Sta.sh
Fave this journal (it will be your number)
Watch me IF you like my art~ ;v;
Theme
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.......... The design MUST HAVE ONLY 2 COLORS; BLACK AND WHITE
this journal 
[link]
Download the Layered Process PSD for Photoshop: [link]
I've not shared a process .psd for far too long and felt this might be the perfect image to do just that. You can get a glimpse at some process, technique and how things need to be processed to be animated.
My workshop down below has just about sold-out, so if you were in the area and interested now's the time to sign-up. [link] We can high-five in person if you do!
Been doing my best with weekly updates at The Sketchpad of Doom. [link]
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Not entirely sure I understand your question. Are you asking if you should have a specific companie's existing characters in your portfolio?
If you are thinking of redesigning an existing character in a new and novel way, make sure it's truly better than what it already was - you've got a high bar and a bias audience to deal with.
If you are thinking of designing new characters in an existing licence, make sure they are not only every bit as good as existing characters but better - and again, you've got a high bar and a bias audience to deal with. These are their characters and licences and they know them better than you do.
Honestly, I think you are much better off demonstrating your technical skills in conjunction with your creative skills. Create your own characters in your own worlds and create damn good ones. This said, there is a certain sweet spot between familiar and unique that you must find in order to be relevant to their needs.
That answer your question?
Go and have fun with your art, having fun with it will motivate you more and more and you will become better and better as long as you are intelligent about it.
Go! have fun! gooooooooooo!