… / / Afterword for Friendswithyou
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        • Origins in Miami: Seeds of a Playful Universe (2002–2004)
        • Building a World of Play: Interactive Installations (2005–2009)
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        • Animism, Art, and “Happy Virus”: A Philosophy of Play
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        • The Reaction Before the Origin Story
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      • The Life Death And Afterlife Of Mannequins
        • I. The Enduring Allure of Mannequins
        • II. The Material and Historical Trajectory of Mannequins
        • Evolution from Functional Forms to Lifelike Figures
        • The Fiberglass Revolution: Durability and Mass Production
        • III. Mannequins as Cultural Artifacts: From Discarded to Desired
        • The Paradox of Invisibility and Persistent Presence
        • Sustainable Second Lives: The Mannequin Madness Model (Judi Henderson)
        • Case Studies Of Mannequin Reuse
        • The Uncanny Valley: Mannakin Hall as Experiential Art (Roz Edwards)
        • IV. Mannequins in the Human Imagination: Companionship and Projection
        • V. Reflections on Mannequin Endurance: A Personal Synthesis
      • Valentine
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        • A Sweet Gesture After Lockdown
        • Yearning vs. Attraction
        • Thought Experiments with a Safety Net
        • The Fun of Shipping (Even for the Aro-Ace Crowd)
        • Conclusion: Choose Your Own Valentine
        • Afterword
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      • Trolls
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    • Original
      • Neon Fairy Lights
        • Main Story
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      • Northern Lights
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      • Virtual World
        • Commands
          • 01 Bash
          • 02 Cat
          • 03 Ping
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          • 15 Cron
          • 16 Alma
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          • 18 Yaml
          • 19 Sed
          • 20 Curl
        • Five Stories
          • 01 Cautious 01
          • 02 Desperate 01
          • 03 Fading 01
          • 04 Cautious 02
          • 05 Indifferent 01
          • 06 Gentle 01
          • 07 Cautious 03
          • 08 Desperate 02
          • 09 Fading 02
          • 10 Cautious 04
          • 11 Indifferent 02
          • 12 Gentle 02
          • 13 Cautious 05
          • 14 Desperate 03
          • 15 Fading 03
          • 16 Cautious 06
          • 17 Indifferent 03
          • 18 Gentle 03
          • 19 Cautious 07
          • 20 Desperate 04
          • 21 Fading 04
          • 22 Cautious 08
          • 23 Indifferent 04
          • 24 Gentle 04
          • 25 Cautious 09
          • 26 Desperate 05
          • 27 Fading 05
          • 28 Cautious 10
          • 29 Indifferent 05
          • 30 Gentle 05
          • 31 Cautious 11
          • 32 Desperate 06
          • 33 Fading 06
          • 34 Cautious 12
          • 35 Indifferent 06
          • 36 Gentle 06
        • Main Story
          • Page 1
          • Page 2
          • Page 3
          • Page 4
          • Page 5
          • Page 6
          • Page 7

Afterword

True and the Rainbow Kingdom was a formative show in my life. While it didn't release during my childhood (I have My Little Pony to thank for that), True found its place later in my life. I found myself drawn to the bright colors, not unlike the colorful little ponies I used to watch on screen. My interest in 3d animation was inspired by the animators that worked to bring FriendsWithYou's art directive to television. With their works primarily in plushies and art installations, this show spread their message to a whole new, and receptive, audience on Netflix. I was among them, and I was hooked.

True stands out as a bright and empathetic hero to look up to. She embodies the qualities that FriendsWithYou wish to pass along with their art. Her positivity, respect for nature, and willingness to listen to others has made an impact on all those who watch the show. Characters like Zee, who remind her to take a breath, contribute to the peaceful approach to a chaotic life. This balance and contemplative nature is seen throughout the show's many seasons and specials.

I am inspired to work on more physical media after diving into this research. I would love to sew a plushie, or even make an inflatable costume to attend conventions in. I have cosplayed as True, and was happy to have fans and their families recognize her. Little Cloud has been doodled in the background in quite a number of my own art pieces. It's a fun nod to those who inspired me. I fondly remember Cumulo, the cloud character in the show. They are undoubtedly a nod to FWY's own Little Cloud.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you are inspired to share some positivity, in any way you are able to.

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