not an annoying question at all! i find most of the art on twitter (i just follow a lot of artists so i'll bookmark any art that looks cute. then if i have an idea for a bot i'll go back and look for art that works for the char). i also use instagram and pinterest sometimes but not often

as for brainstorming and stuff it really depends!! i get some of my ideas from manhwa/manga i've read, shows/movies i've watched, etc etc stuff like that. i used to get a lot of inspo from other creators but not really anymore bc all of my favorite creators quit 😭... fanfics too. often i'll just come up with an idea after seeing some artwork though. it really depends lol. if i ever have a random idea i just write it down so i can revisit it. when i'm brainstorming for the characters themselves i kinda just... throw shit at a wall and hope it sticks. for me it helps to start with the psyche of a character and go from there. like whats wrong with them, how does that affect their behavior, etc...

my advice is to start with the dynamic you want between {{user}} and {{char}} and then go from there. like, for example, if you know you want enemies to lovers with tsundere!char x patient!user then the story is a lot easier to come up with!!

i hope this at least helps somewhat idk if it makes any sense 🥹🥹