Artist Reimagines Classic Disney Characters as Tim Burton Style Illustrations

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

We’ve seen iconic Disney characters reimagined in countless creative ways, from real life princesses to empowered career women. However, Russian artist and animator Andrew Tarusov takes a slightly more ominous approach by visualizing the answer to a simple question: “What if Tim Burton directed all [of] Disney's classic movies?”

Giving each illustration a Burtonesque twist, Tarusov turns lovable fairytale characters into haunting, corpse-like versions of their former selves. Snow White is depicted as a wicked witch, with spider friends instead of fluffy forest animals; The Little Mermaid is seen staring vacantly from a dark lagoon; and Sleeping Beauty faces a not-so “happily ever after” reality. Bright and cheery Disney hues are now rendered in dark, muted color palettes and previously enchanted settings are seen as sinister, hazy nighttime scenes.

Tarusov doesn’t mean to terrify you with his illustrations, though. He’s merely celebrating Burton’s iconic animation style. He explains, “I love how Burton’s style looks vintage, chic, and cute all at the same time…His work is often marketed as ‘horror’ movies, but at the same time, it’s not a horror… It could be any genre.” The artist reveals, “My main goal is to make viewers smile, laugh, and have a fun time when they come across my work. It’s meant to be whimsical and playful, so have a look and enjoy!”

Russian artist Andrew Tarusov visualizes the answer to a simple question: “What if Tim Burton directed all [of] Disney’s classic movies?”

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

His series of eerie illustrations transform lovable fairytale characters into haunting, corpse-like versions of their former selves.

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Each creepy character features a vacant stare and a skeletal form, rendered in a muted color palette.

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Other than Disney, the artist also created Burtonesque renditions of other classic films.

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Disney Characters Tim Burton Style Andrew Tarusov

Andrew Tarusov: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Andrew Tarusov.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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