I used this image for my intial drawing to get the acurate highs mids and lows of the body while it moves. Also very helpful for my key frame positions

Intial drawings

I then found it more acurate and free drawing by hand first, so i key framed my character on paper and scaned it in afterwards to use as a referance while animating.

The penguin

I used this character as a basis to what i wanted my character to feel like in terms of apearance and feel.
I then developed it with my own concepts and ideas.

half front walk

Side walk cycle

Simons Cat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1qHVVbYG8Y