Which person illustrated the original Pokémon species designs?

Ken Sugimori illustrated the original Pokémon species designs.

Sugimori was an early Game Freak collaborator and became the franchise’s principal illustrator. He helped give the first generation a unified visual style, drawing the Pokémon artwork and in-game sprites associated with the original games. His work made the species recognizable across game packaging, manuals, promotional material, and later media.

This credit is distinct from the concept of creating the Pokémon franchise. Satoshi Tajiri originated the franchise, while different Game Freak staff members contributed individual creature concepts. Atsuko Nishida, for example, is specifically credited with designing Pikachu, and Motofumi Fujiwara is associated with Eevee and some of its evolutions.

Sugimori did not necessarily invent every individual Pokémon from scratch. Development was collaborative, and Game Freak has generally emphasized the team’s role. Nevertheless, the original generation’s finalized designs and artwork are especially closely identified with Sugimori.