For the ones I've gotten, I just described to the artist exactly what the character looked like. They did him in a few different positions (so as to give a complete view of the character from all sides), and that was that. The footnote stuff I either specifically wrote for them to put in, or added myself at a later date (just a bunch of random stuff about the character that an artist might find useful when drawing him).

So, for a basic reference sheet, I'd say three different angles of the characters (front, back, side), maybe a close-up of the head and/or distinguishing features (specific marking, scar, piercing, etc.) In the corner you can put a little pallet that has all the involved colors for your character (and optionally mark where the colors go. "this is the main color, this is eye, this is paw," etc.). Finally, at the bottom just put some random facts or a mini-bio for them. Their name, where they're from, what they're likes/dislikes are, and so on. Basically however much you think is important to know about your character (since the whole idea of the sheet is that it's the main tool for an artist when it comes to drawing said character).

okay, thankyou hun

I've got to be honest, I've also been putting it off, because I am a techno phobe, and all the best refs seem to be done with photoshop etc.

but I'll have to bite the bullet now.

I've never done one for my own character, but my cousin asked me to do one for him and this is what I came up with: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2283974/

Pretty simple, straight-foward. Just draw a character, shove any need-to-know info on it and there you are. X3

Thankyou,

I think I get it now, it's just a case of need to know and need to see?

cheers