Candles in Tuxedo 3D Model (commission)

This project was commissioned by the YouTube channel Candles (formerly known as Lavender Coffee), and is part of a bigger collaboration between the fans of the channel. I was commissioned to make a few images, in my own style, of the channel mascot (Candles) in a specific pose with 5 different facial expressions.
I started my getting the proportions correct, using a lower poly model. This was a bit tricky for my due to the exaggerated proportions of the character. I had to go back many times during the modeling process and fix the proportions to better match the reference images.
Even when the modeling was done I had a problem ahead of me, choosing an artstyle. I've always had trouble finding my own style, I mostly just mimic what other people have made. My first idea was to render the model in a cel-shaded style, to mimic the reference provided, but I decided to go more towards a realistic style. I did this to make it obvious that it was a 3D model, and not have someone need to look close to notice that it's 3D. I also wanted an excuse to experiment with sub surface scattering, so I took this as an opportunity to do just that. In the end, I don't feel like it hade a big impact on the final result but I have a better understanding for future projects.
Overall, I had a ton of fun making this model and in the future I might make a full body version of the character, if I ever find the time to do so.
Here is also a link to Candles YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@candles00
Link to video featuring the art: https://youtu.be/aB0OIEIqUTk