Final Analysis & Theory of Creature Design

During the course of Semester 2 i have worked specifically to create believable creatures. I believe throughout my workings i have discovered a successful Method of Believable Creature Design.
Below are the steps i have arrived at during my creature design processes which i believe have helped me design successful believable creatures.

1. Initial Idea/Inspiration - this can be in the form of visual inspirations and/or experiences and/or a spark of creativity in the mind.
2. Looking at nature and using the 'Cut&Paste' method to create a potential creature starting point.
3. Selecting an initial 'Cut&Paste' design.
4. Using facts from Natural History appropriate to the design - decide which factors of the design are achievable based on Scientific proof and alter accordingly those which couldn't physically work.
5. Facts and Design Decisions create and shape the creatures final design.
6. Decide which techniques best to use in Photoshop to compliment the creature designs believability.
7. Consider the Final Concept in a snap shot of its environment and include environmental shadowing and lighting effects to tie the concept together.
8. Design Complete.

This method has purely come about as a result of my own personal experimentation's and design process. I believe it is a logical place to start by looking to existing natural life today, whether that be animals or plants. I will continue to use and perfect this newly discovered method until i discover new ways of achieving believability within my field.