In a new save I always make my simself near enough to me as possible with the traits as close to my personality as possible. After that if I feel the game is lacking sims I will make a sim or sims with what I have in mind for that household and match the traits to how I imagine that sim to be. I have never based any sims off characters or other real life people I can’t really explain my non-simself process. When I make my simself it is just me and never anyone in my family. I like to play a fantasy version of my life. I don’t know why I’ve tried challenges and playing pre-makes but I have no vested interest in those sort of gameplays.