I make those choices based on artist's other work, I don't pay much attention to the YCH spot holder character.

some people make just a dummy YCH character without a muzzle and tail all together. ^^

*nods* pretty much what Feranox said.
A YCH might catch my eye, but checking out the artists gallery is what keeps my attention.

yep, this. my character isn't a conventional species so a detailed example wouldn't fit me anyway, and if a character IS a conventional species, a basic dummy works just fine. would be easiest if they just put links in the description for examples of the most varied species they've done (everyone draws wolves/dogs/foxes and dragons, so examples of more rare creatures like birds and deer would be good)

My characters are... extremely anomalous from the standard so it is a given that a YCH should be altered. But this is also why i normally pay for an autobuy in a YCH

The placeholder doesn’t really matter to me, what is important is to have links to examples of finished art, to know what to expect.

I guess sometimes I judge YCHs based on how the posture requires certain anatomical things... if my usual character to commission for is a plantigrade, short-tailed female, I will be a little reluctant to go chasing YCHs that feature big fluffy tails or elaborate digitigrade legs—the posing might feel a little off, otherwise.

In my opinion it matters only in regards of the artist's set of skills. When I scroll through a gallery I look for Deer based art. How much they can form a Deer, how well they form hooves and facial structure. If the placeholder is something else it doesn't bother me at all. IN worst case I ask the artist in a note - or by other means - if they are comfortable/like drawing a specific Species and breed.

It doesn't matter to me no, but I usually do check through an artists' gallery beforehand to see if they draw birds and how they draw them before considering buying or bidding.

Sometimes, it usually shows if the artist is good at drawing muzzles or digitigrade legs which i value a lot. It often doesn't matter much, i value links to completed arts the most.

Sweet apples! I often treat a YCH as a separate piece of art if the character outline is detailed. I don't think the species in the YCH is very important, because it is a placeholder. However, it can show which species you are most comfortable drawing.

I usually don't give too much attention to YCH's... only because my 'character' is quite specific, and it is an issue for me that she be done correctly to the description.

Yes. But it is only an opinion and should not reflect on the choices of the artist in the portrayal of the YCH slot. I personally like seeing the raw potential with provided species examples even if the completed works do not even reflect the advertised character. It helps me learn certain style dynamics in creation before the finished product; then you have the rare occurrence of an incomplete yet beautiful depiction of a character that could come to life and that may be enough to trigger the purchase depending on taste. After all, variety is the spice of life!

It might have a subconscious effect. I counter that by imagining a blobfish as the character.

xDD

I am more likely to buy a YCH the more it looks like my character already but race isn't that important, no.

As long as I can judge from other arts in the gallery, it doesn't matter to me

I don't really pay attention to it. I do go through some past YCH's to get an idea what to expect.

I personally don't pay attention to it.
If anything I actually find it more distracting if it's a really out-there species. Stuff like canine/feline are pretty generic and make it easier to put your own character in.

I'd say yes to be honest. Particularly if the character I'd like to put there is a species the seller doesn't draw regularly.

But even then, what amazes me most are little knacks in YCHs that probably wouldn't come up if this is merely drawn from a pose reference. Like a dragon tail snaking around a pole. A hardly balanced pose which a cattail would put into balance. Or something like that. I don't know if that makes any sense ;w;