First ponysona design advice?

[SoupShimmer 15]

Hello! I'm trying to design my first MLP OC, SoupShimmer, right now. All of you who are used to seeing a ton of MLP OCs, do you guys have any general advice for me? Some Do and Don'ts I should keep in mind?

My ponysona's personality is much like my own, but instead of costume-building and drawing, her main focus is cooking. She loves to learn new recipes and even make up completely new ones! I'm not sure where in Equestria she lives or even what kind of pony she is- but probably an earth pony since they are so passionate about food? Hmm...

So- Yeah- if you have anything to share that you think might be helpful, please do!

Edited January 12, 2015 by SoupShimmer

[Moonlight 7,286]

Everything is subjective but here are some basics  

 

Do:

• any of the main species are fine, especially earth ponies which are pretty interesting to see
• have her talent be something unique and not just another DJ or anything
• any colors as long as they're easy on the eyes, pastels work well (light pink, light purple, light blue, etc..)
• Being based off yourself is a good way of creating a character that doesn't fall in the "Don't" category

 

Don't:

• Black + Red coloring
• Alicorn
• Overpowered
• Daughter/Wife/Sister of any canon character
• Perfect in every way/Mary Sue
• Neon colors unless they're toned down
• Rainbow manes aren't really a "don't" by themselves but they're usually mixed in with some other "don'ts"

Best of luck!

[Scrubbed user 3,416]

Since you seem to have her personality in order, if you haven't already, settle on a color scheme.

 

Then, the design of the mane and tail. I would do the mane first, but keep in mind that the tail should look similar.

 

And last, lay out the colors in the way that looks right to you.

[Odyssey 5,716]

Wheatly listed the basics, so I'll might as well list what you should do with your ponysona.

 

First off, what kind of personality do you personally have? Considering that she shares the same one as yours it'll be helpful. Also, I'd recommend slightly changing your ponysona's personality. It makes her a little original.

 

Secondly, do keep the whole earth pony who loves to cook thing. It's an idea that stands out and works in the context of MLP:FiM. If she loves to learn new things then I presume she strives to be one of the best cooks. If that's the case I suggest that she should be in Ponyville. It's kind of like "baby steps".

 

And finally, her design. Her design should be worked on once you have an established personality and backstory/goal. MLP:FiM does this with the Mane 6, even with the most subtle of things like their colour palettes. Once you've worked on the personality and occupation, I'll tell you what kind of design she should have.

[Blazebolt 122]

I'm going to be posting a similar  need help? 

[Antidaeophobia 299]

Wheatley addressed just about everything. I'd say making the colours complimentary and easy on the eyes is very important. Also, trying to make it as realistic as possible with actual positive and negative attributes. Try and be as original as possible with talents, I can't tell you how many emo, gaming or DJ ponies I've seen. You can even do a search on unique jobs to get ideas. For instance, my main OC is an astronomer (what I'm studying for). There are plenty of cool ideas for jobs.

 

Here are some helpful palette programs to help you find complimentary colours for your pony.

http://paletton.com/#uid=1000u0kllllaFw0g0qFqFg0w0aF

http://coolors.co/2e294e-efbcd5-be97c6-8661c1-4b5267

http://www.colourpod.com/

[SoupShimmer 15]

Hi Everyone! Thank you so much for your advice! I've thought some more and came up with "new" character attributes for her!

SoupShimmer's + sides

Great chef (hard working, has a great sense of smell/taste)
Easygoing and kind
Values friends & family above all else
Good with animals (Likes cooking pet-food as well)
Loves storytelling

SoupShimmer's - sides

A bit old-fashioned (Doesn't know much of new trends)
Easily stressed (Often gets anxious under pressure)
Afraid of being alone
Superstitious

And now for some backstory!

SoupShimmer grew up with her mom and dad both working in the Hotel business. She and her younger sister, Salty, often came home to an empty apartment due to both parents working overtime. This led to SoupShimmer learning to cook at an early age in order to have dinner despite no grownups being present. After finishing school to become a chef, she started working in the kitchen of the same hotel as her parents worked at. However, she soon realized such a stressful life was not for her and (hesitatingly) left her mom, dad and little sister to set out to look for a new job.

This is what eventually led her all the way to calm, peaceful little Ponyville.

... Still need to work on it, but there we have some kind of outline, at least!
As for graphical design, I used this  to make a quick color scheme. I haven't had time to draw anything on my own yet.
 

What do you think about these colors? I like them lots myself! Green~ Yellow~ reminds me of tasty vegetables. The mane and tail need work to be more original etc. however. I need to draw my own version asap. Oh! and she needs a cutie mark...

EDIT:



Made my own drawing of her now! Her cutie mark is a soup bowl with sparkles. I love how the hair turned out, what do you think?

Edited January 14, 2015 by SoupShimmer