Well, I just "traced" his face because it was pissing me off a lot after computer crashing.
Other stuff, such as his hair, the body etc. I did myself. And I know what you mean. With Liz the thing happened to go uphill. I'm afraid that I'd accidentally make Malaya as a Mary Sue, though there's no danger of me making her overpowered.... But I'd gladly wouldn't want those whiners after me because my character's still imperfect and in-progress.
I was thinking the design of her bot isn't any different from the other botfighters design. Maybe not as simple and well-designed than Hiro's but some elements in the bot if she watched Hiro showing off his skills, and she'd copy some of the things she sees as useful for her bot (maybe giving her a photographic memory?). You know, help her out to be successful in the bot-fights. It's "gambling" after all in that universe. She isn't the genius like the Hamada brothers, but she has the passion for the robotics so she has some kind of a strength in that area.
No I actually haven't made a synopsis on her yet. I really should. I have so many ideas for her, yet again I feel the need to create a plot in there at the same time I'm developing her. Ah well, I just need energy to do that
And thank you for the advice and giving the idea ! Helps me a lot