This is probs a weird question but why does WD Steven have PD Stevens body? Since he went to school and was raised as a non-magical 14 year old shouldnt he look more like when he shapeshifted on his birthday instead of closer to an 8 year old? Or did he stop growing when he stopped going to school and interacting with other kids?

I actually do try to draw AU!Steven with a LITTLE tiny bit of a difference from the canon Steven. For one thing, AU Steven has a neck!

Much like our canon Steven, his physical appearance partially depends on his state of mind. When they were traveling with Pearl, he sometimes appeared much more ‘mature’. The most extreme example of this was when he was talking about keeping up with his education on YouTube.

But in general, for appearance and character, I try to stick to one main rule:

No matter what universe, Steven is always Steven.

That, to me, is more important to his character than who his mom or dad was.

A lot of people argue that because Steven’s mom is White he “should be more like ____” or “he should be more commanding, more cold”.

But I personally find a lot of flaws in this way of thinking. For one, it perpetuates the idea that children are just their parents, not their own people. That you are just at the mercy of your genetics, and you cannot change yourself, and you are destined to be this or that.

This goes against EVERYTHING that SU is about!

Even on the show - and Rebecca mentioned this - as we get further and further in, we realize that despite Rose being presented as this ideal, kind and lovely person, the majority of Steven’s kindness and thoughtfulness and cheerfulness actually comes from Greg.

I wanted to write a story with similar beliefs. Steven is Steven, and the core of what he is comes from himself. And of course, this is sandwiched between his canon abilities so…

He was always a short kid because regardless of who he is the son of, he is always a bit short. This is coupled with the fact that, during his time with foster families, he NEEDED to be smaller. It was less imposing, and allowed people to ignore his presence more easily.

He is shorter in stature because he is with the gems now, and I draw him more pudgy and kidlike because for the first time in a while, he is able to have a somewhat stable childhood with reliable adult figures who actually care about his well being.

Or at least… that’s my thinking behind it.