INTERVIEW- published 01 March 2025

Collect them all… and reflect on our world

An interview with official bkk UNZINE artist Estelle Cruz on her Pokémon and Biodiversity series  


With her series Pokémon and Biodiversity, Estelle Cruz draws the connection between the fantasy world of Pokémon and our own, promoting awareness and discussion of ecology, biodiversity and conservation.

Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind this series and why you chose Pokémon as your subject matter?

"Pokémon and Biodiversity" is an artistic series that highlights the real-life species that inspired various Pokémon designs. Each artwork combines scientific illustration techniques—using Indian ink and stippling—with watercolor to depict the original Pokémon.

I chose Pokémon because it’s a franchise that resonates across generations. Almost everyone has grown up with Pokémon in some way—through games, cards, or the anime—so it’s an excellent way to capture people's attention.

Each artwork features a Pokémon alongside the real-life species that inspired it. On the back, viewers can read more about the species, whether it is endangered, and where it can be found in Thailand. For instance, Sandshrew is inspired by the pangolin, a species that can still be spotted in Khao Yai National Park. Beyond being an art series, these pieces serve as educational biodiversity cards.

Have you always been a Pokémon fan? What is it about the franchise that particularly appeals to you? And how about anime and animation in general—are there any titles that have influenced or inspired your artistic approach?

I grew up in the 1990s, so Pokémon was a huge part of my childhood. I collected the cards, played the Game Boy games, and followed the series closely. It wasn’t just Pokémon—Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Dragon Ball were also big influences.

What fascinates me about Pokémon is its world-building and the way it draws inspiration from real animals and myths to create a unique ecosystem. There’s a strong connection between Pokémon and nature, which is why I find it so relevant to discuss biodiversity through this lens.

As for animation in general, Studio Ghibli’s work has also been a major influence, especially films like Princess Mononoke, which directly address the balance between humans and nature.

 

Your work clearly reflects a deep passion for nature and the living world. How do you hope this series will inspire audiences to appreciate biodiversity, especially through the lens of a fictional universe like Pokémon?

By presenting this series at the Bangkok Illustration Fair 2024 and later at Night at the Museum at Chulalongkorn University, I noticed that many people were drawn to the artworks simply because they love Pokémon. That initial interest serves as a great entry point to introduce discussions on biodiversity and conservation.

It’s a fun and accessible way to talk about ecology—especially with younger audiences who might not usually engage with these topics. Beyond raising awareness, I also wanted this project to contribute directly to conservation efforts. That’s why 50% of the proceeds from the prints were donated to Thai NGOs, such as the Bird Conservation Society or the living plant museum, to support wildlife protection initiatives. I believe art has the power not just to educate but also to actively support conservation.


“What fascinates me about Pokémon is its world-building and the way it draws inspiration from real animals and myths to create a unique ecosystem.

“There’s a strong connection between Pokémon and nature, which is why I find it so relevant to discuss biodiversity through this lens.”


Did you have a favorite Pokémon to illustrate? And if you could have a Pokémon as a real-life companion, which one would you choose and why?

I really enjoyed illustrating Tyrunt. The design is inspired by real dinosaur fossils, which made it particularly fun to work on. I love the mix of prehistoric elements and reptilian features, and it was a great challenge to render its textures using ink and stippling techniques.

If I could see a Pokémon in real life, I’d love to encounter a group of Bulbasaur in the wild. They embody the perfect balance between plants and animals, which aligns beautifully with my research on bioinspiration. I imagine them thriving in lush ecosystems, coexisting with real flora, and playing a crucial role in their environment—like seed dispersers or symbiotic creatures. That would be a fascinating sight!

Card sets from Pokémon and Biodiversity are available through bkk UNZINE and UNZINE 95.

Check out Estelle’s entry for bkk UNZINE’s “Then vs. Now” issue here

and her entry for the “Passion” issue here.