiration. Hydrapple is surrounded by its first evolution, Applin, and the entire illustration gives it a worn effect, as if the mural has been around for years. Teeziro's use of Pokemon inspiration takes this card to the next level, giving us a glimpse into how the Pokemon world chronicles its mythology.
Houndoom · Shrouded Fable #066
Peel them all and bite them all
This Houndoom full art card is one of the first cards for the Pokémon TCG after Kasai Taiga debuted as a runner-up in the 2022 Illustration Contest. Houndoom is a menacing Pokémon whose howling sound is described in X's Pokédex entry as being like the “call of the underworld.” Thanks to this card, it's not hard to imagine.
The card has a largely bland color scheme, with the exception of the Houndoom's eyes glowing completely red. The silhouettes of the other Houndooms help paint a picture of Pokémon running in packs, hinting at the fearsome hellhounds they are based on.
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Froslass · The Masquerade of Twilight #174
cold as ice
Ghost-type Pokémon often have spooky legends associated with them, and Froslass is no exception. The Pokedex entry states that Froslass is likely a woman lost in the snow who was reborn as a Pokémon and is able to mark her prey by freezing them. Matazo's full-art card certainly evokes the creepy nature of Frosslass.
The card shows Proslas slipping into a house on a full moon night with a strange expression on his face. The muted color scheme and background chosen by Matazo makes you feel as if it is the middle of the night and you have just witnessed this terrifying sight…
Tatsugiri – Twilight Masquerade #186
Does anyone suddenly want to eat sushi?
Osare was the perfect choice for Tatsugiri's full art thanks to his vibrant, colorful art style with bold black outlines that capture Pokémon's signature color palette. Tatsugiri come in different colors depending on their form (Curly, Droopy, Stretchy) and they are all depicted on this card.
The pink, yellow and orange tatsugiri blend well together, especially against the bright blue background of the sea. The white pattern throughout the piece is also reminiscent of pop art style. It's a fun display of a different art style not usually seen in Pokemon TCGs.
Pawmi – Paldin Destiny #226
Favorite people dozing off
Pawmi, a Gen 9 Pikachu clone, is an electric mouse with a tuft of quiff-like fur on her head, round yellow cheeks, and adorable, sparkly eyes, as she appears on this card. There's also Pawmi, who wakes up from a nap with her family and is literally sparkling.
The sparkling pink fur of the Pawmi complements the flowers in the foreground, tying the piece together. Sunlight shining through the trees and sparkling on the leaves creates a relaxing scene. Oh, try being a bomi sleeping in the forest.
Grottle – The Power of Time #164
Go on an adventure
This card, drawn by Oswaldo Kato, depicts Grottle walking through long grass with Maril on his back, followed by Stali and another Maril. The card states that Grotle leaves the forest to sunbathe, so the group of Pokémon are likely looking for a place to catch some sunlight.
It's always fascinating when Pokemon illustrators show friendship between Pokemon in their work, and this card is a perfect example of this. You can imagine a special episode of the anime following this unlikely group of Pokemon friends.
