Making a good OC - any tips?

[Agent505 661]

So here's a thing i've noticed, I dont seem to find any topics about making your own OCs on here. 

 

Maybe that's because most people are original and can actually throw a name and colour to a pony and create a plethora of OCs, but myself I really seem to be struggling with this. 

Fear of failing if you will, but I seem to have a problem with getting started to create my own OC - which is a bummer because im really starting to see the fun side of Roleplays on here - that I cannot participate in without an OC. 

 

Let me explain:

 

Take Krystals pirate RPG for instance...that would be so much fun to have joined in with, but without an OC there's no dice right?

And because im a picky so-and-so there's a little part of me that always remembers the criticism that alot of "overdone" OCs get. I'm not asking anyone to make an OC for me either because I like to make my own works - by now you're probably thinking - "Just shut it and stop being picky man! Make a pony and have done with!" - and if that's you then I apologise for that but I just can't do it.

 

TO THE POINT ALREADY! WHAT DO YOU WANT MAN?! 

 

Yeah sorry, I tend to ramble a bit dont I? 

So im just asking what are your opinions on what makes a good OC? 

What is it that OCs are consist of? Is it enough to just have a named pony and say that's the finished thing? 

Do you have to have a background story? A cutie mark?

How much time and effort should you put in to making your OC? 

If you have a background what kind of backgrounds are more overused than others? 

What kind of OCs are more overdone than others? 

 

All this kind of junk is what I want to know before I set out to make my own.

(Once again, I apologise to those of you who are wanting to punch me because im being too picky, but that's just who I am /deal)

 

I know there's going to be a lot of "Everyone is different, it's whatever you feel makes an OC special to you that counts" kind of comments coming in here, but that's not what im looking for. 

I'm looking for the communities outlook on what makes and OC good and why? 

(And yes, I have read the thread about bad OCs, but that didn't answer my question really) 

 

And also just any general tips or anything you can all offer on creating OCs would be appreciated  

 

 

 

[Sky Warden 2,243]

So im just asking what are your opinions on what makes a good OC? 

What is it that OCs are consist of? Is it enough to just have a named pony and say that's the finished thing? 

Do you have to have a background story? A cutie mark?

How much time and effort should you put in to making your OC? 

If you have a background what kind of backgrounds are more overused than others? 

What kind of OCs are more overdone than others? 

Nah. No prob matey. That pirate RP too 'eh? Aye!

 

OCs are, uhm, character of course. What is character? A pony with a name? Nah. Need some more. Ah yes. Personalities. What makes an OC unique from the other and is interesting to play with? The personality. Define what are your OC's likes and dislikes, his/her good and bad sides, his/her dreams and fears. RP is just like interacting with strangers whose personalities are mysterious for you. You can't predict what will they do if you do something to them. Will they get mad? Laugh? Or not even responding?

 

Don't forget to make it balanced. Don't make your OC is all-good or all-bad. (S)He must has a flaw. It's boring to play with a perfect character.

 

This come up to the backstory. Why does (s)he acts like that? Does it because (s)he has a bad past? Or (s)he lived in a noble family with strict rules and discipline? Give a reason why does your OC has personalities like that. Dreams and fears, likes and dislikes, will follow easily after this.

 

Another important thing about backstory is not to make it too dark or grim and try to make it as okay as possible. I've met many OCs whose parents were killed by a serial murderer or died in a magical explosion during an experiment and this young OC struggled for his/her life to survive. Just imagine that you're RPing with that kind of OC. (S)He keeps talking about how bad his/her past is and whenever you try to cheer it, (s)he comes up with another bad past story. Seriously.

 

Keep asking "why" to your OC. Why does your OC acts like that, and keep asking things about your own OC. What's his hobby, talent, bla bla bla. Keep asking until you're running out of idea (What else? what else?) and your OC is complete.

 

There's no exact time on how long you must think about your OC. When you think that she/he's complete and you're sure that you already have enough information about your OC, then go with it.

[Agent505 661]

Nah. No prob matey. That pirate RP too 'eh? Aye!

 

OCs are, uhm, character of course. What is character? A pony with a name? Nah. Need some more. Ah yes. Personalities. What makes an OC unique from the other and is interesting to play with? The personality. Define what are your OC's likes and dislikes, his/her good and bad sides, his/her dreams and fears. RP is just like interacting with strangers whose personalities are mysterious for you. You can't predict what will they do if you do something to them. Will they get mad? Laugh? Or not even responding?

 

Don't forget to make it balanced. Don't make your OC is all-good or all-bad. (S)He must has a flaw. It's boring to play with a perfect character.

 

This come up to the backstory. Why does (s)he acts like that? Does it because (s)he has a bad past? Or (s)he lived in a noble family with strict rules and discipline? Give a reason why does your OC has personalities like that. Dreams and fears, likes and dislikes, will follow easily after this.

 

Another important thing about backstory is not to make it too dark or grim and try to make it as okay as possible. I've met many OCs whose parents were killed by a serial murderer or died in a magical explosion during an experiment and this young OC struggled for his/her life to survive. Just imagine that you're RPing with that kind of OC. (S)He keeps talking about how bad his/her past is and whenever you try to cheer it, (s)he comes up with another bad past story. Seriously.

 

Keep asking "why" to your OC. Why does your OC acts like that, and keep asking things about your own OC. What's his hobby, talent, bla bla bla. Keep asking until you're running out of idea (What else? what else?) and your OC is complete.

 

There's no exact time on how long you must think about your OC. When you think that she/he's complete and you're sure that you already have enough information about your OC, then go with it.

 

I have to say, that was quite thorough in what I was asking for, so thank you  

Also, when you put it like that, it doesn't seem too hard to make it seem good. (I know I have a tendancy to overthink just about everything, but sometimes it's useful, other times it's annoying )

[Leafeon 2,702]

Well, since personality was explained, Imma talk about looks. 

 

Looks really depend on how much you care about them. Since I do a lot, being a pony drawer myself, I take the most time in this department. However, if you don't draw then it would be much harder to take time in this, no?

 

I, personally, don't like the pony creators. Simply because they are quite linear and each OC becomes a copy of other OCs. And if you want to stand out, it would be much better to get a requested image (These can be found in Creative Commons). I could probably make a quick one for you too, if you give me a brief description and.... time.

 

Now the cutie mark on the other hand is a bit more annoying. You have to have a cutie mark that fits in to the backstory. Of course, it should match the name quite well, and shouldn't blend in with the pony. And it should, hopefully, catch the eye.

 

On another note for backstory and personality, what a lot of people don't get is that if your parents are murdered, you should be a bit more insane then just angry. Also please don't use that cliche.

 

Hopefully that helped and wasn't too much rambling!

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

The pony creators are good for creating a visual reference of your OC tho, if you a) can't draw, don't possess either a scanner or a tablet or c) want to create a reference to request art. And it's far preferable to use a creator rather than recolouring canon characters or drawing over them.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wj4GkaWXOs

 

This is particularly prevailent in the Sonic fandom, and I've seen it filter over into pony fandom as well. If you can't draw or don't have the tools needed, then use a creator.

 

Sorry about that rant. XD It's just a pet hate of mine. ^^;

[Agent505 661]

Now the cutie mark on the other hand is a bit more annoying. You have to have a cutie mark that fits in to the backstory. Of course, it should match the name quite well, and shouldn't blend in with the pony. And it should, hopefully, catch the eye.

 

 

 

Indeed they do seem to be dont they? 

I've been thinking of an OC I could make, not really got anything decent apart from your generic ponies :3 

Didn't take into consideration the cutie mark...that's going to make things more difficult to name them with relation to the cutie mark. It's not like all the good names are taken these days as it is...

 

The pony creators are good for creating a visual reference of your OC tho, if you a) can't draw, don't possess either a scanner or a tablet or c) want to create a reference to request art. And it's far preferable to use a creator rather than recolouring canon characters or drawing over them.

 

No need to worry about that, I prefer to hand draw my work, and im sure my OC wont be any different. 

I'll probably end up doing it on GIMP eventually though. Or not, depends how lazy I get.

Edited January 8, 2013 by Agent505

[Aaramus 449]

To me an OC needs to be a believable character who actually fits within the universe without being obnoxious or overdone. A lot of people seem to base their OC's on themselves which is probably the best way to go about it as you should know you're own personality along with any strengths and weaknesses. 

 

I think if you can avoid the more common types of characters that people make with a "tragic past" or an over the top personality that doesn't make any sense to anyone then thats great. You can certainly make an OC who is crazy and loud but you then need the think about why they are that way. Are they just hyperactive and are easily pleased or do they yearn for attention of their peers. It's just a basic thought process of who they are and why they exist, don't make them one-dimensional characters that are over-done or flat out boring.

 

As for visuals, I think Pony Creator is great for getting a rough idea. Use it to come up with a few drafts and then either have a go at drawing it yourself or find somebody arty to make it.

Just put some effort into it rather than making one just because.

[Elric J. Cornelius 7]

Consider the rules of the show when making your OC. The last OC I remember seeing was named Prince Demon Blood, or just Demon Blood. We know there's some sort of underworld in FIM thanks to the Cerberus cameo. If we know there's demons living there, you could give your pony that sort of name. I believe the background is more important than the name. To help you get started, here's some questions to answer:

 

1.) Who raised my OC?

 

2.) What were my OC's parents or guardians like?

 

3.) How did my OC's parents or guardians feel about my OC? Why did they feel that way?

 

4.) What kind of environment and friends does my OC have, and how have those factors influenced my OC's response to his/her parents' feelings.

 

If you want to make a mature pony, these should help you out. Mature doesnt' necessarily mean dark and edgy; it means your pony's personality is believable in the context of their background.

[Descant 1,898]

So here's a thing i've noticed, I dont seem to find any topics about making your own OCs on here. 

 

Maybe that's because most people are original and can actually throw a name and colour to a pony and create a plethora of OCs, but myself I really seem to be struggling with this. 

Fear of failing if you will, but I seem to have a problem with getting started to create my own OC - which is a bummer because im really starting to see the fun side of Roleplays on here - that I cannot participate in without an OC. 

 

Let me explain:

 

Take Krystals pirate RPG for instance...that would be so much fun to have joined in with, but without an OC there's no dice right?

And because im a picky so-and-so there's a little part of me that always remembers the criticism that alot of "overdone" OCs get. I'm not asking anyone to make an OC for me either because I like to make my own works - by now you're probably thinking - "Just shut it and stop being picky man! Make a pony and have done with!" - and if that's you then I apologise for that but I just can't do it.

 

TO THE POINT ALREADY! WHAT DO YOU WANT MAN?! 

 

Yeah sorry, I tend to ramble a bit dont I? 

So im just asking what are your opinions on what makes a good OC? 

What is it that OCs are consist of? Is it enough to just have a named pony and say that's the finished thing? 

Do you have to have a background story? A cutie mark?

How much time and effort should you put in to making your OC? 

If you have a background what kind of backgrounds are more overused than others? 

What kind of OCs are more overdone than others? 

 

All this kind of junk is what I want to know before I set out to make my own.

(Once again, I apologise to those of you who are wanting to punch me because im being too picky, but that's just who I am /deal)

 

I know there's going to be a lot of "Everyone is different, it's whatever you feel makes an OC special to you that counts" kind of comments coming in here, but that's not what im looking for. 

I'm looking for the communities outlook on what makes and OC good and why? 

(And yes, I have read the thread about bad OCs, but that didn't answer my question really) 

 

And also just any general tips or anything you can all offer on creating OCs would be appreciated

Well, for me, when I create an OC's personality, I take care, because I know that I'm going to have to be that OC eventually. When I'm sculpting an OC for myself, I examine myself, and my own personality, and I take one aspect of my own personality, and exaggerate it, or warp it, and turn that into a character. Usually several parts of myself are thrown into each and every one of my OCs. And then, I think, what would make somepony that way? And I develop the backstory from there. 

 

When you're making the backstory, you have to consider everything. Upbringing, hobbies, childhood friends, feelings towards certain, everyday things, phobias... 

 

It just takes imagination, a willingness to adapt, and a certain knack for reality. As in, creating a slice of reality for your pony.

[~Lawful Sturdy Wing~ 522]

Well, don't be an Alicorn... I can't stress that bit enough, just don't freaking do it. Let your character speak through actions, not backstory. Try not to make them too special or unique, being a special snowflake is totally fine when you are dealing with a single player scenario (Like Skyrim or other single player games) But around others it polarizes you and makes you unbearable

[Agent505 661]

To me an OC needs to be a believable character who actually fits within the universe without being obnoxious or overdone. A lot of people seem to base their OC's on themselves which is probably the best way to go about it as you should know you're own personality along with any strengths and weaknesses. 

 

I think if you can avoid the more common types of characters that people make with a "tragic past" or an over the top personality that doesn't make any sense to anyone then thats great. You can certainly make an OC who is crazy and loud but you then need the think about why they are that way. Are they just hyperactive and are easily pleased or do they yearn for attention of their peers. It's just a basic thought process of who they are and why they exist, don't make them one-dimensional characters that are over-done or flat out boring.

 

As for visuals, I think Pony Creator is great for getting a rough idea. Use it to come up with a few drafts and then either have a go at drawing it yourself or find somebody arty to make it.

 

Just put some effort into it rather than making one just because.

 

I think I might do that, actually.

Have a look at the pony creator to get a bit of inspiration... but like I said, I would prefer to hand-draw it myself.

 

Well, for me, when I create an OC's personality, I take care, because I know that I'm going to have to be that OC eventually. When I'm sculpting an OC for myself, I examine myself, and my own personality, and I take one aspect of my own personality, and exaggerate it, or warp it, and turn that into a character. Usually several parts of myself are thrown into each and every one of my OCs. And then, I think, what would make somepony that way? And I develop the backstory from there. 

 

When you're making the backstory, you have to consider everything. Upbringing, hobbies, childhood friends, feelings towards certain, everyday things, phobias... 

 

It just takes imagination, a willingness to adapt, and a certain knack for reality. As in, creating a slice of reality for your pony.

 

Now i've been thinking about creating an OC based off of my own personality, but wouldn't that be more of a ponysona? 

But I guess I can take key elements of myself and still create an OC that isn't...me haha

 

Well, don't be an Alicorn... I can't stress that bit enough, just don't freaking do it. Let your character speak through actions, not backstory. Try not to make them too special or unique, being a special snowflake is totally fine when you are dealing with a single player scenario (Like Skyrim or other single player games) But around others it polarizes you and makes you unbearable

 

No worries about that  

I've never been one for Alicorns anyways, never mind the general fandoms reaction to them haha

[Descant 1,898]

Now i've been thinking about creating an OC based off of my own personality, but wouldn't that be more of a ponysona? 

But I guess I can take key elements of myself and still create an OC that isn't...me haha

Key elements of your personality, yes. That's really what I meant by that, as opposed to your complete persona. What fun is it, pretending to be yourself? Even if it is in pony form?

Edited January 8, 2013 by Descant

[Agent505 661]

Key elements of your personality, yes. That's really what I meant by that, as opposed to your complete persona. What fun is it, pretending to be yourself? Even if it is in pony form?

 

xD Love it, never thought of it like that before. 

Hmm...I wonder how fun that could actually be? 

 

 

Edit: So i've just made a page about creating an OC, a compilation of all these guidelines and whatnot (overly obsessive, I told you ) and it's raised an interesting point... where do you start? 

 

Where have you guys found it easier to start? Do you start on the drawings first, or do you create the personality before anything else? Are there even some of you who maybe draw the cutie mark first to base your OC off of their special trait? So which one of these do you find easiest to start off with? 

Edited January 8, 2013 by Agent505

[LoveTheHate 4]

Brother....I fell your pain. Making an OC is truly the most easy thing in the world. BUT, making an OC that others like and that you yourself can personally say,'Im proud that I created this pony'. This is the difficult thing. I myself love to create OC's. And, I do have some good tips for you.

 

1.) Make your OC believable. No one likes some random ass OC that has ridiculous characteristics. If you make a pony, they should be to where they could actually exist in MLP. As in, it would possibly be a pony you might see in the background. They don't have a clashing color scheme, or that weird blotchy scheme that I've seen. Make them normal, or at the most, a little different.

 

2.) A ponies personality can be created with 2 different methods. The first, is to create them at random. By giving them just off the top of your head traits and personal preferences. I do not recommend this. It might be easy, but more often than not it makes the creators unhappy as to the end result. My preferred method is this: base the pony off one key aspect of your own personality. Start with one aspect of you, and work from there. Of course, you don't want to make the pony a version of you, but you want it to be relatable to you in some way, This makes it so that the pony has a reliable foundation, and allows the pony a sense of 'hey, I could exist'.

 

These are my tips. Good luck friend.

[Agent505 661]

Brother....I fell your pain. Making an OC is truly the most easy thing in the world. BUT, making an OC that others like and that you yourself can personally say,'Im proud that I created this pony'. This is the difficult thing. I myself love to create OC's. And, I do have some good tips for you.

 

1.) Make your OC believable. No one likes some random ass OC that has ridiculous characteristics. If you make a pony, they should be to where they could actually exist in MLP. As in, it would possibly be a pony you might see in the background. They don't have a clashing color scheme, or that weird blotchy scheme that I've seen. Make them normal, or at the most, a little different.

 

2.) A ponies personality can be created with 2 different methods. The first, is to create them at random. By giving them just off the top of your head traits and personal preferences. I do not recommend this. It might be easy, but more often than not it makes the creators unhappy as to the end result. My preferred method is this: base the pony off one key aspect of your own personality. Start with one aspect of you, and work from there. Of course, you don't want to make the pony a version of you, but you want it to be relatable to you in some way, This makes it so that the pony has a reliable foundation, and allows the pony a sense of 'hey, I could exist'.

 

These are my tips. Good luck friend.

 

Brilliant advice and an excellent summary, thank you for that  

 

I have a ~rough~ idea of what I want my OC to be like...the only thing im concerned about majorly now is creating the visual aspect - being a reader i'm the kind of person who likes to be able to envision something that is described to me. (I read Halo novels for the most part, so the descriptions in those...whew) But I understand that a lot of people would like to have a visual image they can use to quickly summarise the characters...well...visuals  

[ShyForever 284]

1. Try to stay away from creating an Alicorn.

 

2. Try to stay away from having an all black/all white pony.

 

3. Try to create a name for your pony based on his/her talents. 

[SonOfTheNorthe 412]

One: Don't use pony creator, except as a last resort.

Two: Don't be black and red.

Three: Make your character realistic. A pegasus who got zapped by lightning as a filly and can now control electricity isn't realistic. Realistic characters also come with flaws.

Four: NO ALICORNS. EVER.

[Agent505 661]

So i've just been reading through some of the role plays on here, and checking out the OCs of the participants, and I have noticed something.

 

The people who participate in many role plays generally have the "better" OC - probably due to experience and actually wanting to make them something. 

 

But there seems to be some OCs here that are simply...there. Just because the creator wanted to have an OC to their name, and honestly they dont look all that great.

 

I have a fairly good idea of what I want now, and taking in all the previous tips and observations, i'm fairly confident I can make something decent. Eventually. If I get round to it...when i'm not busy being lazy :3