Tips and Tutorials

Character Design

Computer Arts - Top 40 Character Design Tips

http://characterdesign.blogspot.co.uk/

Tutorials on the Complete Process

http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/animate-character-after-effects-0

Daniel Gies' amazing series of video tutorials "From Paper to After Effects" goes into greater detail about creating digital puppets including some great tips for adding textures.

http://lesterbanks.com/2013/01/from-paper-to-after-effects-a-new-look-at-animating-characters-in-after-effects/