Okies ^.^ I give you
constructive criticism... for those who don't understand that... that is helpful criticism.
Ok. First, I will say that I think you did a really good job on her/him. I don't know mah pokemon
Anywho. The ref image looks like a robotic sort of pokemon. The pony portrays this well. I saw someone - can't remember who - but someone mentioned how the eyes were scary, and that they have cute eyes on tv. Well, your ref images show those creepy robotic eyes, so I say... they're supposed to be like that?
I think you just need to work on the sculpting - the sculpting itself is good, you know what you're doing, it's more the blending. I think I read somewhere that if you use water once you have sculpted it, it's easier to blend it down and smooth it to where it really becomes part of the pony? I think I read something like that in one of AeraCura's tutorials. The sculpting on the back hooves looks really great. It's more that the little accent things need blended better.
Painting is a little sloppy in areas. But I think that's something that you just have to repeat until you get really good at it. I'm shaky by nature, so that's something I'd really struggle on. I dunno what paintbrushes you use, but if you're not already, I hear the thin sable brushes are good for little details.
Lastly, hair. I love the tail! And the main looks fine to me too - just needs styled ^.^ Maybe straightening it somehow?
Keep in mind, I have yet to start customizing... so I might not really know what I'm talking about xD I hope this helps?