People
often generate stereotypical characters based on a few criteria:
angry with a gun, big boobs and a huge head, scales and teeth--all
characteristics which are ultimately impersonal. These criteria are
part of the character description, not the character description.
When you are starting, you should try to develope a clear personal character description in your mind. Without it the work will move forward at a snails pace and most likely most of your time will be spent dinking away on things that aren't important to the overall presence of your character.
when making your character description, actually think about who you're creating as if they exist.
How is it going to react to the things you know are going to happen to it?
Does it anger quickly?
Does it have a restrained laugh?
What are its facial and body language subtleties?
Does make allot of noise?
What does it smell like?
How old is it?
Make up your own types of questions and then answer them. Your work will thrive from being built from this type of solid foundation.
As you can see from what kind of things
are mentioned here, designing a character should be a pretty free-form
process. Don't be afraid to make a mess.
Believe me when I tell you that the sterile
stuff that comes later will be more bearable when the design stage is a
raw, visceral experience.
Above all, make it personal.
If you don't love your work, who
will?