I’m sure that, when watching animated films and television shows, you’ve noticed that the characters are cuter than regular humans. Well, it’s not just because they’re cartoons, or because forest animals respond to their lilting singing voice – they’re drawn with exaggerated features like bigger eyes, rosier cheeks, thicker hair, etc., that make them objectively more attractive.
Basically, according to illustrator Roosa Karlsson, they’re designed to look like adults with the features of children/babies. Which is pretty stinking weird when you think about it.
Which is why Karlsson recently photoshopped a series of images, giving some of our favorite, most adorable animated characters more realistic (read: adult) faces. Even though the changes are subtle, you’ll definitely be able to tell the difference.
12. Linda (Rio)
11. Aunt Cass (Big Hero 6)
10. Honey Lemon (Big Hero 6)
9. Mother Gothel (Tangled)
8. Susan (Monsters vs. Aliens)
7. Elsa (Frozen)
6. Mavis (Hotel Transylvania)
5. Rapunzel (Tangled)
4. Merida (Brave)
3. Colette (Ratatouille)
2. Roxanne (Megamind)
1. Anna (Frozen)
The question is (at least as far as the Internet is concerned) whether we should leave the industry standard be, since it’s a cartoon and all, or whether unrealistic beauty standards are warping our tiny little minds.
I’m not sure which side I come down on, and honestly, I’m not even sure which of these images I like the best. What about you?
h/t: Bored Panda
