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Matthew Bogarts Tumblr: The Brave and the Bold

matthewbogart:

I recently posted a link on Facebook to this petition regarding the redesign of Merida from “Brave” that Disney is reportedly doing to include her in the Disney Princess line and I got this response.

> “I don’t get the hoopla over this. Apart from wearing a different outfit and being…

The main thing just is that Merida herself didn’t want to be a princess herself that much (even when she is). She just wants to be herself. I know lots of girls would dream of being a princess, but Merida just enjoyed those moments where she would enjoy the outside world, nature, animals, her passion of  archery… where nothing would judge her in any way. In my opinion Merida never thought (in general) of being a princess in a positive way anyway. Of course there are the good benefits of being rich and all. and you probably learn things as well.

But the differences between the 3D and the 2D design are just too big. The glitter, the cleavage, the girly make-up, even her figure is more skinny. I wouldn’t ever make such a decision design-wise. Merida is the one princess that is the most important and representative to me. Most importantly, I like her character. Her boldness, that she is attracted to the raw power of nature. And that she’s confident about who she is and who she wants to be. Next to that I like the ribbons and the Celtic design of the lower part of the dress, but it just isn’t all that Merida designed at all. It’s not tough-looking, not cool. It just kinda looks fake (which also has to do with that posture they made anyway, it’s not all that anatomical/postural correct….

Anyway…Just try to imagine that you were her. I’ve seen the movie like 4 times now. That’s the most important thing. Sorry, I just don’t imagine being Merida like that Disney 2D merchandise figure. If I were the one deciding about the commercial value of this, I would say no. There are so many Disney princesses that are really a princess (so much more in character than Merida) that there isn’t really a need of a princess-like-figure any more. Then why shaping her like one? This is one of the most irritating and frustrating things that happened last year design/artwise that I’ve seen from the outer world.
People from commercial departments, just try to listen and read all this stuff. I know these are hard times, but try to keep value instead of earning the most bucks. In the end you’ll understand…at least I hope so.