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For far too long, our society has imposed unrealistic beauty standards upon women, pressuring them to look a certain way, act a certain way, or even feel a certain way. Luckily, over time, we have begun shedding those unrealistic portrayals and accepting women as they truly are.

To contribute to this movement, French artist Cécile Dormeau started drawing unapologetically real illustrations. Her artwork fearlessly portrays the realities that women face, showcasing them proudly embracing their natural selves. From flaunting hairy legs to embracing stretch marks, Dormeau's illustrations depict women celebrating their bodies in all their unfiltered glory.

More info: Instagram | ceciledormeau.com | Facebook | youtube.com

Bored Panda reached out to Cécile, who began by telling us more about herself: “I've been a graphic designer and art director before starting my illustrator career. I'm based in France.”

Cécile shared what initially inspired her to create illustrations that show women as they truly are, without conforming to societal standards.

“I started my first illustrations in 2016 when we were seeing less body diversity than now in the media. It was important for me to show that all kinds of bodies existed and to show that we can be more open about our physical appearance,” wrote the artist.

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Cécile shared how society has changed its view towards women since she started creating illustrations.

“I think we see more diversity in media now, even if it feels more like a marketing technique, I think it's still important that it's done. And I love to see people of all kinds on social media, there is not just one model and that's great. At the same time, young people never used so much plastic surgery, so it feels like there are still a lot of ways to make people understand that beauty can come in very different forms. I'm not necessarily against surgery, it can be helpful in some cases. But I think the way face filters create hang-ups and push young people to have a very specific physique is tragic.”

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Cosmikid
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7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A true Horror of our "Advanced civilization"; truly portrayed. IT WAS NOT ALWAYS THUS. But it has been a long time. Originally- child rearing was communal. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, older siblings, and yes Men when they were at the fire- ALL- quite automatically - helped. Now mothers are so often isolated- different house/apartment, all doors closed- What I'm saying is not only is this a real genuine Horror- but we need to CHANGE this. Somehow.

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To stay motivated in creating art that challenges norms and celebrates imperfections, Cécile stated that there are more subjects she would like to touch on that keep her creatively charged.

“I think there are still a lot of things to say about bodies, I want to start a men's series very soon. But I draw on other topics from time to time too.”

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Sky Render
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh I love how shirt designs all assume you have a perfectly flat chest. I've got a lovely Weird Al concert T-shirt that, when worn, makes it look like Al is groping me.

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Cécile shared her hopes on how her illustrations can contribute to positive change.

“I just hope to make people laugh about their insecurities as I think laughing is a powerful way to take power back on yourself and don't take yourself too seriously. And at the same time, I hope to bring some empathy and kindness and remind them that all bodies need to be respected.”

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The artist previously mentioned working on a children's book and illustrations about couples. We were curious to learn what Cécile hopes kids and couples take away from her work.

“I did a video some time ago about couples as it's funny to see a lot of things are asked in heterosexual couples, like the man has to be taller, etc. I wanted to play with these codes. The children's book I made some time ago was not about bodies but about a spider yoga class, it's about friendship and not giving up!”

And lastly, Cécile added: “Follow me on Instagram and TikTok."

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Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

would like to become the animal sometimes..... they don't have to PAY anything or worry about anything except for when they will be getting more food or cuddles lol

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Heir of Durin
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favorite part of all of these is how happy and peaceful they all look.

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Jen Mart
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favorite quotes from Bob's Burgers' Linda Belcher "Only strippers shave above the knees"

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Cosmikid
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Primal peoples know where Elder Women fit far better than we do. We need them to teach us. I know some women who are working on exactly that- but we need more.

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Natasha Arruda
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thigh tears are the only reason I get new pants and even then that's only after a few sewing attempts.

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Cosmikid
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that she's always smiling - vicissitudes and all. And isn't it interesting that word exists?

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Pollymere
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7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a portrait of me! I have hip dips. No amount of smoothing underwear makes any difference.

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Laugh or not
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Coquillettes are such a comfort food, but I haven't found them in Berlin yet.

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Rayne OfSalt
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked in a 98% woman-dominated job for many years, and the discussions that groups of women have are varied and absolutely bloody filthy. Dudes think they've got dirty minds, they're sweet innocent children in comparison.

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