For fans of character-driven storytelling and expressive digital illustration, the name Papermachette on Tumblr represents a vibrant hub of creativity. Operated by a digital artist known as Kelly, this blog has carved out a unique niche within several major fandoms, most notably the Encanto and Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) communities.

Papermachette is not just a repository for sketches; it is a sprawling narrative space where original characters (OCs) interact with established canon, creating a rich "AU" (Alternate Universe) that keeps thousands of followers engaged. Whether you are looking for the gritty, emotional world of the Wild West or the colorful, magical realism of Colombia, Kelly's work offers a distinct lens that prioritizes character growth, humor, and intricate backstories.

Who Is the Artist Behind Papermachette?

Kelly, the primary creator behind the Papermachette handle, is a hobbyist and general artist who has been active in the digital art scene for over a decade. While her presence spans platforms like DeviantArt, her Tumblr blog remains the heart of her narrative explorations. Her style is characterized by its dynamic energy—her characters are rarely static; they are laughing, fighting, scheming, or sharing quiet, intimate moments.

The aesthetic of Papermachette often balances rough, textured line work with sophisticated character designs. There is a "hand-drawn" quality to her digital pieces that makes the art feel accessible yet professional. This balance is particularly effective when she shifts between the whimsical tone of Disney-inspired fandoms and the more grounded, rugged atmosphere of video game fanart.

The Encanto OC Universe: Chepe, Jose, and the Madrigals

Perhaps the most significant contribution Papermachette has made to the Tumblr art community is the creation of a deeply complex set of original characters within the Encanto universe. Unlike many artists who focus solely on the canon Madrigal family, Kelly expanded the world of the "Encanto" to include figures that challenge and complement the original cast.

The Enigma of Chepe

At the center of Kelly’s Encanto lore is Chepe, a character who has become a fan favorite despite his prickly and often antagonistic personality. Chepe is not a hero in the traditional sense. He is depicted as grumpy, somewhat sadistic, and deeply cynical. However, his depth comes from his interactions with the Madrigals and his own tragic history.

In Kelly’s narrative, Chepe has a complicated history with the Madrigal triplets. One of the most discussed plot points in her blog is Chepe’s past relationship with Pepa Madrigal. According to the lore Kelly has established:

  • The Breakup: Chepe dated Pepa when they were younger, but the relationship ended because he found her "high maintenance" and was annoyed by how her emotions affected the weather.
  • The Scapegoat: In a move that highlights his manipulative streak, Chepe used Bruno as a scapegoat to break up with Pepa, leveraging the town's fear of Bruno's visions to shift the blame away from himself.
  • Ongoing Tension: As adults, the two avoid each other, though Pepa makes no secret of her dislike for him.

Jose and the "Lethal Amigos"

The interaction between Chepe and Jose (an OC created by the artist @my-gunpowder) forms the "Lethal Amigos" dynamic. This collaboration between artists is a prime example of how Tumblr serves as a communal storytelling platform. The relationship between Chepe and Jose is a "frenemies-to-lovers" style arc characterized by violence, control, and underlying tenderness.

Kelly explores the psychology of these characters through long-form comics. Chepe, who struggles with the concept of love and vulnerability, views showing tenderness as a weakness. His father, Don Julio, plays a significant role in his backstory—a man who escaped violence only to see a burgeoning sadism in his son, leading to a rocky and disciplinary relationship.

Headcanons and Canon Integration

What makes Papermachette’s Encanto work stand out is her "Headcanons"—personal interpretations of canon characters that feel plausible. For example, she portrays Julieta Madrigal not just as a magical cook, but as a doctor who studies medicine and local herbs to enhance her healing powers.

In this AU, Julieta is the only Madrigal that Chepe respects. Because she tended to his sickly daughter, Briana, and his late mother, she is the only one who sees the "true" Chepe—the man behind the mean-spirited facade. These layers of storytelling transform the Encanto world into something much darker and more mature than the original film.

Exploring the Wild West: Red Dead Redemption 2 Fanart

While the Encanto OCs dominate much of the recent conversation, Papermachette’s roots in the Red Dead Redemption 2 fandom are equally deep. For Kelly, RDR2 provided a canvas to explore masculine vulnerability, camaraderie, and the tragic inevitability of the Van der Linde gang’s downfall.

Arthur Morgan and the "Food Goblin" Persona

Kelly’s depiction of Arthur Morgan is a mix of reverent and hilarious. She often refers to him as a "food goblin," capturing his rugged survivalist nature in a comedic light. Her art features Arthur interacting with the gang in ways that the game doesn’t always show—Arthur finding a witch’s cauldron or dealing with the "stupidity" of John Marston.

Charles Smith and the Voice of Reason

Charles Smith often appears in Kelly’s work as the stoic anchor to the group’s chaos. Her illustrations frequently depict the unspoken bond between Arthur and Charles, emphasizing their mutual respect. Whether it's a dramatic action shot or a "lazy" sketch of the characters resting at camp, she captures the essence of the characters' personalities with remarkable accuracy.

The Shift to @lazy-papers

As her RDR2 portfolio grew, Kelly made the strategic decision to move much of her fanart for the game to a dedicated sub-blog: @lazy-papers. This move was intended to keep her main blog, Papermachette, focused on her original characters and broader art projects, while giving RDR2 fans a focused space for "outlaw" content.

Diversity of Fandoms and Projects

Papermachette is a versatile creator. Beyond the two titans of Encanto and RDR2, her blog features a wide array of interests that reflect her evolving tastes as an artist and consumer of media.

The Hobbit and Animal Crossing

In her "Ask" sessions, Kelly has mentioned her history with The Hobbit and Animal Crossing. Her ability to translate the cozy, low-stakes vibe of a village simulator into the same artistic style used for a gritty Western shows her range. While she may not post about these fandoms as frequently today, they remain part of the foundation of her creative identity.

Disney’s Elemental and Arcane

Kelly has expressed a strong fondness for Pixar’s Elemental, particularly the characters Ember and Wade. Her fanart for this film focuses on the elemental contrast and the chemistry between the leads. Similarly, she has delved into the world of Arcane, specifically the character Jinx. Her sketches of Jinx often capture the manic, tragic energy that defined the character in the Netflix series, proving that she can handle high-drama character studies just as well as comedic OCs.

Original Illustrations and the "Lazy Mochi Crew"

In addition to fanart, Kelly works on original illustrations under the name Lazy Mochi Crew. This includes her own character designs, such as Curry (a "stinky cat" character), and various pins and enamel designs. She is a frequent attendee of conventions like Fanime, where she sells physical merchandise of her digital creations. This transition from digital sketches to physical goods is a testament to the viability of her art style in the commercial space.

The Artistic Process and Community Interaction

One of the reasons followers remain loyal to the Papermachette blog is the transparency of Kelly’s process. She frequently posts "Behind the Scenes" (BTS) layouts, showing how she constructs backgrounds, checks perspective, and layers characters on top of rough sketches.

Ask Me Anything (AMA) and Lore Building

The "Ask" box is a critical tool for Papermachette. Fans often send questions asking for clarification on OC backstories or requesting specific character interactions. Kelly uses these asks as prompts to expand the lore. For instance, a simple question about Chepe’s first wife might result in a multi-page comic detailing his complicated relationship with his father and the obligations of his past.

This interactive storytelling creates a sense of community ownership over the AU. Fans aren't just consumers; they are participants in the world-building process, suggesting names or asking for "crumbs" of younger versions of the characters.

Collaboration with Other Artists

As mentioned with the "Lethal Amigos," Kelly’s work is deeply collaborative. She often reblogs and redraws content from artists like @my-gunpowder, creating a shared universe where OCs belong to multiple creators but interact in a singular, cohesive narrative. This spirit of collaboration is what defines the "Golden Age" of Tumblr art blogs.

Why Does Papermachette Resonate with Readers?

In an era of AI-generated images and highly polished, corporate-feeling art, Papermachette offers something raw and human. The "Experience" of following Kelly’s blog is akin to reading a living novel. You see the characters grow, you see the artist's style evolve, and you get to go "deep into the weeds" of character psychology.

Her work resonates because it doesn't shy away from flaws. Her OCs are often unlikeable or difficult, yet they are written with enough empathy that readers want to see what they do next. Her fanart doesn't just replicate the source material; it comments on it, finds the humor in it, and expands its emotional reach.

Summary of the Papermachette Creative Ecosystem

To understand the Papermachette Tumblr blog, one must look at it as a multi-layered ecosystem:

  1. The Core (Main Blog): The primary site for OC lore, Encanto AUs, and professional art updates.
  2. The Fandom Branch (@lazy-papers): The home for Red Dead Redemption 2 content and general fanart "sketches."
  3. The Commercial Side (Lazy Mochi Crew): Physical merchandise, enamel pins, and convention appearances.
  4. The Collaborative Space: Interaction with other artists to build massive, shared OCs universes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Papermachette the same as "Paper Mache"?

No. While "paper mache" (or papier-mâché) refers to the craft of using paper and paste to create 3D objects, Papermachette is the specific online handle of artist Kelly. If you are searching for DIY crafting tutorials, you might find some under the general "paper mache" tag on Tumblr, but the handle @papermachette is dedicated to 2D digital illustration and character lore.

Where can I find Kelly’s Red Dead Redemption 2 art?

Most of Kelly's RDR2 fanart has been moved to her secondary blog, @lazy-papers. She decided to separate this content to keep her main blog organized around her original characters and the "Lethal Amigos" project.

What is the "Lethal Amigos" comic?

"Lethal Amigos" is a collaborative comic project between Kelly (@papermachette) and @my-gunpowder. it centers on the volatile and complex relationship between their OCs, Chepe and Jose, set within an expanded Encanto universe. It explores themes of rivalry, control, and brotherhood.

Does Papermachette take commissions?

Kelly occasionally opens commissions or sells merchandise (like pins) at conventions like Fanime. For the most current status on commissions, it is best to check her pinned posts on her main Tumblr blog or follow her updates regarding the "Lazy Mochi Crew."

What fandoms does Papermachette currently draw for?

While her interests vary, her most consistent recent work focuses on Encanto (OC-centric), Red Dead Redemption 2, Arcane, and Elemental. She also frequently posts original character designs and illustrations of her own pets, like her cat Curry.

Conclusion

The Papermachette Tumblr blog is a masterclass in how to build a loyal following through consistent world-building and high-quality, expressive art. By creating a space where original characters feel as real and vibrant as canon ones, Kelly has moved beyond being a "fan artist" and has become a storyteller in her own right. Whether you are there for the gritty tales of Chepe in the Encanto or the humorous antics of Arthur Morgan, Papermachette provides a rich, rewarding experience for anyone who appreciates the art of the character.