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equinepalette β 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
-Β 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!Β
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
Ah yah there is that difference. There's still so much more to learn about this other race.
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could I get your opinion on my pony oc? also someone I know has the same cutie mark as me but mine has some small differences
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thanks, credechica4.deviantart.com/galβ¦
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I feel like the only real problems with him are these two things: 1. Curved horn. There's no need, he's plenty unique enough as it is. Horns aren't curved in the show, so it's TOO unique. 2. His cutie mark is EXORBITANTLY overcomplicated. It's way too detailed. I couldn't imagine trying to draw that without a vector. It trait does stick out poorly on his full body pictures and detracts from his design.
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also I'm actually interested in commissioning a plushie of him from you, eventually
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His hair is crazy complex and his fetlocks will cost you. I suggest taking a look at Nazegoreng's plush friendly OC guide to avoid the sticker shock:
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I am glad that old tut still gets shared XD. I should update it
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Lol, I point it out to tons of people who ask anything remotely related to getting an OC plushed.
(I'm guilty too--my OC tutorial is HORRIFICALLY outdated 
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Ahaha yep I think the show just loves to prove OC making rules wrong. When Sunburst came out I was like.. well that's all gone out the window
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Eeyup. I had a "does not exist" rule about friendly changelings. Welp... Lol.
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I figured the hair and the fetlocks would add up, I wouldn't mind paying extra for it but when I'm finacially stable enough Ill commission the plush and Ive actually looked into ways to make the hair easy enough to make it just a couple of solid shapes
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what should I do to simplify his cutie mark?
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Well, you can get rid of the stars, for starters. I would also either choose between a marker or a film reel as both together is too much. At the very least you need to simplify them down like removing the black edges on the film itself, and removing or reducing the white lines on the marker. Make sense?
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I guess but the sparks actually have a meaning, they're sparks of inspiration and I guess I can get rid of the outlines of the film reel see how it looks
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Crap i made my pony and I came to a problem, I cant exactly name it can i get help.
Grey pony with red hair and red eyes.
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Take a look at the naming section of my tutorial. It might help!
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I have no idea what to name it none of the names I think of work
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Start with the ideas I mentioned. What's your pony's talent? Try thinking of words and combinations related to it.
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Ok thanks I think I have a few ideas
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Awesome guide! I disagree on some points, but this is your opinion, so that's fine. Nobody agrees on EVERYTHING
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True that. I'm always happy to discuss things, though! What did you disagree on? What's your opinion?
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Hey, I just wanted to thank you for this usefull page! I can't draw for my life, but I do write and sometimes I want to make comissions from other artist of any character I've created, and well, I don't think I have much problem with the whole character develpoment part, but I've no idea about color schemes or designes, so this page is gonna be a mandatory reference.Β
Thank you for your work and time!
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Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful!
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What do you mean with an "X" combination?
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Black and "anything". Especially bright neon colors.
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I a still working out a color scheme. I can never get that to work. especially with the mane
also today's episode was about a changeling who just wanted to be friends and didn't want to feed on love.
( Ν‘Β° ΝΚ Ν‘Β°)
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Right. You realize this tutorial is almost three years old? No need to chide me when I haven't updated it immediately. I've added an addendum in the description now.
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i do. i'm just poking fun at it. sorry.
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I've read your tutorial a lot of times and it always makes me unsure about my OC's xD I feel like most of them have something wrong, but I love them too much to change anything, no matter what people could say about it.
Still, I think it's an excellent tutorial. If every OC could follow at least the majority of those rules, it would be wonderful !
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That's okay! As long as you're happy with them. Thank you!
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this may sound kinda weird but, i just would like to point out that apple jack's apple bloom's and big mac's parents are hinted at being canonically dead. i'm not trying t make a argument but..
i also need help! how do i make a certain character have a long lost sister (and other siblings), without killing off both of the parents? this is for a AU that i'm making so...Β
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Hinted at, yes. And even pretty much confirmed. But not, "My parents died in horrific accident that scarred me so now I'm depressed and have no friends." The apples being dead gives depth to their children's stories, but it's not harped on nor leads to a downward spiral that affects the kids lives forever. It provides poignancy at moments where, "Mom and Dad would have been so proud," or "I really wish my folks could have been here," but while sad doesn't detrimentally affect the kids. It's a very thin line to walk, so when creating an OC, especially for beginners, it's best to just say, "Don't."
And, while I don't normally give advice on AU's because I can't objectively do so, it could be a case of adoption from a single mare that was a bit too young to be a mother? I'd also say the whole, "kidnapped at birth" idea, but that's getting a bit dramatic.
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ok, thank you for the advice! i am kinda bad at explaining things so...
also, i may take your adoption idea into concentration.Β
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I like this a lot, but I disagree with the things you say about how an OC shouldn't interfere with canon. People ship canon characters with each other that never meet in the show, so why shouldn't an OC be shipped with a canon character? People make their own versions of "canon" often too.Β
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I don't agree with shipping canon characters either. If you want to do that for funzies, okay. Same as if you want to ship an OC with canon for funzies, like I mentioned. But if you make that a part of your OC's legit story, don't expect your OC to be taken seriously, especially if it's with main characters. By violating canon, you isolate your OC to its own little universe and forfeit the right to interact with other OCs or be considered a "good" OC. It's pretty much insta-Mary Sue territory too, because what makes your OC so special that a main character has a relationship with it? Why not any other OC? Because your OC is "special" in that way for no reason, it's a Mary Sue.
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I think you're a little bit confused. If someone ships their OC with a canon character, that doesn't mean that the canon character is a main character. They don't even have to be named, have a speaking role, or appear in more than one episode.Β
Also, Mary-Sues are defined as a female original character who is often perfect, as in having no flaws or negative character traits and being both physically attractive and competent in many different areas of expertise. It does not mean being "special in a way that no canon background characters are".Β
And a personal opinion comment: if fans always stuck to canon, fanfiction would be extremely boring.Β
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Notice that I said "especially with main characters." I know the difference between canon and main characters. Shipping OCs with background characters is a bit more forgivable, but it still stands to be reasoned that (as long as the character isn't a one-off character that was never seen again) your OC would have been seen if their significant other has been. Though, I will admit, with these relatives coming out of the woodworks the last few seasons, that's becoming debatable.
And, people have different definitions of Mary Sues. (Mary Sue/Gary Sue same thing, so female/male didn't matter.) My definition is a character that is super special for no reason. Because, think of it this way, you could have a character that is decently well rounded personality wise, but call them the adopted child of Celestia and it's pretty instant Mary Sue.
Finally, fan fiction is not what this tutorial is about. This is character creation, not an entirely new universe created through chapters upon chapters of writing. Regardless, many fan fictions stick to canon ideas, even if it hasn't been mentioned in canon.
Overall, the whole point of all this is one simple thing:
As long as it's not in direct conflict with canon, it's fine.
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i like how you write the impotainst things down, an oc must have
It makes me happy to see, that you managed to make a tutorial (my respect for that, i can imagine it was hard) and it's a pretty cool one.
I liked to read it, and i also checked my oc a little bit up, but in the end i guess, she's just fine how i created her. But thats not what i want to say xD
So. Yes, i have to agree you in many ways. First of all: Saturation. It's sometimes a little bit sad to see, that some oc just be to saturated. They could be cool, but it burns sometimes to look at them- i have to admit, that i was afraid of that my oc is oversaturated too, but i guess i'm fine with it, because i like her colours like they are.Β
I just want to tell a little bit how i feel :3 not to much, thats not the meaning of an comment. In the end i just want to say, that you are mostly correct and i like you tutorial and how you write it so detailed.Β
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I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting!
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i read in the description, (a few seconds ago, because i looked for a lik xD) that you don't like red-blue combos, i just want to ask why, i'm interested, and i don't want to change your mind xD just curious about it. Because i absolutely love this combination ^^*
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It's because they contrast so much. People tend to use them at really high saturation levels right next to each other which makes them clash horribly. When you have something to balance them out and understand how to have them both present without competing for attention, they can be used effectively. It's just not an easy color combination to work with.
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i understand
yes, i thinks it's little bit hard to handle, and i try out a little new combination every time i draw my oc, to find how it fits in an perfect way
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this was really helpful! It'll probably fix a lot of ocsΒ
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Glad you thought so!
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What do you think aboutΒ a name that the first part has to do with the pony's personality/cutie mark/special talent, but the second part doesn't really have anything to do with the pony directly. Like one of mine's name is "PaperDreams Sapphire". It's not like she (really) hasΒ much blue on her, and her special talent is writing. Do think if it sounds okay and isn't something stupid that itΒ matters?
Also what if (a different one) one of my OCs has black hair? Do you really think it's hat bad?
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Black hair is really dependent. It should be a shade of black like Octavia's hair. So not "pitch" black. And have linework in it--which that goes for any singular color hair.
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As far as the name, absolutely not. The name definitely doesn't HAVE to do with the talent. Look at Pinkie Pie. She doesn't make pies. Though, the problem with yours isn't the last name, it's the first. paperDreams has weird capitalization, and when combined with her secondary creates a lot of syllables that make for an awkward sound.
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Hmm, I've never though of that. Do you have any suggestions on how to fix that?
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