Process
Appeal in animation means 'the acting is real.' To design a character, you must first write the character. Design a backstory, give the character appeal through empathy and relatability. The best villains are the ones you can relate to.
Typically I carry a sketchbook with me, and when an idea strikes I begin with rough sketches & notes. I use a sharpened regular #2 pencil to build with shapes & lines of movement.
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I've learned a lot from Aaron Blaise and Tom Bancroft, both of whom worked at Disney in the character design department during the 90's Renaissance period. Since graduating with my BFA, I've continued my education through courses on Domestika and Creature Art Teacher.
I end up using Post-it notes a lot in the beginning stages. I find them to be the perfect size for drawing expressions, as well as a great no-pressure canvas.
Plus, they make cute little gifts to your coworkers.
Methodology
I was listening to the podcast "Sasquatch Chronicles" (The video above is an intro I made. I used my face and "Memeojis to act it out). This has given me a lot of inspiration for the many variations of bigfoot, (and lil' foot too).
Footie
Footie and friends is an example of a sketch-turned-character.
 Captain Mantis (And his pet fly)Began as a sketch, and then was refined into this lil' guy. Procreate and Adobe Fresco |  HaroldProcreate and Adobe Fresco |  Harold SketchSketch Book |
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 Blissful Cat SketchSketch Book |  "Trio"Commission. 2015: Galaxy Android Phone with Stylus |  Dino BuddiesAdobe Fresco Sketch |
 Tabasaur VariantsMade in the Assembly App on Iphone~ These are a few variants of my Tabasaurus® project. |  Variants of Tabasaurus®Made in the Assembly App on Iphone~ These are a few variants of my Tabasaurus® project. |  Bear Aaron Blaise StudySketch Book |
 "Captain Cat"Commission. 2015: Galaxy Android Phone with Stylus |  Ex BF SketchSketch Book |  Ex BF PageProcreate and Adobe Fresco |
 Portfolio Page (Characters)Pencil in Sketchbook, Procreate, and Adobe Fresco. |  Woozy MammothWork Doodle |  Slayer AlienSketch Book |
 Shannon the worstWork doodle |  "Never Eat Raspberries Short man" sketchSketch Book |  3 eyed SquirrelSketch Book |
 "Sugar Rwush" SketchSketch Book: an old friend had a silly idea with her bf, about a bird that mistakes a gummy worm for a regular one. The bird eats the gummy worm and then pops up very cutely surprised and says "WOW Sugar Rwush!" So I drew it for her. |  "Geff"Procreate & Adobe Fresco |  Running Old LadyPencil in Sketchbook. 2020 |
 Body StudiesPencil in Sketchbook. 2020 |  "Shoebill Steve"Posca markers, and pens on watercolor paper. |  Trash PandaProcreate finalized sketch |
 PlatypusPencil in Sketchbook. 2020 |  "Rocky Rhino" SketchPencil in Sketchbook. 2020 |  Rocky Rino with color base and line workProcreate |