This Illustrator Reimagined The Disney Princesses As Career Women And It's Truly Inspiring

"One day I'll know, how far I'll go..."

We've seen lots and lots and LOTS of modern illustrations of the Disney Princesses, but none are quite like North Carolina-based graphic designer Matt Burt's, in which he reimagines them as modern career women. And totally BADASS career women at that!

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

Burt created these princesses for his employer, Simple Thrifty Living.

In Burt's adaptation, Elsa and Anna are climate change scientists:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

Burt writes on Imgur: "Elsa, Anna, and the citizens of Arendelle know a few things about the effects of climate change. While their companion Olaf may love summer, the sun, and all things hot, Anna and Elsa recognize what a rising global temperature might mean. They have dedicated their careers to studying climate change and presenting accurate, well-sourced information."

Jasmine? A take-no-BS UN ambassador:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"Jasmine has always fought for what’s right and for change where it is needed -- she’s not a prize to be won. A natural politician, she now advocates for her country of Agrabah at the United Nations. One of her primary initiatives is protecting women’s rights by ensuring that women are treated fairly across the globe."

Here's Mulan as a Title IX lawyer who is ready to GIVE 👏 THAT 👏 DEPOSISH 👏:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"After experiencing discrimination both personally and in the military, Mulan turned her sights on a law degree, graduating with the highest honors. She now fights for equality on university campuses, ensuring that men and women are given the same treatment and opportunities. With all the strength of a raging fire, she advocates for those who have faced adversity due to their gender."

Snow White is a leading psychologist:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"Snow White has always been known for being caring, thoughtful, and someone willing to lend a hand to those in need. Using these strengths paired with hard work, she earned her doctorate in psychology and is one of the leaders in the field of mental health. She presents her research at conferences throughout the year but always takes time to provide the best care to her clients... whether they’re feeling happy, bashful, grumpy, or anything else. It’s her mission to not only help her clients but also support other mental health professionals so they can offer their clients top-notch care."

Belle as a ~scholarly~ university chancellor:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"There was always much more in store for Belle than a provincial life. Inspired by her love of books and knowledge, Belle went into academia. After receiving her doctorate in education, Belle has risen to the level of chancellor at a major university. She is committed to affordable and equal education for all."

And Merida as a two-time Olympic gold medalist (in archery and equestrian, obvi):

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"Merida competed for her own hand in marriage, so why not for a gold medal in the Olympics? Skilled in both archery and horseback riding, Merida competes for her country in multiple events. She’s already won multiple golds, but aims to add a few more in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo."

Pocahontas is living her best life in 2018 as the head of an environmental nonprofit:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"Pocahontas knows that we’re all connected to each other and is committed to protecting nature and what is just around the riverbend. She heads a non-profit organization committed to preserving and protecting the environment. Through a combination of activism, action, and promoting awareness, she fights for protection and sustainable use of our natural resources."

Cinderella is a dedicated animal rights activist:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"While she has her Fairy Godmother to thank, Cinderella would not be where she is without the help of her animal companions. She believes where there is kindness there is goodness, and it’s her heart’s wish to see animals treated with respect. She used her position of influence to found a non-profit organization committed to promoting animal rights."

Aurora is now the proud CEO of a coffee company:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"Aurora knows how hard it is to wake up. After being awoken from her enchanted sleep, Aurora made it her career to help others stay awake -- and what better way to do that than coffee! Aurora is the founder and CEO of Spinning Wheel Coffee, one of the leading coffee chains in the nation."

Tiana's an ~award-winning~ chef and restauranteur:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"Growing up and being inspired by her father’s love of cooking, Tiana has always known what she has wanted to do. She now stands at the top of the culinary world, winning the James Beard Award and owning one of the most popular restaurants in the country. Every day she digs a little deeper, trying out new dishes and experimenting with new recipes and flavors."

Our gurl Rapunzel is an esteemed neurologist:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"Since her birth, Rapunzel has always had the power to heal. After saving her future husband, Eugene Fitzherbert, and reuniting with her royal family, Rapunzel went to medical school and earned her doctorate. She specialized in neurology and has become a leading expert in the country. It’s now her dream to help as many patients as she can and provide exceptional medical care."

Ariel is a pop star and record producer with 'Part of Your World' going multi-platinum:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"Ariel has always excelled in music, having natural talent and a passion for singing. Considered the best of her talented sisters, Ariel took her skills and made it her career. She went multi-platinum with her single, “Part of Your World,” and now both writes her own music and is a producer at her own label, Seven Seas Records."

And Moana is a high-ranking Navy officer:

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

"The sea has always called to Moana. What it taught her is that she is a natural leader, guiding her people and returning them to their ancient voyaging traditions. Using these strengths, Moana has excelled in the Navy, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander. She has been awarded multiple honors during her service, such as two Navy Achievement medals and a National Defense Service Medal. With such a successful start, there’s no telling how far she’ll go in her career."

Burt told BuzzFeed: "The Disney princesses have become much more than characters in animated films. They've become influential women and cultural icons. With that in mind, I wanted to reimagine them as something for people to look up to and to be inspired by — that's why I chose them to not only have successful careers, but to also have careers in traditionally male-dominated jobs."

Matt Burt / Simple Thrifty Living

He added: "I'm truly humbled by the response. I've had people emailing me from across the world telling me how much they enjoy the work or how they want to print out the photos for their daughters. I feel so grateful that my work has had a positive impact."

Disney

Thanks for making such important and inspiring art, Matt!!!

NBC

See more of Matt's work here!