Now, I worry the title might imply that you're stealing a pre-made character and marketing it as your own, such as Edward Cullen being renamed into Christian Grey. But that's not my intention, nor is it my goal, what I'm talking about is more making your artistic representation of that character your own, what makes your interpretation of Zevran Arainai (Dragon Age) more identifiable than another artists? What does your style and ideas and headcanons do to make your interpretation yours.
It's a lot harder than I thought it was, when I made Jack Frost (Rotg) fanart not too long ago. Making an interpretation of Jack that was recognisable as mine, and that I was satisfied with. Specifically, a 'modern jack frost', that differentiated from others interpretations.
I kept with Jack's theme of blue, mimicking his hoody but going with a more 'edgy' ripped t-shirt design with a silly motto that goes back to his icy roots. I imagine modern Jack as a type of punk, so I gave him a snowflake tattoo on his neck, a lip piercing, and nails painted with a snowflake pattern, all going back to his roots in subtle ways. AS well as giving him a cigarette to add more 'punk', as unhealthy as it is and a scruffed/bruised cheek, hinting at a recent scrap his been in.
He's still recognisable as Jack Frost, not only because of his white hair and bright blue eyes, but also because of the subtext of snowflakes and cold. As well as some rebellious features such as piercings, tattoos, and smoking. It ties together, but also makes him more of my own interpretation, which I'm more than happy with.
See the process below!
Music used;
Jensation - Joystick [NCS Release]
Metio - Tonight [ReTune Release]
Heuse & Zeus x Crona - Pill (feat. Emma Sameth) [NCS Release]
Are there any characters you've made your own? Let me know!