For this edition of FanArt Friday, Pokémon Blog has the privilege of featuring not only a talented illustrator, but also a gifted fantasy writer known as Radven (Radvendraws). She has participated in every generation of Pokédex Ilustrada, as well as in “Pokémon Fan: Dibuja Tu Equipo Soñado (Pokémon Fan: Draw Your Dream Team),” both projects organized by the amazing team at Ilustradoras Unidas.
Radven defines art as something that has given her life meaning for as long as she can remember.
“I feel that when I’m not creating, something is missing in my life. I guess it’s also what helps me stay sane,” she shared. “In addition to drawing, I write. These two pillars are fundamental to me. I believe they define who I am and give me a sense of purpose. Life without art feels like just a formality to me. I’ve been drawing forever and plan to keep doing it for a long time.”
Pokémon was one of the first anime series Radven ever watched. She loved the concept of traveling around the world and collecting “little creatures with powers.” She used to collect them through Pogs and drawings.
“I had the encyclopedia of the second generation that my grandfather gave me, which I traced over and over again. Later on, my brother was given a Game Boy with Pokémon Yellow, and it was a revolution in my house at the time. I couldn’t play my first games until the DS came out and Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver were released. I fell in love with the games,” she recalled fondly.
Pokémon has also served as a way for her to connect with others: “I’ve met friends, partners, and people who have meant a lot to me through the franchise. I was even part of the staff that organized two Pokémon Days in Chile for a while. I was in charge of selecting the illustration booths in 2013 and 2014. Pokémon has given me wonderful moments, which is why I still play it casually to this day. I even completed the Pokédex in Pokémon X.”
Pokémon is also one of the few franchises that Radven genuinely enjoys creating fan art for.
“I really enjoy making OCs and creating my own stories, but Pokémon is one of the few things that truly inspires me and that I enjoy drawing. I love the variety of designs and creatures. I think it’s because I’m a veterinarian and have always loved animals. It’s great to be able to apply all my knowledge of anatomy and observation to fictional creatures and bring them to life—these creatures that can truly leap off the page and inspire others,” she revealed to the Pokémon Blog Team.
Her favorite Pokémon is Ceruledge.
“I fell in love with her design. First, because of her beautiful color palette; second, because she has a feminine and strong presence, two qualities I absolutely love; and third, her background, her armor, and the idea of her being the bearer of resentment. This Pokémon immediately caught my attention because she feels like a creature that goes far beyond aesthetics, thanks to her captivating story. As a concept, she reminds me of one of the characters in a novel I’m currently writing—also a strong woman who wields two daggers and is cursed. And, of course, she’s the lead member of my latest team,” Radven concluded.
Remember, you can follow our multitalented artist on her Social Media Accounts:
You can see more of her beautiful illustrations, including her extraordinary contributions to Pokédex Ilustrada, below:
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