as a bonus to  Kvaloth for being patient with me as i worked on this, i threw in a quick shaded version. almost didn't upload it but then i remember how much shading can add to a piece and figured i might as well. flats; https://www.furaffinity.net/view/51265991/

unshaded refs are better 99.9% of the time cuz it makes markings and such easier to see, but a little simple shading like this can help with defining shapes and textures. (and of course every artist is different... i vastly prefer flat refs but some may prefer shaded) the important thing to remember is that the point of reference sheets is clearly defining character's physical features so artists of varying talents can all interpret them easily and then transcribe them accurately in their own styles- i feel a lot of people forget that and focus too much on making them "interesting" or "pretty" instead. there's a reason you don't use calligraphy for road signs!