This little guy took me many tries to make. I made really bland characters before this one. After a talk with Portprep I realized I need to put some presence into my character. It needs to have a clear personality showing through the design. My anteater had its weakness: all four views look similar, the snout increases risk for inconsistency. But I know the perspective on the feet (that's the first thing they check for perspective) is right, it has weight, personality, and appeal. Plus, it's different. (only go different if you think it would work.

Don't make it weird, because it still needs to be clear as to what the thing actually is. Many common figures get great scores! Humans, dogs, cats, mice..) I'm surprised how many people draw ballerinas. Nothing wrong with it. Don't make it anime. Animation character design is about simplicity, exaggeration, and appeal. Anime is not going to fly because the figures look really flat and has realistic proportions, no exaggeration, no shape language. I stooped watching anime during portfolio season and switched to cartoons (not that I really had time to watch either anyhow).

Sheridan will look favorably upon exaggerated, simple characters with solid structure.