Its probably not important and I'll probably get answers from either side of the fence (with the obligatory, but considerably less useful 'you've gotta find your own way' post).

Anyways I'm going to work on the actual characters of my game after viewing something lato22 said (" I like the RTP but yeah it does get over used and you really cant blame ppl for being turned off when they see ALOT of it in a game, the char just start to blend together"- I hadn't even considered that their graphics are whats going to distinguish them most ) and I was wondering whether its better to do the spriting or the face art first?

As a sidenote, does anyone know of any other methods for the faces than facemaker? The faces just don't come out very detailed is all (though I suppose I could always edit it after accomplishing the bulk).

From a personal standpoint I'd actually do a quick sketch/mental image of what your character is going to look like. From that, I'd design the face art first so that it suits their personality. From there I'd then go to create sprites which will match the face and the clothing that you've designed for them.

Sprites are likely to be tiny images where you can't see every detail of their face or body. You'll be scratching your head as you try to work out how to match the face art to the small sprite.

Unfortunately I don't know of a facemaker that is any good. Don't feel restricted to using others' work though as you could create your own style that works best for you.

EDIT: It's a bit muddled at the start, but before any art I would consider your character and their traits. I would then mould the concept art around that, then go to face art and finally the sprites.

I'm really no artist but I suppose I could give that a try.
Problem is, I'm so used to their RTP counterparts, their personalities have just sorta fused with 'em already (for me; I've already spent a million hours with 'em ).

Thanks for the suggestions

It's difficult coming up with a good style, I know, especially if art isn't your forte! But even the most simple of images can really work well depending on the theme your game sets.

Alright so I came up with a few notes based around what I think concept art means:

Primas: Name translates to protagonist (can be renamed)
Happy-go-lucky, the honest thief type
Weapons are small so wouldnt be on display
Rogue- so inexpensive, 'casual' clothes

Hikari: Name translates to light (So a bright colour scheme in general)
Wields large weaponry so must be on display
Wears armor (is a 'knight' of sort) so must be shown,
But is the love interest so can't be so heavily armoured that she's androgenous

Folie: Name translates to insanity
Young boy, reaching about adolesence
Kept imprisoned from an unknown but early age (pale?, darkness around eyes?)
Weapons are toys so wouldn't be on display
Doesn't wear armor, so light clothing.
Cloaks are the typical mage armor in the game so one must be evident

Furo: Name translates to vengeance
Comes from a peaceful town with a very anti-weaponry father, must look innocent
Is quick to anger though, so perhaps some small scrapes or scars on his face
Weaponry on show- the one boon to his father's death
Wears armour...not sure how to make this consistent with character.

Reigen (secondary character/temp party): Name translates to darkness
Aggressive- weaponry on show
Similar clothing scheme as Primas but darker
Makes a profession of bloodshed; scars, etc

I'm not sure how to generate specific details with it though (hairstyle, clothing, etc). I appreciate I should have my own ideas but I don't, I never intended to use anything outside the RTP when I first started playing with rpgmaker, and like said, I'm no artist.
Also if anyone has any details they think the archetypes should include (Primas seems a little bland for example) they'd be welcomed.

I think what you have there is ideal, actually. So long as you've created a mental image of these characters and their personalities then that's the first step to creating them.

It isn't easy to create a face from the initial concepts that you've come up with, but you'll find the more you delve into their backgrounds the more you'll gain a clearer picture of their appearance. Once you choose where these characters live, how they were raised etc. then you will be able to adjust their appearance where necessary. As an example, I'll use Furo.

Furo grew up in the quiet town of (_______), a place shrouded amongst the dunes of (_______). Living alone with his father, he was taught to avoid conflict and remain pacifistic to others. At the young age of 10 his town was stormed by the military group, (______). Furo's father caught glimpse of the group and ordered Furo to run and hide. Accepting he was in no position to argue, he ran and hid in a nearby cupboard, the door slightly ajar. He could see the look of despair upon his father's face as a soldier tore into the house. Seconds passed by, but each felt like a lifetime to Furo. The soldier raised his sword and swiftly brought it down upon the father's body, blood spilling to the floor. Without any remorse, the soldier turned, and left.

And from there you get the picture. Furo has a reason for an adventure and a reason to bear weapons and join the party. He's pissed at the military, vowing revenge for his father's blood they carry on their hands. Just a small, short story like that and the character's appearance should become a little clearer. A clear background can also open up to twists. Why was his the village and his father killed? Why would the military go to those measures to stop it etc.

It's a small example, but from that I can draw that he's:

• tanned. Living in a desert. Often tanned characters have a more hostile side to them.
• scars to show his experience with weaponry, battles and the length of his journey.
• spiked, reddish/brown hair. Implies a fiery anger, a desire to seek revenge.
• light armour suited to a desert environment. (Though this could change as he travels the world) His arms are likely to be on display to show his muscle. This will reflect on his innocent, weak nature as a child. He's grown, become strong.
• his name is relevant to his quest.
• he has a reason to team up with the main party (if, of course, they were wanting to overthrow the Empire/Military)

EDIT: I'm making too many edits to this!