So I tried to make a sprite from scratch.

[Azmyth]

I don't think it turned out so well... and this is only the front view.. I can't even fathom trying the other views.

[DeathLock~]

First off, cancel the black outline. After that, work on your color palette, it looks a bit too saturated at the moment. Begin on those first, then look for some shading tuts to help you further. ^^