Working on the reference (Patreon)

It was a big and interesting reference, so I'd like to tell you a little bit about how I create custom characters.

First of all, I collect information. That is, I find out the most important thing: the name, gender of the character, race. Then I ask for a visual image of the character, maybe old references and art with char. And finally – I try to find out details about the character, whether they are (he\she etc) a strong or passive personality. Because for me it is often important not only to correctly portray the color of the character, but also to convey  character so that absolutely strangers immediately understand the character.

This time I have the following key data: the name Luxie Safaia, futa, cheetah race, incorrect old reference, gender change, athletic physique and the word "luxury *" in the name.

Starting with a pose for the character, this is one of the most important stages. Since the character is a strong and self–confident person, she must stand firmly on both feet. Energy, fire and passionate aggression should be felt in her pose. Therefore, the rear view, for example, I borrowed from the classic bodybuilding rack.

I usually observe the proportions of the body (8 heads), but to emphasize that this is not an ordinary cat, but a cheetah, I slightly (by 1\2 heads) increased the length of the legs.

The pose should "talk" to the viewer. Therefore, if you make a modest and shy character, the easiest way to convey these features will be if you give him a clamped pose – crossed arms and legs, lowered eyes.

In my case, even the hairline and tail should show energy, so the strands of hair and the tip of the tail even look up.

And the last thing that came to my mind – don't merge the pose!! Remember the Rorschach tests, the ink spots in which you have to see something? So it is with the characters. Try this exercise: fill the whole figure of the character with one color. And check: do his arms and legs merge into one with his torso? Has the whole character turned into one solid blur? Then work on it by creating "cavities" between the body and the hair, limbs, and so on…

P.S. I don't pretend to be an expert and it can't even be called a full-fledged tutorial, I just wanted to share my thoughts and experience. I hope you weren't bored reading this hahah!

* I will beat luxury in the final version of the reference, which will have a lot of diamond ornaments, glitter and hints of jewelry.