I have recently started to model my character. I always strip model all of my characters it gives me the ultimate control over every aspect of their geometry that I feel i don't get with box modelling.

Here is and early screen grab of my modelling technique.

I always start with the eyes using the line tool i create the basic geometry.
I also use the symmetry modifier and the create tool.
During the later stages of modelling If I unable to alter a model appropriately in max I will import it into z-brush and use its tools to morph the model to how I feel it should look.

This is the bust of my model. This model is un-textured but using the default colors in max I have created a color base for both the diffuse and specular to bake out and use in Photoshop.
When creating a model from scratch I will often create an entire clothes less form and from that clone out the areas I wish to make into clothing I feel this works best as the geometry will all match up and there will be no different densities in the mesh as there would be if I modeled the clothing separately.

i used the above method to create the clothing in this image. I like the form of her body and feel that her curves are appropriate. I will also alter my model after I have collapsed symmetry as at the minute it looks very symmetrical. I also believe that when the stripes are added to the trouser leg it will make it look a-symmetrical.
As a small side note i can see from the above render that the arms are too long I will fix this before i go any further.