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Tutorial: Creating a 'Good' MLP:FiM OC — Description
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
- 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!

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