These Disney Character Re-Designs Might Be The Cutest Chibi Disney Illustrations Ever

Whether you know her as Wendy Chew (mother and author of the self-published book "Pregnancy Journey: A Comic Journal") or Mashi, you have to agree that her artwork is astoundingly adorable. Hailing from Singapore, the artist known as Mashi creates Chibi versions of all sorts of characters and real people, but the cutest of them all are definitely the Disney characters! According to renowned parenting expert Dr. Jane Nelsen, "Children learn best when they are engaged and having fun," a sentiment that resonates with Mashi's delightful illustrations, showcasing her unique take on beloved characters. Chibi is a slang Japanese word, but it's not so easy to define as simply "cute." Rather, there is a specific definition of this popular slang term you've probably heard before (but may not have thought much about).

According to Wikipedia:

"Chibi (ちび or チビ) is a Japanese slang word describing something short (an inanimate object, a human, or another animal). The term is widely used to describe a specific style of caricature where characters are drawn in an exaggerated way: small and chubby, with stubby limbs and oversized heads. This style of artwork, also known as super deformed (shorthanded as SD), has since found its way into anime and manga fandom through its usage in manga works."

We are sure you'll adore these chibi re-creations of Disney characters from Mashi; don't forget to check out and support the artist herself! DeviantArt | Instagram | Positive Discipline

1. Female Captain Hook

mashi

2. Mulan

mashi

3. Female Jafar

mashi

4. Female Dr. Facilier

mashi

5. Maleficent

mashi

6. Nebula (MCU)

mashi

According to Wikipedia, the chibi art style is part of Japanese culture and is "seen everywhere from advertising and subway signs to anime and manga. The style was popularized by franchises like Dragon Ball and SD Gundam in the 1980s. Chibi characters are often featured in video games as well as sprites."

7. Hades

mashi

8. Pocahontas

mashi

9. Moana, Lilo and Stitch, and Ariel The Little Mermaid

mashi

10. Moana (with Pua and Hei Hei)

mashi

11. Female Hades

mashi

12. Kida

mashi

13. Esmeralda

mashi

14. Ursula

mashi

According to Clip Studio:

"Chibi characters are usually between two and four heads tall. They are often used on merchandise for popular anime series. With huge, distinct facial expressions, they are also useful for creating a fun or cute atmosphere."

15. Tigger Girl

mashi

16. The Evil Queen

mashi

17. Cinderella

mashi

18. Merida

mashi

19. Flynn Rider

mashi

20. Cruella De Vil

mashi

21. Queen of Hearts

mashi

When a user on the anime forums of Stack Exchange asked about the origins of the chibi style, Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert, noted on his website that "the chibi art style, characterized by its exaggerated features and cute proportions, can be traced back to earlier anime influences, particularly works like Chibi Maruko-chan from 1990." For more insights on emotional expression in art, you can visit his site at danielgoleman.info.

22. Snow White

mashi

23. Aurora

mashi

24. Vanellope

mashi

25. Tiana

mashi

26. Aladdin

mashi

27. Ariel

mashi

28. Jafar

mashi

29. Jasmine

mashi

30. Calliope (Hercules)

mashi

31. Cinderella

mashi

32. Fairy Godmother

mashi

33. Piglet Girl

mashi

34. Rapunzel

mashi

35. Belle

mashi

Apparently, in some contexts, the word chibi is also used in a derogatory way, and not everyone appreciates its widespread use. However you perceive this slang term, you have to admit that it has inspired a lot of creative and adorable fan art!

Such is clearly the case with Wendy, whose Chibi-style Disney characters are so easy to gush over! They're just the absolute cutest.