Yuka Morii is an expert clay modeler who has produced artwork for thePokemon TCGfor numerous years. Inan interview with Otaquest, Morii said that before she even begins modeling with clay, she “create[s] artworks by imagining the 3D images of thePokemonand draw[s] sketches, then ha[s] discussions with others,” showing the detailed process that goes into each clay model.
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Morii said she also tries to “create something outstanding but at the same time cute,” which is something she achieves with each card. Morii isone of the most distinctive artists in the TCG, all thanks to her unique method.
10It’s A Wrap: Ekans (Dragon Frontiers #47)
In this Ekans card, Morii chose to depictthe Snake Pokemonnestled within a tree. Pokemon Yellow’s Pokedex entry says that Ekans often “wraps its long body around tree branches to rest” - perhaps this behavior was the inspiration behind this card.
The way that Morii used Ekans’ serpentine attributes helps to elevate a simple scene, showing how Ekans would use their surroundings every day. Rather than placing Ekans in a static position, Morii curled the model’s body as though it was actually gripping the tree trunk.
9Biding Its Time: Metapod (Sun & Moon #2)
The Cocoon Pokemon Metapod is the middle form between Caterpie and Butterfree - as the name suggests, Metapod is undergoing metamorphosis. As a result, it “does not move very much,” according to various Pokedex entries.
Morii captured Metapod’s motionless behavior, similar to how real-life caterpillars cocoon themselves and hang on trees. The clay model is fixed to the side of the tree in a way that mimics its real-world counterpart. Although it’s made of clay, the model manages to be realistic while maintaining the fantasy style of Pokemon.
8Floating Jewel: Carbink (Fates Collide #49)
Morii’s Carbink card shows it outside its usual cave home - instead, Carbink floats serenely in what appears to be a forest environment. The shadows and light between the tree branches shine on Carbink’s body, helping it to blend seamlessly into the landscape.
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It’s impressive how Morii made the Carbink model hover in midair, with no evidence of how she achieved this present in the final image. Morii was also able to replicate the uneven texture of rocks on Carbink’s body by defining the grooves on the surface.
7Riding The Wave: Tynamo (Fusion Strike #095)
This Tynamo card shows the EleFish Pokemon in its favored element, swimming in the water. Morii used Tynamo’s water habitat to her advantage in this card - the real backdrop makes the environment more dynamic and allows the clay model to stand out against the real water.
Morii’s positioning of Tynamo is especially effective, as it appears as though it’s leaping out of the water and enjoying the waves. Tynamo’s eel-like body is perfectly represented through clay, as its fin ripples like the waves it’s jumping through.
6Posing For The Picture: Snorunt (Arceus #75)
Morii’s Snorunt card showsthe Ice-type Pokemonrelaxing on a pile of rocks in front of a waterfall. Despite Snorunt maintaining its regular, shivering expression, its relaxed body language shows it is having a pleasant time. Morii positioned Snorunt in an especially endearing way, with its feet propped up in front of it.
As Snorunt isn’t in its usual icy environment, it seems as though it took a trip to the waterfall and is snapping a photo to take home as a treasured memory. The care Morii put into how the Snorunt model interacts with the environment helps to make it more realistic and makes the entire card artwork cohesive.
5Mr. Ditto: Ditto (Pop Series 3 #120)
When Ditto uses its ability to transform into other Pokemon, humorous results always ensue because of how Ditto takes on their appearance but maintains its own blank expression. Morii’s Ditto card, depicting the Pokemon pretending to be Mr. Mime, is an excellent example. The Pokemon stares ahead as if there are no thoughts in its head, thanks to Ditto’s dot eyes and thin mouth.
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The clay medium is ideal for showcasing Ditto’s ability, as, similar to how you can make things with clay, Ditto can mold itself into something else. The clay effect of Ditto as Mr. Mime helps to highlight the fact there’s something… not quite right with this Mr. Mime.
4Snork Mimimi: Dedenne (Vivid Voltage #077)
In her Dedenne card, Morii chose to depict the small Pokemon sleeping while sitting upright and resting on its tail. The atmosphere Morii creates is peaceful as Dedenne appears to be snoozing without a care in the world among its natural surroundings.
Morii’s choice to show Dedenne sleeping in this position gives the card more character, as it’s easy to imagine coming across a slumbering Dedenne in the Pokemon universe, taking a moment’s rest on a tree stump. Morii’s skill is also present in the details of the clay model, including Dedenne’s antenna-like whiskers and the spiky end of its tail.
3Sugary Heaven: Swirlix (Generations #RC19)
Morii’s interpretation of Swirlix is especially adorable as it captures the essence ofthe Cotton Candy Pokemon. Morii decided to surround Swirlix with miniature clay models of treats and candy, and Swirlix looks like it’s enjoying itself greatly.
The most impressive part of this card is Morii’s attention to detail - not only in Swirlix, but also in the treats. Swirlix has a pink ombre effect on its ears, and the crust on the macarons is textured well, making them look realistic. Even though they’re made of clay, the treats look appetizing and good enough to eat.
2Plant Pair: Venusaur & Snivy-GX (Sun & Moon Promos #SM229)
This Tag Team card shows Venusaur and Snivy in a forest environment. The background Morii placed these two Pokemon in is perfect for the Grass-type pair, as they appear to feel at home among the leaves and branches.
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Not only does the environmental flora complement the green in the Pokemon’s designs, but it also helps to make Venusaur and Snivy come to life, as you can easily imagine this being their natural habitat. Impressively, Morii was able to capture even the minute detail on these two Pokemon, such as Snivy’s leaf-shaped tail and the plant on Venusaur’s back.
1Scorpion Family: Drapion V (Crown Zenith #GG49)
Morii’s Drapion V full art card shows the scorpion Pokemon sitting in a sandy climate alongside two Skorupi. Drapion appears to be a Shiny as it has a reddish color scheme compared to its usual purple one.
This color choice immediately draws your eye to Drapion as it stands out against the purple Skorupi beside it. Morii did an excellent job of showing Drapion’s relationship with Skorupi - Drapion gazes upon the Skorupi as they play in the sand as if it were their parental figure.
