Here are the four words I chose as a prompt for my character, alongside the chosen circle shape.

Here are some notes I took while figuring out the concept.

In case they’re too hard to read, here they are in text form:
* Papillon — rounded ears and very smart!*
* Teardrop-shaped eyes
* Wave-layered tunic
* Collar akin to seashells?
* Rounded shapes like Animal Crossing
* *Ear + tail shape reminds me of waterfalls

I also prepared a moodboard based on my key words and initial ideas, seen here.

This is the created character!

In order to make the lines pop more, I decided to retouch the image on my phone…

And here’s the result! Meet Alma Fontana! She’s a trainee mage specialising in the Way of Water. Her little bracelet is the catalyst for her magic. She’s book-smart yet still kind-hearted, and her goal is to become a Master Mage through training. She has some socially-awkward tendencies and is a little too trusting of other people, but you’ll never find a more loyal friend than her.

I took the liberty of making a “colour map” by creating a colour palette and using small swatches to point out where each colour would go.

Finally, here’s the retouched image alongside the silhouette!