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Ever wondered what cartoon characters in real life would look like? Yes, they’re fictional sketches, which means we’ll never know their human looks in our world. But what if cartoon characters were real? 

The subject of cartoon characters IRL is fascinating, so Bored Panda’s pro member Hidreley delved into experimenting with AI-generated cartoon characters. That’s what digital art is about—blurring the lines between fantasy and reality on screen!

Surprisingly, some cartoon characters as humans look even better than the originals. See if your favorite cartoon characters are on this list, and scroll further to witness 23 pictures of real-life cartoon characters!

Note: The original article was written by Hidrėlėy and later edited and updated by the Bored Panda team. 

More info: Instagram

Hidreley did all the work on AI-generated cartoon characters by himself: “I’ve done some similar posts by other authors here on Bored Panda. I wanted to try something out myself, and so I dove into the world of AI. This time, I challenged myself to try to do one on the theme of cartoon characters. For this project, I used Photoshop and three mobile applications, FaceApp, Gradient, and Remini.

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    #2

    Eric

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Eric character from the cartoon

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    #3

    Carl Fredricksen

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Carl Fredricksen character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The nose reminds me of Robin Williams’

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    The Simpsons were the most challenging when making realistic cartoon characters. “In terms of how they all turned out, I’m more and more pleased with the results with each post I make. I really liked how Moe Szyzlak, Ned Flanders, and Milhouse Van Houten turned out because initially, I thought that the Simpsons drawing style would be very hard to emulate on ‘real life’ terms. Still, they are actually very easy to recognize,” Hidreley explains. 

    #4

    Moana

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Moana character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “I am Moana of Moto’nui. You will board my boat, sail across the sea, and restore the heart of Te’fiti.”

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    “This post inadvertently brought back some good memories from my childhood. Like every kid in my generation, I loved watching cartoons. I really loved the Simpsons and Hanna Barbera classics, and I can safely say that they’ve made a huge impact on my life,” adds Hidreley. 

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    #6

    Tinkerbell

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Tinkerbell character from the cartoon

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    #7

    Pocahontas

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Pocahontas character from the cartoon

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    RifleReptiles
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're beautiful just the way you are, you don't need to look like anybody else! <3

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    ThatOneWriter
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are we going to skip over the fact that she WAS a real person?

    Andrew Clapperton
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know that Pocahontas was a real person, right?

    KT
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is a huge fail

    Zophra
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know what I expected - but not this.

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    DannyGirl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pocahontas was a real life person , no need to ai her

    Kari Cline
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    American Indians had more pronounced cheekbones giving that part of their face more of a square-ish look. The AI in this picture has a far too heart-shaped face. But still very pretty

    Ang.stl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m somewhat confused by this. Indigenous Peoples of the Americas come in a million different shapes and sizes, including their cheekbones. Different shades of skin color from as pale as mine to quite dark. The real problem is 1) this is another colonization of the first known Missing or Murdered Indigenous Woman; 2) too old to show the age of the cartoon. And her name was Matoaka.

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    Bored_Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe check a history book to see Pocahontas in a painting 🖼

    Geordie Girl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pocahontas was a real person, anyway.

    LizaIsabellaXD
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fun fact: Pocahontas was a real person, only cameras didn't exist in her time.

    Robert Bailey
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not too far off https://www.biography.com/historical-figure/pocahontas

    Blaise Meloche
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not bad, but does not have distinctive American Indian features.

    **
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've see Native Americans of all different features and skin colors.

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    Zodiac
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me, or does she kinda look like Kassie, or Gloom?

    Jocelyn Kuntz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always thought Pocahontas would look like a native version of Tia Carrere.

    China Nolan
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now think how she died of dysentery.

    Ang.stl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everything I’ve seen or read says they aren’t sure what she died from, I believe one historian even suggested poison.

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    Arya Ackermann
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her cheekbones would be more raised

    **
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've see Native Americans of all different features and skin colors.

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    Travis Wolf
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good job. Doesn't even look Native.

    Wren Hard
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this photo is not her. Not even an American. That picture is of a Filipino woman

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    Maria Mendez
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you look at B&W pics of Native Americans, you'll find that their facial hair is very light.

    Gypsy Lee
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pocahontas wore false eyelashes 😲?…😆

    Sasha Grace
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of a young Tia Carrere!!

    Kalmar
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The cartoon version looks like teal hair compared to the realistic

    Donna Morgan - Passmore
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty but, she needs sharper angles, wider, more square jaw and maybe a smaller nose, perhaps more pronounced cheek bones

    Carrie Simpson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's too Asian looking not nearly native american

    Gay-Trash-Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nope. she was 9-10 when she met 27-29-year-old john smith. they got married when she was 17-18 and he was 35-37. they had a child together.

    Haaaapppyyyyy!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The eyes are wide and beautiful, it's great!

    Casey Hardiman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    but we know what she actually looked like.

    Carol Odrlin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope the girl in the picture is stunning. I hope she is as brave as our girl!

    Stormy “Stormy”
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if this is what that animator's ex looked like.

    AndThenICommented
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Real person and there was a model for Pocahontas named Dyna Taylor

    Charlie Day
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh jeez, no wonder she is gorgeous. It is AI. hahahahaha

    Charlie Day
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good grief, that model is gorgeous. I rather doubt that Pocahontas resembled the model, though.

    Braeydyn Marreck
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can’t speak for Indigenous/Native people but please listen to Indigenous/Native people in the comments. It’s sad how glorified/romanticized Pocahontas is. It’s a false story and a problematic one . She’s based off of a real woman named Matoaka, but the story isn’t even close to the truth

    Braeydyn Marreck
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Rachel
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    looks like a supermodel

    EworldReacts
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exude you But, Pocahontas was a real native woman they (meaning white people); kidnapped, abused and then killed her at age Twenty-One, John Smith later wrote three memoirs and lied In everyone of them most famously Claiming that “she fell in love with him”; after he “saved her and later contradicting his own claims saying, the savages a term in which is already a derogatory term; we’re just about to beat his brains out when she blocked them from doing so with her hands.” In actuality this is Not true

    Josurf
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now I'm officially in love with Moanna and Pocahontas.

    Kai Skye
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't wanna be that person but we could also just use a picture of pocahontas herself here lmao

    Suzan Rice
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfect, lovely young woman .

    Ang.stl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please don’t further the fetishization of Matoaka. She was a real GIRL when she was first taken, and was later taken to England where she died, away from her family and her tribe. She is the first documented case of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, which is an epidemic at this point.

    **
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Native Americans who worked on the Pocahantas movie said they were proud of it. Pocahantas had a good message.

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    dogs
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish I looked like her

    Zodiac
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just my opinion, but now that you say it, i can see that aswell.

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    Jake Wheeler
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Needs stronger cheekbones and a very strong nose.

    **
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've see Native Americans of all different features and skin colors.

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    Laura Paalanen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are REAL pics of Pocahontas and trust me, she did not look like this.

    Chatgirl#1
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    P. S she needs her hair to be more blue like Marinette

    Chatgirl#1
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She looks like she just touched somebody and is having visions of the future like in twin Tution

    Noona Snest
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pocahontas IS a real person. She doesn't get the credit for it. I think she's half black and Asian? She went in a couple interviews telling her story and she was an extra on a Jamie Fix episode where Jamie Fox (as the character) approached her flirting saying, "well hey there Pocahontas" -as a wink and a nod

    minnybri
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What do you mean? She was a First Nations woman who died in 1617.

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    Marita Berndt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. You've not seen any First Nation People, either. ???

    Geordie Girl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pocahontas was modelled on a real person!!!

    AzKhaleesi
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like Monica (Kelsey Asbille) off Yellowstone. I told my husband just yesterday she looks like Pocahontas. She's absolutely stunning.

    Kelly Boekhout
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those are not native American cheeks

    **
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've see Native Americans of all different features and skin colors.

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    potato salad
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The jaw. Should have been more defined i believe

    KyletheWolf
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, the jaw line needs to be more square. Then it will look more like her. Other than that, looks good!

    Davja
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my friends is actually Algonquian. I should show him this and see what he thinks.

    Amanda Cox
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks exactly like actress Julia Jones

    GoddessOdd
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not terribly different from the historic portraits of Pocahontas, but more similar to the cartoon. The mouth is especially good.

    Biliegh Berrie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I found my family came from her, I looked her up. This is absolutely nothing like what she looked like. Google her

    Ra TA
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bravo, if she went to Paris instead of England

    Teraza Salmon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nose is completely wrong. I've seen photos of the First Nation people and the women are stunning.

    Ang.stl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s plural, First Nations. And from what I’ve learned, the Nations/ Tribes/ Bands in Canada refer to themselves as First Nations, where as the Nations or Tribes here in the states call themselves Indigenous or Native. They are varied in just about everything. I think black hair is the most common trait they share, but even that gets iffy with some more Northern Bands. And I saw a video explaining why noses are built how they are, depending on humidity and temperature.

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    Hypoxia Smurf
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is the result of her mom raped by a Brit, right?

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    “I’ve been exploring the world of artificial intelligence recently, and I can tell you, it’s a world without limits! With the rise of AI-assisted art generation, there are virtually (no pun intended) no boundaries for digital art; you just have to be creative and know how to guide the blind hand of the machine,” explains Hidreley. 

    #8

    Jasmine

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Jasmine character from the cartoon

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    #9

    Ned Flanders

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Ned Flanders character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His glasses kinda look drawn onto his face if you look closely

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    At some point, we’ve all wondered if cartoon characters were real. Were they inspired by celebrities or real-life events? Hidreley explains that he’s also intrigued by this concept: 

    “I don't want to tease anything too early, but currently, I’m working hard on a project where I’m trying to show what some prematurely deceased celebrities would have looked like if they were still alive. I hope it will turn out great, and I’ll be able to share this with you soon!”

    #10

    Milhouse

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Milhouse character from the cartoon

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    Kristina Meyer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like a guy I went to elementary School with (except the haircolor). His Name was Sten.

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    #11

    Rapunzel

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Rapunzel character from the cartoon

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    Robin Woordes
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so perfect that the right eyebrow frustrates me too much

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    #12

    Aladdin

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Aladdin character from the cartoon

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    #13

    Anna

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Anna character from the cartoon

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    #14

    Peter Pan

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Peter Pan character from the cartoon

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    #15

    Olive Oyl

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Olive Oyl character from the cartoon

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    Julieandthephatones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what is this app slash website?? does anyone know?!

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    #16

    Lady Tremaine

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Lady Tremaine character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wrong hair. Her butt hair has always been very important to me

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    #17

    Handsome Hans

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Handsome Hans character from the cartoon

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    #18

    Kristoff

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Kristoff character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He kinda looks like some kind of 2000’s Disney Channel character from a show that takes place in a summer camp

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    #19

    Elsa

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Elsa character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ummmm excuse me sir where is her braid ??

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    #20

    Isabela Madrigal

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Isabela Madrigal character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MADRIGAL! THE HOME OF THE FAMILY MADEIGAL! WHERE ALL THE PEOPLE ARE fAnTaStIcAl AnD mAgIcAl!

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    #21

    John Smith

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of John Smith character from the cartoon

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    Rachel Walsh
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like he would say "bruh" a lot

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    #22

    Show White

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Show White character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    …did you know she’s 14 in that movie?…

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    #23

    Bart Simpson

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Bart Simpson character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AI was having trouble with the eyes..

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