Okay, let's start by clearing up any doubts: I am one of the people who will NOT be using the canonical design— I will stick with my OC. Is that alright? Okay.
First of all, I am not attacking or trying to offend anyone, I am just expressing MY OPINION. Now, I'll explain so there are no loose ends.
→ The reason is quite obvious, I have an emotional attachment to my character, and in no way do I have the desire or intention to throw away all my work to cling to canon. That would be like... my effort over all these years being in vain, and I will not allow that.
→ Will I ever draw canonical Brazil? No. I won't, I have no reason to. For a moment, I thought about adapting his design and transforming him into Mayara's Nyotaika, but that wouldn't work either (for numerous reasons!). Kauã (her Nyotaika) has been established for much longer, even longer than Mayara herself. I could never replace my OCs in that way.
→ I haven't participated in the fanbase for a long time. Yes, I draw one or two Hetalia characters, however, my account is 100% focused on sharing content about my country. Be it historical, cultural, trivia, or even silly shitposts. Nothing more. Nonetheless, that's my goal and my hobby. My content is centered on my OC. And that makes me happy.
→ I'm making this post for two reasons:
1. For days I was attacked on Twitter for not liking the character's design. There was even a "joke" comment wishing for my death with a weird amount of likes, as well as offensive and accusatory lies about my personality. I had to make my account private because of an opinion directed at MY COMMUNITY — even if it was harsh and strong — about a CHARACTER that DOES NOT EXIST (and which, in my opinion, does not adequately represent Brazil).
This, to me, is unforgivable; you have the right to disagree or be upset with me because you didn't like how I expressed myself in the two tweets! But none of that justifies the cruel attacks I received. Especially since I'm a real human being, with flesh and blood, and real problems.
If it weren't for my amazing friends, I would have given up my work or stopped posting publicly. I'm not a 2D anime character that may never be drawn again. I'm a person.
Despite apologizing for how I approached the character's design subject (in a harsh and carefree way, which sounded rude— I recognize this and have admitted it several times), I continued to be attacked. All because I didn't change my opinion — I didn't like the character, period. It's not that deep.
2. I know many people will encourage others to abandon their OCs and return to canon. I even saw a post with a somewhat shady phrase towards/or aiming Brazil OCs. I won't go further into details to avoid unnecessary drama.
In fact, the idea of people abandoning their OCs for pressure was the trigger that, somehow, made me write the bitter tweets. Many OC artists are attacked for no reason, and it has always been like that and I don't think it'll ever change. I'm not going to stop doing what I love to adapt to the fanbase's tastes. I'm sorry. I do what I do because I love it. And if one day it becomes necessary for me to leave Hetalia, I will leave it happily. But I will keep my OCs with me. ☺️
If you are a Hetalia OC creator, and your country has become canon, don't give up. If you like your Brazil OC, don't give up!
• Now, about the character's appearance:
→ I don't have much to say or comment on, as the appearance comes from the Gangsta AU. And I haven't follow Hetalia for years! I didn't even know it existed. To me, he was just a random anime human character, not a real country personification.
I found the design generic. Honestly, I miss female characters. When I saw it? I was disappointed. Perhaps that’s why so many of the newer characters feel underwhelming.
Many men, few women. There isn't much diversity in their appearances, honestly. This can cause an artist's creativity to stagnate or even cease. That's why it's necessary to step outside your comfort zone.
I haven't been expecting decent designs from Mr. Himaruya for a long time. But I'm also not going to accept just anything he throws on my plate (which is already full), do you understand my point? (KEYWORD: SEYCHELLES).
If you liked the design, if you found it creative... Well... Great, that's cool! But I disagree! And that's okay! We don't need to agree on that. Everyone does what they want. And so, we go on with life. Between agreements and disagreements.
→ What will I do from now on? — Continue with my drawings/lore and support my friends' crafts; who are also working on their own lore, with their own characters! 🩷
Thank you for being patient and reading this far! Happy holidays, everyone. Thank you for your support. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 🌻🎄