CHRYSALIS REDESIGN

Hey fellow MLP fans! I'm so excited to share more about my Queen Chrysalis redesign, especially for those interested in alternative universes and fan art. Creating an 'infection AU' version of such an iconic character was a really fun challenge, and I wanted her to feel truly menacing and insectoid, much more so than her original form. When I started sketching, my goal was to emphasize her changeling nature, pushing the 'bug' aspects to the extreme. I focused heavily on her appearance, giving her sharp horns that look almost like broken shards, and tattered wings that suggest decay and struggle, rather than graceful flight. I imagined her having gone through a painful transformation, reflecting the 'infection' theme. It wasn't just about making her look evil, but making her look diseased and *corrupted*. The full body side view allowed me to explore her posture, making her appear hunched and predatory, ready to strike. The close-up of the head was crucial for capturing that fierce expression. I experimented with different eye shapes and mouth details to convey true malice and a sense of desperation from the infection. It's amazing how much personality you can put into a character just by tweaking these small details! I really wanted to convey an updated design that felt both familiar and utterly terrifying. If you're thinking about doing your own character redesigns, especially for AUs, I highly recommend diving deep into the theme. What kind of changes would this 'infection' cause? Would it affect their magic, their movements, or just their physical form? For Chrysalis, I felt the sharp angles and broken textures really sold the concept. Think about the textures – chitinous armor, ragged edges, exposed elements. Don't be afraid to push boundaries and explore darker themes if that's what your AU calls for. It's all about making the character truly your own. Many fan artists explore different versions of characters, from 'coloring page' friendly styles to much darker interpretations like this. It's a fantastic way to engage with a fandom and showcase your artistic vision. I poured a lot of thought into her updated design, making sure every element contributed to the overall 'infected' aesthetic. When you're working on a fan art piece, consider the story you want to tell through the visual elements. How do the wings, the horns, and even the smallest details of their face reflect their new reality? This detailed sketch is just one interpretation, but it truly reflects my take on a more formidable and tragic Queen Chrysalis. What characters would you love to see redesigned in a similar style? Let me know!