Comparing an artist's character with another one ?

Because I happen to encounter those times to times and it does irritates me since I put so much thoughts in designing the characters I draw, even if they're "random characters" that I draw only once.

Comparing characters is considered one of the rudest thing you can do to an artist.

In only 1% of the case it is not said "rudely".

The worst thing you can say are :

" You're character … look so much like … "
" Woah ! Your character would be … twins ! "
" It looks a lot like … but that and that or that are different. "

I know it's not meant as a negative comment but, the way you say it is everything.

Btw, have you realized those example didn't contains : "I like you drawing" ?

As Icecreammouth said : "You're more interested in talking about the character it reminded you of, rather than the actual character the artist is trying to share."

1. What does comparing characters means ?

Here's what you implicate TO THE ARTIST when you compare a character to another :

- You lack creativity.

- Your character is bland.

- So not original, it's not worth being interested in it.

- In the worst case : You stole the idea and edited the "original" character.

And as Icecreammouth said : "You're more interested in talking about the character it reminded you of, rather than the actual character the artist is trying to share."
I wouldn't have said it better myself so I copied/paste

2. Is there a rule stating I can't ?

Of course not, it's basic knowledge.

Most of the comparing will only be revealing to yourself.

You might see a similarity because you're really familiar or attached to the "original character ". There is a HUGE possibility the artist doesn't even know the character you're comparing with.

3. What about comparaison with an Oc ?

Same as I already said. You may see a similarity because you're attached to your OC but most of the times it's just too different to even be called similar.

And a combination of themes : military/steampunk/lolita , for example, can't be called a similarity.

4. Does the same goes with designs too ?

YES !!! The same !

When I get someone saying a design I worked on look like another when it doesn't it just makes me angry. Especially if you're saying I should credit the original design for inspiration when I don't even know the design you're talking about to start with.

RUDEST THING EVER !

If you have any respest for an artist, no matter if you watch them or not, you'll never EVER do that.

5. What if the characters looks really REALLY similar ? And thus objectively.

Then you can "warn" the artist of the similarities if they wish to create a truly orginal character.

Something the similarity, even if evident, won't be a problem; Especially if the artist character was created BEFORE the character you're talking about.

6. Then how should I say it without being rude ?

( DON'T forget !!!! ONLY if the similarities are really REALLY REALLY VERY evident )

Very easily :

"Hi, I really like you're drawing/design but it might have some similarities with … it's most certainly a coincidence and maybe the similarity are only revelant to me but I though I should tell you before someone else does

By the way, even if it's similar, I really like this character, he/she/it looks interesting."

And if the artist reply :

" You're right, it does look similar. Thanks for telling me.

What do you think I should change to make it look less similar. "

Then you can answer a few changes that could be useful. Don't propose to change the whole design, that'd be a straight no.

It's not necessary to change everything to a character/design to make it different.

EXTRAS 

1. How to properly compare 2 characters ?

If you need to compare characters for a study/practice or whatever, you have to make a list ( like for everything in your life ) of pros ( similarities ) and cons ( differences ) . Then you will need to examinate each datas you gathered to get a results out of it. Just comparing the numbers of pros and cons aren't enough to tell about the characters themselves.

Hope it helps. I can't believe I had to write this …

If you got any question, as usual : ask in the comments.

I hereby forgive anyone who did compare my characters with another one in the past, just try not to do it in the future