/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

>>6567994
>Want to create an elf-like species for a fantasy setting
>Some sort of hybrid between humans and an alien species
>It has to look distinct enough, not just some human with pointy ears
>Sketch some stuff
>It ends looking like some naavi knockoff
>Sketch again
>Now it looks like that elf dude from Unicorn Warriors
>Realize that there's a whole trope dedicated to alternate elves (space elves)
>All the cool designs are already taken
>I don't want my design to look way too similar to anoter non-elf race, but i want to make sute that the audiencie knows these are inspired by elves.
what do? Would a design with hair + pointy ears + skin in cool tones be too deivative? I don't want to add extra arms or extra eyes.