I posted those "rules" in the OP, to give everyone an idea of what I am looking for -- but those are CAP art contest rules, not rules for the Smogon front page. I want posed pictures of pokemon on a plain white background. I don't want them blasting Thunderbolts, or punching out Blissey, or gazing over a mountain vista, or have snarky captions, or wearing funny costumes, or... whatever. I hope you get what I mean. Just draw the pokemon. How you draw it is pretty much up to you.
I happen to prefer pokeart that is colored lineart, but if you make a good pic that is "appropriate" for the Smogon front page circles -- then go for it. On the CAP project, we strictly enforce art rules to create an even playing field for everyone to compete. In this thread, I put up those rules so people could get a sense for what I think will look "appropriate". This project should be fun and interesting for everyone. I'm not going to be a heavy-handed rule enforcer. If artists are willing to lend their talents to make our front page look cool -- I'm interested to see what they can do. If your style is not squarely in the Ken Sugimori mold, that's fine with me. But, I don't want weird stuff or crazy stylized pics just for shock value. Draw cool pics in your style, and we'll all see what we like.
As for strangeways' question about the style on Samurott, I happen to really like that style. No, it's not traditional cartoon lineart. But I love the lyrical quality and all the energy. Lesser artists can't pull that style off without looking like just haphazard marks and dabs. But the structure you conveyed with so few strokes was remarkable. I love it! I also like the traditional style you used on the Bisharp. You pick the style you think would be best, and go with it.
I'm also loving the stuff posted by the other artists in this thread. I'm so glad you guys are taking time to contribute to this project!
