This is accurate. John K originally criticized 90s Disney animators for copying the Nine Old Men. He introduced the term on his blog and it spread across the in

This is accurate. John K originally criticized 90s Disney animators for copying the Nine Old Men. He introduced the term on his blog and it spread across the internet. The CalArts style is whatever style is popular among each graduating class. And when someone doesn't like it, they try to use the term negatively. The UPA influence became the popular CalArts style with Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Lab) and Craig McCracken (Powerpuff Girls). And the CalArts style evolved again around the time of Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time) with bean mouths and noodle arms. This is still popular today. It's really whatever creators' like to draw, is economical for a TV production, and gets a positive reaction out of the audience.