Artist's commentary
Elation in Evolution
"Ah, fascinating!" Utsugi remarked, adjusting his glasses to focus more clearly on the pokemon before him. Leaves crunched and Gold didn't hesistate to step closer, a proud smile lighting up his face. Togetic seemed a little squeamish at the attention.
"I wanted to show you as soon as possible," Gold added, watching his reaction. The professor bent down to get a closer look.
"This really is incredible, Gold!" Utsugi nodded. "I got so excited, I just couldn't wait for you to return from Yoshino. I hope you don't mind!" He did not wait for a response before continuing, becoming more animated by the minute, "I wonder if there might be more to this kind of evolution?"
--
Yoshino is Cherrygrove, in case you were curious. Utsugi is Elm, too.
I've always thought it'd be cool if something happened when your trainer finally manages to evolve Togepi. Elm was fascinated by pokemon evolution, so it makes sense, right? Also, I have to admit that Elm ranks highest in my favorites of pokemon professors. Process-wise, I'm content with this one. The trees were challenging (...guess what kind they are!) Everything was pretty much drawn and hand-painted using a tablet. There's one texture in there, and a gradient, though it's difficult to see. I remembered how to make cleaner line-art, too.
Pokemon (c) Satoshi Tajiri, Nintendo, GAME FREAK Inc. + Creatures Inc. 1995+