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equinepalette — Tutorial: Creating a 'Good' MLP:FiM OC
Published: 2013-12-04 03:19:58 +0000 UTC; Views: 53414; Favourites: 863; Downloads: 599
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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
Related content
Comments: 909
I'm not trying to do my own version of the mane six, I am just doing oc's of thing I like and so on. Spring clean was based of a royal butler I really liked in a tv show, Ace was based of Jackass, and Party Animal was also based on Jackass while I drawing during a party I was at. And I'm now doing oc's for friends and scarlet is now and oc of a friend and so is party animal and that's what we came up with and wanted to know.
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Just curious, but what are your thoughts on a vampony oc or vampony villain oc? I was just going through my mlp oc stuff and I came across a vampony oc I was designing. I was considering making a vampony that could possibly be canon.
They are female, the name and race is undecided but was probably going to make them a unicorn for the use of magic and have them act all posh and think they're better than everyone else. Their first design was a light grey / white, red eyes with sharp pupils, visible bite mark and prominent fangs. As far as I know vamponies don't have wings but bat ponies and vampire fruit bat ponies like fluttershy in that episode.
The current shitty original story is that she was bitten by a feral vampony when she was turned, she gave into the vampony temptations to easily and soon embraced being a vampony. She made her home in the abandoned castle of the two sisters where it was always dark. She made a hood out of some black hooded cloak so she could go out during the day with some protection. She was at Ponyville when nightmare moon returned and loved the idea of a never ending night. At that moment she wanted to help nightmare moon and try to stop anyone who tried to stop nightmare moon. She devoted her life to nightmare moon's goal - a never ending night. She wanted to meet nightmare moon and she wanted to help her but nightmare moon was stopped before she had the chance. Know she is creating a plan to somehow turn Luna back into nightmare moon and bring on teh never ending night.
I don't mind this story which needs some fixing, but I am willing to make a different story if I need to. But no matter what I want her to be part of a scary story in Equestria that makes people fear the night and that she deliberately tries to get spotted on nightmare night to create fear and in the scary story she apparently kidnapps so she can have a thrall to feed on every nightmare night, which she does.
So what do you think? Is a vampony oc or villain canon and ok? If so, is the story ok or do I write a more simpler story? And vampony design and features dos and don'ts? Any powers and abilities they should and shouldn't have? If I can't make a canon vampony oc or villain that's ok, I just wanted to know what you would have to say on this. And sorry for the big text.
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Vamponies are a temporary state. The end.
A vampony race doesn’t happen, and the ONLY vampony we’ve seen is one that was caused by an accident. Don’t make a vampony villain.
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I've come up with a story, and Speed is a badass pegasus who is actually a big softie on the inside.
As much as she is a badass, deep down inside she has a soft side to her. She absolutely loves animals, especially the baby ones. She doesn't mind doing some girly things and takes pride I her appearance. She like to go down to the Ponyville Day Spa and gets everything done once a week, but tries to do so when hardly or nobody is around. After that she'll stop at the Carousel Boutique to browse and buy pretty things and then she'll visit Sugarcube Corner to by some yummy treats. She can sometimes get emotional over things, but she will try to hide this, but unfortunately for her it's easy to notice. When she does this, if you try to help her she'll refuse your help and say she's fine when she's obviously not. Her father taught her not to cry or get emotional because they are a signs of weakness, and that she must be strong and tough and she must not appear weak, so she must shut those feelings down and they'll go away.
This is just the first idea I came up with, any changes you think should I'll be more than happy to do
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Well, as you know, I don’t really do conprehensive work on bios. That being said, the whole “going down to the spa in secret” sounds a lot like pieces of Rainbow Dash’s story, so be careful.
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Ok here's another idea: She tries to look more tougher and badass than she really is so she doesn't look too girly around others in the stunt performers and the men she hangs around with. And the bandana is a tribute to her father who passed away after a accident.
She's still deep down a big softie, takes pride in her appearance and does things that people would call girly, but she's tries do that when no one is around and all that.
Any better?
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Just about done with the story/bio thing now I just need a place for her to live. I was thinking maybe on the borders of Ponyville were there's plenty of open space for her to practice stunts.
And probably won't go for Cloudsdake because there's no solid ground for which most of her stunts need, there will always be a pegasi flying around and they could get in the way, and she could cause lots of damage when practicing if something goes wrong or something. And if she ever need lots of clouds for a stunt she'd just go up there ans practice if there isn't enough clouds down at Ponyville.
Is that all good?
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That sounds fine. There are SO many OCs that live in Ponyville it’s kind of unoriginal and I tend to discourse it, but it’s not necessarily problematic or anything.
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Alright then, I finish up the story and go over everything and see if there's anything else to do, thanks
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Incompletely forgot about rainbow dash going to the spa, hmm, i guess try a different story, I'll have to see what I can come up with.
And on the theme that of stories, I'm also rewriting Spring Clean's story to suit her new job. But I'm not sure what exactly to give her. I can make her a maid for hire in just Canterlot, but I did have a idea of making her a maid or something for one of the princesses. Someone got to keep the place clean and help take care of the princess's needs?like Randolph does for a Diamond Tiara's family. But I think you'll tell me to go with the first one.
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Yeah, first one would be much better. You could have her work in the castle if you want, but no contact with the princesses, and DEFINITELY not one of their personal maids/hand maidens.
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Ok, I've came up with 4 options for Speed Demon's design. I was thinking about maybe adding something around the neck area but thought you was say no so I didn't. I forgot to add the red ace cutie mark but it's the same from the first thing I showed you.
I have 3 options for the eyes which I want your opinion on and I'm perfectly fine with whatever one you think I should go with. I changed the mini story a tad because I forgot to add something before. She has a job stunt performer and entertainer and does performances all over Equestria, and only practices flying fast if it's required for a stunt and so on, or just to give herself a bit of a rush. And she is quite the daredevil and loves doing things that give her a adrenaline rush. I only edited the body's ears to match the rest of the features.
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
These are still rough drawings, and I do a neater version once her design is decided.
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I kinda prefer the dark blue... socks? I guess they are? Over just all the brown. As far as two she’s or four, that’s really preference. We’ve seen ponies wear shoes on all four feet, and just the front feet. So that’s up to you.
And when talking about her, just completely cut out the “she only flies fast if it it’s needed for a stunt”. That’s completely unnecessary and draws attention to it. Leave it out. She’s a daredevil. End of story. If she does fly fast for a stunt, it doesn’t need to be stated or excused.
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Ok I'll take that bit out of the story, and I go for option 4. And yes they are socks. But what about the right eye? Bandana, scar (with or without blindness) or missing?
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Idk if I’d even do it, to be honest. She’s got too much unique going on with her as is. Scarred eyes are really cliche and she doesn’t need it to make her unique, she’s already unique enough, just give her a bandana. If you’re dead set on it, maybe she does it just for show; to “look” like a badass. Maybe moreso than she is. Maybe her need to be a daredevil comes from an insecurity and she takes it out of proportion because she doesn’t want anyone to find out that she’s just a super softie. Develop a story out of her, don’t just make her a trope.
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Just whipped up a quick design, is the body ok or is a normal body better?
Is the colour scheme ok?
Is her outfit alright?
Should I change the name, is the reason for the nickname and the nickname itself ok?
Is the little story alright?
Any jobs recommended for speed, stut and adrenaline loving pegusi or should she just practice her speed?
Just wanted to know before I go and further with it.
(And I'm not trying to make them just like rainbow dash I just got some inspiration from some things I saw and this is what I came up with)
Quick maybe oc
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I'd refrain from the metal wing, as the Dash blue body WITH the metal wing and "fast flying" talent kind of makes her seem like a knockoff Rainbow Dash.
That being said, she looks a lot like Evil Knievel, so maybe take her in the route of stunt pony/daredevil seeker.
The body seems fine in this case, as it distinguishes her further away from Dash.
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Got a quick question: What do you think of the use of Tempest Shadow's body being used for oc's? Because a have a ice villain, a psychic soccersss and possible agile fast flyer oc's with that body?
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She’s pretty much a standard lanky unicorn body type. But a UNICORN body type. We haven’t seen that body with literally any other race. And, just like with before, it’s a very unique shape, so be careful combining it with other unique characteristics because you could end up with a sore thumb.
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I really want to apologise for the way I was a long time ago, I have learned from my mistakes and my actions and a have learned a lot since then. I just to ask advice and get your opinion on some things.
Scarlet Beastblood is in working progress to have a normal body with everything else from the old pics. She has the same story with her dad, Princess Luna being the only pony who knows what she really is, and her being a animal/creature reacher.
I'm making oc's based on the mane six and the main villains. I don't expect the villains to me fit in the tv world of mlp, but I am trying with the mane six oc's. I have a unicorn maid for hire and/or royal butler based on Rarity and I have a ref just about ready is just need your help with a little bit. I have a bogan unicorn rockstar based on Rainbow Dash who is in progress. So again, I apologise and I'll my best not to make past mistakes. So can I get some help with my oc's? If you don't want to that's ok, I understand... To be honest, I've been trying to write this apology for a long time, I've just been too scared to. But again I apologise.
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It’s alright. I believe we just disagree on what to put on an OC. You just need to remember that I try to help make ponies as canon as possible, and some things just don’t work.
That being said, I’m not really going to be able to help you with your new project. Making OV’s based off the mane characters sounds like you’re trying to do a redesign or a next gen which I can’t really help with. That’s not canon, so I have no advice for you.
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I'm not trying to make my own next gen of the mane six, I'm just making my own little group, just using the mane six as a template if that makes sense. But I do have a ref ready if you could look at it.
Spring Clean
And could you give me your thoughts on which one of these next two should I go with for Scarlet Beastblood. She's almost finished so I thought I should get her out of the way.
Scarlet Beastblood 1
Scarlet Beastblood 2
With the second one, it's based on a pic I saw about Wereponies that said something about the werepony features becoming more obvious with age, and if I make her a bit older that would work or it could be her werepony form.
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Definitely like Spring Clean. Only things I’d say about her would be nitpicking—like there are too many ponies in Ponyville and not enough ponies that would be able to hire a full time maid (unless she worked exclusively for Filthy Rich, or something like that. There would be far more opportunities in Canterlot as there are more high society, wealthy ponies there. Other thing would be stay away from the French accent thing. It’s a trope that’s been done way too much and she doesn’t need it.
As for Scarlet, we’re back to needing big reworks. Her mane doesn’t match her tail, and it’s also in her face/eyes too much. And if you ask me, the cutie mark is a bit too on the nose. I honestly prefer her old version, body and all, to this one.
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Well I can make her a maid fore hire just in Canterlot, but I was maybe making her a royal buttler who could work at one of the castles for one of the princesses. But I think you would go for the first one.
Just finished possible new design for Scarlet
Scarlet Wild-One
I have a lot of things I want to show you but I'll gradually show you over time as I'm working on them.
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That didn’t change anything that I recommended.
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Visuwords is proving to be a lifesaver. Thank you for recommending it!
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I don't know if I followed things right, even though my character is just an MLP persona. Pumpkin Spice (MLP-Sona)
The things are:
I based her off of me (including the hair)
She likes a little bit of spicy food (hence her last name "Spice")
She was born in November (there are desserts involving pumpkin, hence her first name "Pumpkin")
She is a mix of unicorn and siren (they portrayed The Dazzlings as unicorns at one point)
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Well all these are based for ponies, really, so I can’t really help you with an Equestria Girl type design!
Also, I’m not sure when they portrayed The Dazzlibgs as unicorns. I’ve seen fan versions like that, but never official. I try to stay away from hybrids, honestly.
That being said, it’s also your ponysona, so I can’t really give you any critique anyway!
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They portrayed them as unicorns for the toys (i.e the Adagio Dazzle EQG mini), and I think my persona's fine (I try to sing from time to time).
I understand, and thank you.
(Pumpkin Spice isn't really my best character)
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Hey can someone help me? I've been constantly searching for a ponysona that's perfect but I always see something wrong with them, I want to be a draqouneques, but that feels too overpowered then there's Pegasi which i love alot- But i can never nail the right design any suggestions or advice?
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When it comes to a sona, it’s all about what you feel represents you best. In “general” (though these aren’t rules by ANY means) a few trends I’ve noticed:
- Body color is usually your favorite color
- Eye color is usually your eye color
- Base of the mane color and general shape is usually like yours (i.e. Brown and short and spiky, blonde and long and flowy, etc); highlights or secondary colors can be w/e
- Often has an article of clothing or jewelry you always wear (glasses, hoodie, earrings, etc)
- Cutie mark is a symbol that means something to you, or represents your passion (not necessarily your profession or what you’re “destined” to do in life like canon)
- Race is usually w/e your favorite race is
That’s may get you started.
In general I wouldn’t do a draconequus just because that IS a bit OP seeing as the only one we’ve ever seen is the god of chaos. But, again, if you feel a draconequus represents you best, go for it. Ponysona’s by nature aren’t canon in my eyes, so they don’t have to prescribe to canon at all. Though id still strive to make it aesthetically pleasing (so like not all neon and black with crazy amounts of accessories and horns and three tails... you get the picture).
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Thx for the help! this is what I've came up with I decided to go with Pegasus just cause most of my friends say i resemble one (I'm still working on the cm)
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Well i have my main oc (as in my icon) but her pattern is pretty.. weird to say so. So i’m just asking, does it look Okay?
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In my opinion, the pattern is absolutely killing her. When marking appear on ponies in the show, they first of all have pretty natural coloring to being with (all besides Luna). And when they DO appear in the show, they are natural LOOKING markings as well. Not stripes (other than zebras), or stars, or suns, or hearts. Note that this is only one person’s opinion, but to the question does it look okay? I’d say no.
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could you help me with a personality for two ocs
[.there both stallions but the first one used to be a mare
Maddy Munchkin
candy pop
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Really you could do any personalities in the world as long as they’re balanced. They’re not really canon in designs, so I can’t help you decide a personality from a “vibe” I get off them because to me they just read edgy emo ponysonas.
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there not even dam close to''edgy'' jerk
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Woah, no need to get your knickers in a twist from me just being honest. I work with canon style ponies, so when you hand me dark color schemes, multiple piercings, black clothing, black hair, red eyes, black accessories (which is a dog collar no less), hair over one eye—that’s edgy emo to me, sorry. That’s all the read I can get from them, so to me their personalities seem like it would be “loner, angsty, creative, kind at heart, anger issues, depressed, etc” but that would a stereotype and unfair to paint them as such. Hence why I said you can give them any personality traits you want, just as long as they’re balanced.
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im not good at making personalitys...thats why i asked for help there far from edgy they just have that look cause i think it looks cool
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Well, whether you think it looks cool or not, I think it looks edgy. It’s just an opinion. Either way, Try looking up a personality generator. Or look at The Sims create-a-character screen—that can help with starting out.
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I really appreciate the fact you always give out such great well thought out critiques and for free too! I
always use your guide as a references for my pony oc, and your advce has helped me improve so much!
thanks for all your time and effort i hope you'll keep on being as talented and inspiring as always
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I’m happy you feel that way, thank you!
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I need help with a pony design.
This is Neon Rainbow
I want to make a neon color combo but it looks awful. Could someone help me, please?
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Well, you can start by following the tutorial step by step. Your color palette isn’t half bad (besides the stark red collar) but you need to play with the saturations of your colors. You can pull off a “neon” pony without your colors being so saturated your eyes bleed.
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Hello, I have a question...
Something very uncomfortable for me happened today and it made me feel really horrible. The thing is that I designed an OC like 2 weeks ago and then finished watching 7th season of the MLP: FIM. My character's name is Midsummer Night and she is a unicorn. Nothing wrong with that I guess. But the problem came when I saw a filer character Star Tracker who is way too much(that's a weak word, it's almost copy of the same thing) reminding my newly designed OC. And now I feel horrible like I'd steal it (What is not the truth I swear, I designed Midsummer before I saw this character). My question is If I should delete or not, I know how hateful the fandom can be and I don't want to get in any trouble about copying or stealing ideas and so on. I know that the show already includes a lot of to each other similar ponies but it still worries me a lot. I'd like to know someone else's opinion too.
Thank you beforehand. ^^
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I think there’s enough difference for you to not have to worry. Sure, the color scheme is similar and the hair is both of the flat striped variety, but I wouldn’t bring it up. If tons of people start to make the comparison, then you can consider changing her. But right now, I don’t think Star Tracker is going to be a big enough fan favorite for you to get hated on because you “copied” his design.
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