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equinepalette — Tutorial: Creating a 'Good' MLP:FiM OC
Published: 2013-12-04 03:19:58 +0000 UTC; Views: 52409; Favourites: 861; Downloads: 597
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ADDENDUM: Natural horses are becoming a bit more prevalent in the show, especially among stallions, so the part in my above tutorial on body markings and "natural" style ponies is becoming a bit obsolete. So, I amend my rule on body markings to this:On body markings: Subtlety is key. Keep markings to simple, medium-large sized shapes. Note, though, ponies in the show with body markings include Luna, Pipsqueak, Troubleshoes, and Sunburst which are all supporting ponies. As an OC should follow more of a background pony style, if your OC has a bit of body marking, markings should be pretty much the only unique thing about your pony else it will stick out a bit more than it should.
ADDENDUM #2: "Times are a Changeling" directly contradicts what I've said about "nice" changelings in this tutorial. So that part is now null. However, it still stands to reason that changelings aren't unique in body or shape, so if you decide to create a changeling, manes and tails are still a no go. Start with the basic changeling shape and you may alter slight things, but nothing drastic. That is all. If you are making a "new" changeling, there are several body types to pick from, but you should stick with the overall aethetic.
ADDENDUM #3: "Campfire Tales" shows a unicorn from a "Chinese" pony culture that has a curved horn; multiple gradients on her horn, feet, and ears; as well as a flowing Celestia-like mane. This was on a "main character" of her own storyline, and is extremely unique. So if you decide to use multiple traits like this on your pony, recognize that it might still be "Mary Sue" because your pony is not a pony of legend. One of these traits could be used properly, but it should be the only unique trait your pony has.
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I state it in the tutorial, but I'll state it again here, all of the above are my opinions. Feel free to disagree on every point if you wish! These are just "rules" and tips I've found over time that make for a show-accurate, like-able, "good" OC. Feel free to comment with your own suggestions, or links to other helpful tutorials. I'll start compiling a list here!
Also, I'm always happy to help with developing OCs, so feel free to comment asking me for suggestions, help, a "rating," or anything else! I'll always note it to you.
Quick list of things to avoid (in order of unforgivableness):
- Black (any black at all) anywhere but the eyes
- Fully Saturated colors
- Alicorns
- Recolors (i.e. using the exact same mane shapes as canon characters--normally from pony creator)
- Blank flanks past filly/colt
- Dead parents
- Personal close relationships/familial relations/romatic relationships with any canon character
- Heterochromia (two different eye colors)
- 100% white anywhere but the eyes (tints of white are fine)
- Dual colored wings
- Having zero flaws in personality
Avoid ALL these things. Change them if possible.
Helpful links:
[link] - Think you'll ever consider getting a plushie made of your new OC? Naz's "How to Make a Plush Friendly OC" is a MUST read if you want to avoid sticker shock!
[link] - This lovely lady has a growing collection of tutorials for creating an OC, including how to choose a body shape for your OC. She also gives private ratings through a note on your OC!
[link] - Ever want to combine colors that "don't go together"? This is an OC example of a red/blue combo (normally terrible) that I find absolutely brilliant!
In the tutorial, I included some OCs that I feel are a cut above the rest and exemplify what a "good" OC can truly be, whether they follow all the "rules" or not. (If any of you would like me to remove your OCs or art from the tutorial, just let me know!)
Ocean Blossom (c) Jojuki-chan
Art (c) Jojuki-chan
Glittering Cloud (c) Centchi
Art (c) LittleKittyNeko123
StarStruck (c) ZowieStardust-MLP
Art (c) Zhampy
Changelings and Art (c) Siansaar
Star Ace & CM (c) tinuleaf
Starlight & CM (c) Emkay-MLP
Phoe's CM (c) PhoeKun
Art (c) furriKira
Rosey Cheeks (c) GLADlON
Art (c) Centchi
Rink Runner (c) pepooni
Art (c) Wicklesmack
Peppy Pines (c) pepooni
Art (c) pepooni
And, as always,
I don't like to spam profiles with "Thanks for the 
So, in advance:
MLP:FiM (c) Hasbro
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Comments: 909
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I’ve finished up everything, and here’s what I have.
Midnight Hunter
Midnight Hunter - Werepony Form
And from that information I gave about her details and backstory, is there anything I need to change?
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Not bad! Very VanHelsing-esque. It looks fine to me, if you’re happy with it!
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You know what Midnight is and does but I’ve made a few little tweaks. Others treat her like they did when Rarity went punk. They love her mane and they think she looks and is cool. And she know as the best at what she does.
Midnight Hunter
Midnight Hunter - Backstory
I wrote her backstory too, I hope it’s ok. If the story is ok that she’s done! And then I’ll go onto my other oc with the mechanical wings.
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I have another question. Another design I’m messing around with, they are a unicorn inventor and they make all sorts of gadgets and stuff. Is it ok if they make themselves a pair of mechanical wings that they strap onto themselves like a belt?
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I don't see why not! I'd definitely make sure that it has limitations, though. Can't fly more than [x] height, only runs for 30 minutes, requires [this] expensive/difficult to obtain fuel source--etc. You want to make sure that it doesn't work "just like pegasus wings" because then you're getting into overpowered territory. Think like the episode where Rarity gets her butterfly wings. Temporary spell, burned up in the close sun.
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I have another question. I’m messing around with designing a werepony oc but I’m unsure of wether to do the werepony form more pony-like or maybe have it look more like a diamond dog. I’ve looked at many other interpretations of what people think wereponies look like but I’m unsure what would look best. May or may not make this an official oc in the future. Any tips and advice would be much appreciated 😊
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That would be all up to your interpretation! A diamond dog is a decent place to start, but I would certainly stay away from the bipedal interpretation. Definitely make it more 4 legged.
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Here are my 2 werepony designs, which one do you prefer?
Werepony .1
Werepony .2
My W.I.P oc is currently called Midnight Courser. She is a unicorn that has a grey body, blue eyes, blue mane and tail, has a hunting knife cutie mark, wears a black and blue jacket and boots, has 3 piercings like goth Fluttershy on both ears (can be reduced or removed), has 2 scars on her bottom lip and bite mark scars on the right side of her neck. When she became a werepony and had lived with it for a few weeks, she saw how useful it could be so she decided to learn how to control it for her and everyone else’s safety, and it gives her an advantage when she does her work, but she’s yet to gain full control of it just yet. She is a beast hunter, and when she’s not hunting beasts she’s hunting bounties. The scars on her bottom lip were from her fangs when she first turned into a werepony, that were so sharp that they actually cut into her and gave she scars, and the bite marks scars were from a vampony she fought a year prior that night.
Her personality: Adventurous, Confident, Honest, Loyal, Mature, Sassy and Witty
Oc without fangs
Oc with fangs
Vampony bite mark scar (RS)
If you have any ideas and want me to change anything please do let me know.
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I'm feeling 1 a little bit more, to my preference! I'd add a tuft of fur to the top of her head, too, to act a little bit like hair. As is, she looks a bit bald. (I have a similar "werepony" OC I'm working on drawing a reference for someone and that's what I've done to make it a bit more "werewolf but still a pony" and a little less "full wolf never been a pony" because it looks more like it has hair, if that makes sense.)
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I have a question. Am I allowed to use a word that has been used in a name in canon pony name? Cause I’m unsure of a few words to use in some oc’s names, so the help would be much appreciated 😊
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Yes, though I would recommend staying away from ones that recall too much of one of the canon characters, and most specifically using the same first or second name in the same position. As in, you can use the word "Twilight" in moderation, but not as a first name. And be warned that any use of canon pony name words COULD potentially make people think to much of that canon pony.
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I have a oc that I wanted to call Midnight Hunter, but since Hunter was taken by Star Hunter, I went with Midnight Courser instead.
They are beast hunter, and when they are not hunting beasts they a a bounty hunter. They like to keep themselves occupied with things that can help and benefits others.
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Either name sounds good to me! Star Hunter is obscure enough that the name doesn't matter, really. It's just main characters and super popular secondary and background ponies you need to watch out using the same names for.
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Hey, I need help, Right now I have my Color Palette, some shades of Green, Pink, Blue, and maybe Yellow and a large idea of the OC but I can't figure out a good race/species/kind any advice?
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Well, like I say, race is usually related to talent, so that may help.
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Okay, ill give it more thought. thanks
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Hey, mind checking out my ocs'? I need tips, and btw, the tipped wings are a common feature among pegasi, so are curved horns, so are cadence/luna body type for unicorns, and the blank flank thing? it's in my own universe, so they will have markings once i draw all of my characters. but i dont often do cutie marks.(ill actually be removing them completely, and redrawing all of the main characters to make all of them blend in more.)
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Well, the second you say that "it's in my own universe" I can't help you! I base everything objectively off of canon. If it's in your own AU, I can't give you an objective opinion.
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well, its mostly in the mlp universe, but those rules are there so i can have my character's more complicated, but not stick out from everpony else, otherwise, its mostly the same, and if you want you can tell me the thing you dont like about my art, i'm just saying this cause i want to improve on my art..
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“Mostly” or not, it doesn’t really matter. I give critique on strict canon standards, so I’d be telling you the most glaring problems, I.e. the wing tips, too many unique body shapes, and lack of cutie marks.
As far as your art, I’m not really here for art critique, only designs. It helps me keep my opinions from being swayed by an art style I might not like.
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one think i greatly dislike, its without having to redraw every character, you have to make them simple, and not really able to add your own twist, its not against you, but there is still that annoying problem, its hard to make it shand out, without making it another ''mary-sue''
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No, absolutely! It’s definitely hard, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. But I disagree that you can’t make them unique or add your own twists. I’ve made whole hosts of canon worthy OCs that are all unique in their own right, and stay out of the realm of Mary-Sue’s. That being said, it’s all a matter of personal opinion—each character is technically the star of their own story. It’s just important to write that story well, and especially so if they have a more unique appearance.
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(sigh) do you at least think i did ok with their design?
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Honestly, and I'm just guessing here (since you didn't link me anything) the ones you want critique on are under your folder "characters": a couple of them are "okay," most of them are "not very good," but none of them are really "just bad" besides, like, one; and all of them have things I would change or adjust. But since we're talking non-canon, again, take it with a grain of salt, because that's just my opinion.
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what is it that you dont like about them? i have to redraw the odler ones anyway, my style is changing rapidly, so they all look in the different style ^^'
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Each one has a list of different things that could be changed. In general, here are a few tips:
- You tend to favor dark colors, so just remember that if you use a dark mane, use a light body, and visa versa.
- Most of the colors are pretty decent, but some the body and mane colors are just too close in shades (think, if you pulled all the saturation out of your picture temporarily and made it a grayscale, you'd have next to no contrast.)
- You should also try to stay away from neons. On some you have really great muted colors, and then on the next one you use a neon cyan, neon purple, or neon red.
- Obviously, everyone needs a cutie mark. No adult blank flanks.
- You tend to favor thin stripes, and similar mane styles. Try to mix it up.
- And a general rule of thumb: if you're going to use something unique (i.e. dual toned wings, heterochromia, feathered hooves) make sure it's the only unique thing about them, and you'll be fine.
Hope that helps.
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thanks! some of them are adopted, well, currently most of them, so that i could not change, but a few, like whirlwind, Allurellah grace, and a few other i made myself, and well, i'm simply bad at designing mane styles.. but thank you!
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Yes! I needed to find one of these b/c I'm having trouble making 2 MLP OCs (who are siblings) and this helped a lot! Thank you! My only problem is their hair. One has straight, long hair while the other has curly and short hair. It's really that even though their based on an actual MLP character, Pinkie Pie along with her "dark" self. I don't want them to have the exact hair style as them b/c it would be lazy (in my opinion) What should I do?
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If you like that style, try looking at ponies that have that same idea! In the show, as well as googling “mlp poofy hair” or such. Once you have a general feel for “the look” try it yourself. Here are a few designs that I’ve worked with along that same “poofy/curly” hair:
Obviously never copy or trace someone else’s or a show characters mane, but using them as a reference can help you make your own. Never underestimate the power of references!
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Oh I know not to copy/trace another OC's mane. Thank you so much for the examples! And I don't want to be mean but do you have examples for long straight hair or no? If not, than thats fine. 
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You can browse my gallery! I have lots of long hair, too many to mention lol.
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Oh OK then! 
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I want them to resemble an evil grim reaper figure, they look like death, they leave their victims soulless and lifeless after absorbing their soul (but not dead), they are feared like death and all that. They wear a unicorn skull mask and they have (colour?) glowing dot eyes when the mask is worn and they wear a black hooded long sleeved cloak. They have 2 outfits. Nothing and (???) outfit. Their colour theme is made of black, grey, white but what other colour? I don't think red and you'll probably advise against using red anyway, so what about blue? But they'll more lighter shades so they won't end up like Luna colour wise. The blue will be the eyes and the inside of the mouth glows blue and so does the soul when it's being absorbed. I should have too much trouble coming up with a name, and I'll come up with a quote/etc as well.
To makes things easier for me, there is a list of things with options. Could you list the things I can have like 'Eyes - 1' for example. And for the Yes or No questions, could you write '1. Yes' for example. It'll help me get it done quicker, thanks.
Horn:
1. Normal, 2. Unique
Ear Shape:
1. Normal, 2. Unique
Eye Shape:
1. Normal Options, 2. Unique
Pupils (mask off):
1. Normal, 2. Slit or Cat-like, 3. Changes from Normal to Slit
Teeth:
1. Normal, 2. Non visible fangs, 3. Visible fangs
Body:
1. Normal🚺🚹, 2. Luna/Tempest 🚺, 3. Unique
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1. Simple Skeleton Markings? (Head, Spine and Ribs)(Nothing):
2. Can they float/fly around because they are a ghost?:
3. Can they go through walls/people/etc?:
4. Can they change how transparent they are?:
5. Is a pony skull cutie mark ok?:
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Listen, I’m glad you appreciate my opinions, but I can’t help you to this level of detail for free or everyone will expect it. Not only that, but I’m really overwhelmed with Kickstarter and BronyCon stuff and I can’t dedicate the time to thinking of all these options and typing out a lengthy critique.
If you want me to design this ghost pony for you, you’ll have to wait until I’m open for commissions. Thanks for understanding.
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I have been doing some designs and I came up with this, but I don't really know what to do with it? Do you like the design? Could she be a oc or a villain oc? I dunno, just what to see what you think.
Maybe oc
Oh and what is your opinion on a pony wearing a suit of armour and being a knight or something, they go all around slaying beasts, helping out, that sort of thing. I saw something like that so a drew up and idea and I want your opinion before I go any further.
Any I have another idea of horro based oc, they wear a black hooded cloak with long sleeves, they wear a white skull mask, they have small dot eyes that glow (undecided colour) and they have a dark grey body and no visible hair. Their gender and race undecided but they might be a ghost/spirit/etc. Story in a nutshell: This pony was easily scared and was picked on for it forever, they were out on nightmare night with friends in the everfree forest, their friends deliberately got them lost, but this pony got scared so badly that they actually died. But the came back as a angry ghost and did the same thing to their 'friends'. They got them lost by chasing them back into the everfree first and scared them to death and when they did so they absorbed their souls. The ghost know lurks in the dark waiting for the perfect time to scare people to death to get revenge on everyone who pick on her as well as everyone else, as the more souls they absorb the more they can tolerate the sun as they can only come out at night or stay within the dark/shade. This is just and idea and I want your opinion before I go any further.
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So, on the ice pony, that’s going to be a no. Her design is way too similar to Luna due to the body color, regalia, and mane shape.
On the ghost pony, I think that one has some good potential as a villain/legend/evil creature trope. Scared to death, through? I’d try to find a different reason for death there.
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The Ice one, that's all good, i was just playing around with some designs. But what about the knight in amor oc: yes or no?
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I'll leave new story in another feedback because it's a bit big.
I think I'll make them a unicorn so they can use some kind of dark/evil magic and stuff. And they will be a villain with a dark legend/scary ghost story. Unsure wether to make them male or female, I could do them female but I only have 1 male oc but he's a non canon changeling spy, but there are more male bad guys them female, but would it really matter? Either way, they are an evil cursed ghost that devours souls to withstand the sun and (maybe help fuel their dark magic?).
I send 2 other feedbacks otherwise this will be way too big, I just want to conform everything here and now to get it over and done with.
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Pony knights are pretty common. Go for it.
And the rest seems okay, just not the Sun part because then it sounds calories.
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I've came I with a rough possible design if party's theme was narrowed down to music/rock n roll/guitarist. Has a grey, red, orange and yellow palette with a personality to go with it. Having a bit of trouble coming up with a name, Hot Beats and Flamin's Riffs are what I've come up with.
Idea
But I've also come up with a group of possible colour palettes just in case the other idea doesn't work out.
Colour Palettes
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Now THAT’s pretty wicked. I definitely like that better. I think that Hot Beats rolls off the tongue better, so I’d go with that name, though Flamin’ Riffs is a bit more unique (if a bit on the nose with his color scheme).
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I honestly didn't suspect that response but ok 😁
Since I've a lover of guitars and rock n roll, this should be to hard. In the end she'll be like rarity when she went punk. Everyone thinks her hair is awesome and they though she looked cool. Her outfit and accessories will be based of it punk rarity. The mane and tail is soon to be done, I've edited the hair a bit. It'll still have the same basic shape as what you saw before, but I'm adding a few changes to it so it looks like fire when she's moving it all around. And I'll going with orange eyes.
I have a backstory that I had written a long time ago, I just have to edit and update it. In a nutshell she's a guitarist who lives (undecided). Not sure wether to make her just known by the locals of (undecided), famous or something in between. Either way, she likes playing her guitar, playing for people, traveling around Equestria to get new gear/etc and again play for people (like busking). I'll list other things I'll list when her popularity is decided.
I'll will probably go with Hot Beats, but maybe if she is famous and all that, Flamin' Riffs could possibly be her stage name or something? May or may not keep the cutie mark design, right now it's a orange flaming music note, I am experimenting with a guitar but I'll decide based of your opinion. And a quick question: Could she be allowed one small unique spell? I was thinking maybe as a cool trick she can turn he hair into fire like dawnbreaker? And/Or could she use fire. She could also use it for attacking as well. If that's a no, I'm all good, just thought I'd ask.
Current Cutie Mark
Tail Sneak Peak
I just noticed recently, the stallion neon lights isn't very neon, pale teal body, dark grey hair and blue eyes, think he should of gotten a different name and stuff.
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I think all of that could definitely work. Spell as long as she’s a unicorn, right?
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Yep, she's a unicorn. So what about try popularity, can be famous around Equestria or just around where she lives?
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Let’s not make her famous around all Equestrian. Maybe just a popular artist, or an up and coming one. Plays at local clubs, or has a regular gig at one; maybe joins in at band groupings (Think Carolina Rebellion), maybe has headlined for a semi-famous artist. But, just remember that rock guitarists/vocalists aren’t solo artists. They always have a band.
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In the middle of creating a possible oc, just made a rough mini ref so I can get you opinion on it before I go any further with it.
Name: Party Animal 🚺
Race: Unicorn
Theme: Partying
Job/Hobbie: ??? (Just throwing parties, maybe an instrument, something musical idk)
Mane & Tail: W.I.P (Long, Wild, Spikey)
Cutie Mark: ???
Colour Palette: Grey, Pink, Yellow and Blue
Accessories: Either collar, collar and 2 bracers or collar and 4 bracers
Party Animal
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I been thinking about giving scarlet a complete overhaul.
• Make her a earth pony
• Different name
• Maybe a earthy colour theme
• She works on a farm near a forest
• Farm gets attacked by Timberwolves and she gets but and becomes a werepony
• Have her werepony form have Timberwolf features like some fanart
Your thoughts?
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Well, as far as party animal goes, “throwing parties” is too general and makes her sound like pinkie pie. Second, her color scheme you’re going to run into people thinking she’s a pansexualiry pride pony, because those are the exact colors of the Pan flag. Be careful you don’t have too many accessories either. Your “reworks” of the mane 6 are not half bad seperate, but when you put them together they’re starting to sound like mane 6 knock offs. They’re too similar.
As far as Scarlet, I’m not sure how much more I can help with her. At this point I’ve given you all the advice I can. You have the tools now and my recommendations for her. I can’t keep giving you advice on tweaks because that’s basically me designing her for free and all my other watchers could very well have a poroblem with it when I charge for re-designs. Understand?
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