When I got back into collecting last year, I started thinking deeply about the art of chase/popular cards from the WOTC era sets. I realized that what may have helped base set Charizard’s popularity is that he is the only holofoil Pokemon who is performing a move (aka in a Dynamic Pose) and is not 100% in the center of the art panel. From the few art classes I have taken throughout my life, I have learned that these techniques make an art composition more appealing.
I developed a hypothesis that certain characteristics of the art on cards make for an appealing chase card, especially during the WOTC era:
Dynamic positioning-is the Pokemon doing a move? Are they reacting to their environment?2. Story telling-is there a story being told in the surrounding art of the pokemon?3. ~Sparkle! -Does the card have a lot of shine? Is there a large portion of holofoil on the card?4. Use of color-Is the coloration appealing? Does it make the pokemon pop or improve the background/sparkle?*5. Hand drawn art? -as opposed to computer generated. This could go either way. Sometimes Pokemon look really good with that 90s computer generated look. However, modern Pokemon can look almost too 'perfect."
This is just a list of art elements I have noticed in popular cards and sets. I have noticed that since base set, the art of later sets follows these ideas more and more with the pinnacle being Skyridge.
I would love to get people’s thoughts on this/help with the list. Also, if you are interested, please post pictures of cards that either supports or opposes my hypothesis. I think this could make for a great conversation!
I agree with you. Dynamic (also facial expression) and context (storytelling/ detailed backgrounds/ interactions) are what I personally like most about my favorite artworks.
The total lack thereof in modern Sugimori and much of the 5ban art might be the reason why I dislike it so much.
I’d add a tiny detail: it’s not always about the sheer amount of holofoil, but how it is used. It can highlight specific parts of the artwork. Like Umbreons yellow rings, they really seem to glow in the dark.
Very cool example! I agree that the best card art involves well utilized holofoil!
To add to this is a classic card:
The shining Charizard is an excellent use of foil. It makes it look as though this alternately colored Charizard has just flown over you. It leaves you in awe that you witnessed this rare event.I definitely believe that this sort of art analysis would give us greater insight as to why many modern chase cards feel so lacking.
I feel at home in this thread. Some of the most beautiful and also my top 3 favorite cards are already posted here. Edit also let me add i care a lot more about the artwork and appeal of a card over the particular Pokemon. But it’s even better for Pokemon I also love as well. I seem to love just about every Pokemon. But some I connect to more. Even tho it is somewhat cliché sense everyone loves Charizard but how can you not? Also Umbreons design is top notch whether it’s the card or the in game Pokemon. The Shiny version is even better (in game to clarify) I love hidden fates Umbreon Zard and damn near all of them haha can’t narrow it down too much
Basically all the Shinings. I started to list a few but they are all amazing! T17’s pose in Neo how can you not love that one. Dark Crobat is a beautiful card but not a chase card. Yet at least. Hmm let’s see there’s so many. Dark Typhlosion. Dark Feralagatr. Dark Espeon. Fossil Dragonite. Or Team Rocket Dark Dragonite. Blaine’s Charizard. Blaine’s arcanine. Aquapolis Azumarill (not a chase card tho but beautiful) Base set Venasaur and Blastoise. Or Dark Blastoise. Some of my favorite arts all all in Neo-Skyridge but theres so much to love from every era. Hard to narrow down. But I agree with the points in original post. Good pose and beautiful art make for a great chase card
Some of the most beautiful arnt chase cards. Azumarill comes to mind. Bellosum. Your Starmie is a perfect example I wish I owned that one. I’ll have to go back for it sometime soon. I regret skipping Aquapolis and Skyridge holo’s but price was over 5-6k for the 64 ungraded. Those holo’s arnt cheap
I think this card is somewhat slept on. However, it does support the idea that the artwork of Pokemon cards continued to adhere closer and closer to the points I mentioned in my first post with the pinnacle being WOTC E series! A chase set, if you will!
Any card could be viewed as a chase one although some theoretically shouldn’t be and others have been it too much. This forum wouldn’t exist without Base Weedle and Reverse HGSS Reverse Caterpie. Two Outer Gods whom casually handle all of space, time and collecting in itself let alone there sole perception, made to hypnotise one.
I love hidden fates Umbreon Zard and damn near all of them haha can’t narrow it down too much 
A chase set, if you will!