So first off Starting Tips

You should start with a concept, personality, or backstory, and make your character's appearance based on that. Don't try and rush the creative process! If you can't decide on something, give it time. Not all OCs were made in a day - in fact, redesigning and adding new features on is part of having an OC! and yes you should always use refferance , also dont worry if it looks to much like a character from a game. if it concerns you to much then just say what character you use or somthing