Critique please?

[Invalid 54]

This is basically my first time creating a ponysona/OC for myself and I could use some thoughts, as well as any necessary critique. Like some people do with their OCs, I wanted to make it sort of a (Equestrian) representation of myself and not entirely a different entity altogether. Some changes in personality would take place though. Like, for example, replace video games with fiction novels.

 

So, for starters, here is the reference pic for visual presentation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit and thanks go to the original artist for the artwork. All I did was provide the descriptive details.

 

I know it says 'Drake' in the reference, but this was before I could think of a name for my ponysona. (And yes, that is my name.) I was thinking of naming him "Somber Solace", but I don't know if that sounds too weird or not.

 

His cutie mark, resembling steam lines, is supposedly a representation of his enthusiasm for coffee and activities related to it. Whether it's coffee drawings/paintings, growing his own coffee beans, or just serving/making it for others when they need it. Likewise, in real life, it's almost always been a decent stress reliever.

 

As for personality, he's pretty much chill and likes to take it easy in life. However, he's prone to gloomy moods and stress and doesn't sleep much. Regardless of any caffeine consumption. Thus, the bags under his eyes.

 

I tried to make his color scheme reflect on said gloomy moods since I believe they also fit me on a personal level. Also, like many other OC creators, I originally wanted to create a pegasus character or possibly a unicorn, but ultimately didn't. Reason being that most people already do something interesting with their characters, while as for me. I thought a boring earth pony OC would be fitting for a boring person like myself.

 

Besides all this, I have little to no backstory for him at the moment. All else I can add for now is that he currently resides in Manehatten doing who-knows-what.

 

With that, I welcome any constructive input you might have.

[SugarfootWillie 383]

There really isn't enough information for me to make a helpful constructive criticism.

 

Your color scheme is dope though. Perhaps you could elaborate on what makes coffee important enough to warrant a cutie mark?

[Invalid 54]

 

 

Perhaps you could elaborate on what makes coffee important enough to warrant a cutie mark?

 

Ah, yes. That was more of a "run of the mill" thing and I admit, it was one part I didn't put too much thought into. While I was constructing my OC, I was stumped for an idea at the time and the artist helped by suggesting I put in something I had more (productive) passion for. Whether it was books, games, or just that, coffee. Since we were both fans of the stuff and it's one of those things we have in common as friends, I decided to go with it and work off of that. But it's not to say his cutie mark is invalidated due to a lack of thought. It's still something I want to work off of and I apologize for this one tidbit that I've yet to make anything to speak of right now...

 

Short answer for the time being: It's what helped him find his driving force. Whether it's by creation or helping him go through the rough spots in life. And I don't necessarily mean caffeine highs, mind you. Could use more help on this part, however.

 

Also, may I ask what you meant by "dope" when you addressed the color scheme? I'm aware it appears dull at a glance, but then again, my reasoning for this is because I didn't want to make him look too flamboyant with brighter colors.

[Cheval 61]

I'm always a fan of the tamer color schemes, myself. Blues and grays and all that. 

 

Regardless, I enjoy the anatomy - a bit gaunt, but still based on that of an actual horse. I know from extensive experience how hard it is to get the bone-structure right while simultaneously conveying an off-kilter perspective. The negative space between the legs becomes very important as a result, and your inclusion of the small sliver of white background between the forelegs does give the character - what was the name? - a very unique stance.

 

Um...name....right....I would go with Kevin. He looks like a Kevin. Like....oh man, flipping Kevin. He's been up for like three days. I do not care how cold it is outside, he does not need a scarf right now. 

 

But for a more theme-based alternative, why not Esso? As in...Espresso? Gives off that 'loner' vibe, a tad pretentious, and coffee(!)

 

It's up to you bro : )

My compliments to the artist.

[SugarfootWillie 383]

@@Dekaccho,

 

Ight, I see it now, one question you could try asking yourself is: if coffee helped your OC find his driving force, what is he driving towards?

 

Dope is slang for cool, or a handful of various narcotics, but in this case dope means cool.

[Invalid 54]

 

 

if coffee helped your OC find his driving force, what is he driving towards?

 

That's a very good question. It's one detail I'll have to make up over time, though unfortunately, I have no in-depth answer for at the moment.

 

 

 

Dope is slang for cool, or a handful of various narcotics, but in this case dope means cool.

 

Ah. Gotcha. I thought you meant otherwise. My bad for misunderstanding.

[Hammy21 9]

Ahhh that is a cool OC. I love that name, Somber Solace... though, as most pony names have to do with their cutie mark, maybe include something about coffee?

 

As for the backstory; if this is a ponysona, perhaps base it on your life a little. For example, if you ever moved towns/states, maybe your character could have, as well. Got a beloved pet? A favorite color? A coffeshop AU you could base some things off of? That weird aunt that only comes every two years? Throw it all in.

 

*shruggg* but idk, man, what you have right there is perfectly fine, as I see it. Unless you're going to be RPing with this character a whole lot, you don't need too much more detail.

 

[Invalid 54]

Ahhh that is a cool OC. I love that name, Somber Solace... though, as most pony names have to do with their cutie mark, maybe include something about coffee?

 

Thanks for the feedback. Really appreciate it.

 

True, I could've given him a coffee related name, but then again, I didn't want him to revolve around it completely. Since he, like I do, also have other interests/hobbies and such. But in essence, the name implies his qualities lie within the simpler pleasures in life. Thus, the "chill and easy going" bit I mentioned. Coffee just being among one of his most highlighted aspects when it helps with something such as adjusting to melancholic moods, for example.

 

Or something to that effect. Still trying to figure out how to explain it better...

 

 

As for the backstory; if this is a ponysona, perhaps base it on your life a little. For example, if you ever moved towns/states, maybe your character could have, as well. Got a beloved pet? A favorite color? A coffeshop AU you could base some things off of? That weird aunt that only comes every two years? Throw it all in.

 

And that's exactly how I intend to use him. While he won't mirror my life and personality exactly, he will keep some of my other quirks intact. It's fun seeing where I can go with a backstory, as well as using other relative settings.

 

 

what you have right there is perfectly fine, as I see it. Unless you're going to be RPing with this character a whole lot, you don't need too much more detail.

 

I'm glad you think so, but I still see plenty of room for detail. For now, I'll work with what I have and build more up, should I go with RPing or anything else constructive later.

Edited April 14, 2016 by Dekaccho