>>26959526Actually, I don't think that person ever drew him until that time, probably his/her first time and wasn't used to his design. If I remember correctly, he/she said it was hard to draw him cute. That person first drew a Popplio in a box which was adorable, then came someone who requested Ballio hugging Popplio and then OP's image happened. Really nice awesome drawfriend nonetheless.
It's often hard to nail drawing something that isn't normally cute as cute while keeping it aesthetically well done and/or faithful. That's why some times, there are cute depiction of some tough pokemon that keep their designs more simplistic than usual. It really depends on the person.
