New Strawberry Shortcake design sparks generational warfare

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Am I just being a slave to nostalgia?

Strawberry Shortcake character design 2026
(Image credit: WildBrain)

When Strawberry Shortcake made her greeting card debut back in 1977, nobody predicted that she'd become the cultural icon she is today. Since her explosion in popularity throughout the '80s, she's undergone a huge evolution, becoming a pop culture icon with dolls, merchandise and animated series that have transcended generations.

Strawberry Shortcake's original character design, created by illustrator Muriel Fahrion, has seen a number of different iterations across the years, and today, we can add another to the lineup. While it might seem innocent on the surface, the design has sparked an unexpected generation war, proving that character design can be more divisive than we think.

Strawberry Shortcake character design 80s/2026

(Image credit: WildBrain)

Strawberry Shortcake's new look is heavily inspired by her iconic '80s look, featuring short curly hair, freckles and her signature stripy green stockings. Announced in line with the new Strawberry Shortcake YouTube web series, the latest character design has a modern, 3D look while still maintaining the twee charm of her original illustrations.

While many fans praised the design as a return to form, others were divided by the new look (myself included). Having grown up in the '00s era, Strawberry Shortcake was a casual jeans-wearing cool girl, and many fans like me mourned the loss of this design.

"Why did they Cocomelonify Strawberry Shortcake?' one fan questioned. "My issue stems from it losing the charm of 80s Strawberry in the process. She has the design down for modern audiences, and it's not bad. But if you're adapting the 80s [version], then make it 2D, the whole appeal to the design is the 2D factor," another critic added.

For more creative news, check out why fans were mad about the new Lara Croft movie character design. If you're looking to create your own designs, take a look at the essential checklist for engaging character art.

Natalie Fear
Natalie Fear
Staff Writer

Natalie Fear is Creative Bloq's staff writer. With an eye for trending topics and a passion for internet culture, she brings you the latest in art and design news. Natalie also runs Creative Bloq’s Day in the Life series, spotlighting diverse talent across the creative industries. Outside of work, she loves all things literature and music (although she’s partial to a spot of TikTok brain rot). 

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