I really like your answer for this question. It's a hard pull sometimes--like yesterday I posted a pic of Keira-Jo and I explained her changes in it...........I went through a bizarre thing on FA where people got angry at me changing my own character, but to be honest, I was far happier transitioning Keira-Jo from a Sonic fansona that I sometimes used in my fan-fiction at the time (and growing beyond the original designs) to something more that suited me and my current style/level of art. I'll admit--Sonic style characters is something I am pretty darn good at drawing, more so than any other kind of fan-art that's out there.........I'm happy I could evolve Keira-Jo so much that she's actually fun to draw, instead of being "work" anymore.

Wabi is another one. Wabi is the first one I created to actually BE my fursona--his species and everything is originally created by me. I had concepts for him, but when a friend of mine drew his ref sheet based on my scribbles and what I explained I wanted for the character--THAT ref sheet really solidified what I had in mind for Wabi. That ref sheet isn't just everything I dreamed of Wabi's design, but that ref sheet is also a personal treasure of mine. I do believe other artists--whether chatting with them or having them help you do art--is another really great way to find what you want in your 'sonas. Seeing what someone else sees when you describe something can give you a fresh new look on what you're trying to do. :)

Just scribble basic shapes eh .. I should try that .. my main problem is often insecurity about color, but I should maybe just copy the lines and splash colors on separate layers till something clicks. I'm often amazed when someone goes bonkers with colors and contrast.

When I created my OC/fursona I wanted a very simple and easy to remember design, with a maximum of 3-4 colors and simple shape. Something that could even look like a mascot, with the inner fur on the ears and the tail being the main characteristics.