How to Create a Personalized Pokémon Card for Your Pet: My Step-by-Step Process

Hey everyone!

I recently had a heartwarming moment that inspired me to get creative. My sister popped over to my apartment and spotted my Cricut machine. Naturally, she asked if I’d made any new stickers of Richy. For those who might not know, Richy was our beloved American cocker spaniel who brought us 17 years of unconditional joy before passing away last December. He was more than just a pet; he was my muse, my buddy, and a constant source of inspiration for my work.

When my sister asked about new stickers, it got me reminiscing. I remembered seeing some posts on Instagram where people created custom Pokémon cards featuring their pets! As a kid, I was a Pokémon card collector, so the idea struck a nostalgic chord with me. I love the creativity behind personalizing the abilities to reflect our pets' unique habits and quirks—it adds a special touch that makes it truly one-of-a-kind.

Inspired, I decided to create a Pokémon card sticker for Richy. I used the classic first edition card format as a reference, which I think I still have at my parents’ house! 😝

For those of you who are artsy and want to give this a go for your pets, here’s how I created my Richy Pokémon card:

1. Researching References: I started by looking for a sample Pokémon card that I wanted to use as a reference. Since the design of Pokémon cards has changed over the years, I picked the first edition card because that's what I collected as a kid. I used Chansey as a reference because it has most of the elements I wanted for my card. Since I wanted Richy to be a normal type Pokémon, I chose Chansey for easier visualization of the final product.

2. Setting Up in Procreate: Next, I opened my Procreate app on my iPad (you can use other drawing apps too). I set my canvas to 2.5”x3.5”, matching the size of a Pokémon card. To ensure everything lined up perfectly, I inserted a Chansey photo and adjusted it to fit the canvas.

3. Tracing the Layout: I traced the boxes to replicate the Pokémon card layout. Then, I created a new layer and used a clipping mask to fill in the shading and highlights for the inner boxes.

4. Personalizing Abilities: Here’s the fun part! I included abilities that best describe Richy’s habits. Your pets can be any type of Pokémon—fire, water, thunder, etc. I also added his length and weight for a personal touch. The font used on Pokémon cards is ‘Sans-serif,’ but since I don’t have that on Procreate, I opted for a similar font called ‘Gill Sans.’

5. Adding Symbols and Details: I incorporated the symbols and lines, using the Chansey card as a guide for placement. For abilities, I chose 'Psychic Type' for the "Puppy Eyes" ability, because Richy had a way of making me feel guilty whenever he looked at me while I was eating. Those puppy eyes always got him a treat!

6. Designing the Background: To match Richy as a normal-type Pokémon, I used a gray background like Chansey’s. I then used a soft airbrushing brush to layer different shades of color over the gray. To give it that classic card feel, I added noise to create a grainy texture.

7. Finishing Touches: I added different coloured circles behind the symbols to complete the look.

8. Drawing Richy: Finally, you can place a photo of your pet in the big rectangle, but I chose to draw mine instead. It’s all about what feels right for you—just have fun with it!

After promising my sister I’d make more stickers, I transferred the design to my Cricut app for print and cut. To add a special touch, I manually applied a stars-themed holographic laminating sheet before letting my Cricut machine do the cutting.

Creating this Pokémon card for Richy was not just a fun project; it was a heartfelt way to celebrate his life and keep his memory alive. I hope this inspires you to find creative ways to honor your own pets! Whether through art, crafts, or simply sharing stories, there’s something truly special about celebrating the joy they bring into our lives.

If you feel inspired to make your own Pokémon card for your pets, I’d love to hear your stories and see your creations! Just tag or message me on Instagram @drummerwhodraws OR send me an email, and I’ll feature you on my Instagram!

Let’s keep the memory of our furry friends alive together. 💖

Until next time, happy crafting!