CGC Introduces Authentic ART Designation for Verified Artists
Posted on 7/9/2026
Over the years, trading cards have evolved into much more than a game playing mechanism. They are considered collectibles, treasures, trophies, and more. More recently, trading cards have even become a popular medium for artists to express their love for a franchise, with many choosing to create stickers, magnets, or decorations out of more common cards, or even less-common ones, using the card’s faces directly as a medium for sketching, painting, and drawing.
One of the most popular TCGs for artists to influence is the Pokémon TCG. Many renowned artists, such as Yukina Suzuki, have taken to using Energy cards as a canvas for their own interpretations of the popular characters. To celebrate the work that these artists do, CGC has introduced the official Authentic ART designation to the CGC label for cards.
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| A Fighting Energy, Pokémon (2023) Japanese Trading Card Game Classic - FIG Venusaur & Lugia ex Deck Holo certified by CGC Signature Series as Authentic ART and signed by Keyun and graded Auto 9 Click images to enlarge. |
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The CGC Authentic ART designation is used for cards with custom art applied to the surface. To qualify for the Authentic ART designation, the card must be submitted by an individual with a CGC Artist Account (which is exclusive to officially recognized artists), or from a qualified CGC Signature Series submission. To learn more about the CGC Authentic ART designation, go here.
CGC recently certified several cards sketched and signed by Keyun, an artist who creates beautiful portraits of Pokémon using Energy cards as a medium, which are shown here.
About Keyun
Keyun is a freelance illustrator and animator based in China, though they are recognized worldwide for their stunning interpretations of Pokémon characters, which they sketch and paint on cards. Keyun is a talented artist that sketches Pokémon on both Energy cards and in the negative space on regular cards, often sketching additional scenery or Pokémon to complement the Pokémon printed in the original card’s art box. In addition to sketching on cards, Keyun attends conventions and events based in China, where they offer commissions, signatures, and artwork for sale.
Keyun’s Pokémon interpretations often draw inspiration from famous paintings, including Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. Others take inspiration from official Pokémon artwork, such as the Darkrai and Gengar pictured below. Just look at these examples — aren’t they beautiful?
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| A Grass Energy, Pokémon (2023) Japanese Trading Card Game Classic - GRA Venusuar & Lugia ex Deck (Gardevoir art) Holo certified by CGC Signature Series as Authentic ART and signed by Keyun and graded Auto 10 (left) and a Spare Card, Pokémon Playing Cards (2019) JPN Old Maid (Umbreon art) certified by CGC Signature Series as Authentic ART and signed by Keyun and graded Auto 9 (right) Click images to enlarge. |
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| A Spare Card, Pokémon Playing Cards (2019) JPN Old Maid (Gengar art) certified by CGC Signature Series as Authentic ART and signed by Keyun and graded Auto 10 (left) and a Spare Card, Pokémon Playing Cards (2019) JPN Old Maid (Darkrai art) certified by CGC Signature Series as Authentic ART and signed by Keyun and graded Auto 10 (right) Click images to enlarge. |
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If you like these cards featuring Keyun’s artwork, be sure to check out their Instagram for more illustrations. Also, keep an eye out for shows and events where artists are in attendance; you’ll often find a CGC Signature Series witness who can help you obtain a CGC-certified piece of art of your own.
About CGC
Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.
CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 110 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs and stamps.
