DarkFather said:
I wouldn't have him as a crippled man inside life-support armor.

My villain would probably be a seasoned military commander that wears the armor when going into battle.

What I need is a talented artist that can put some of my character design ideas to paper. My younger brother is a phenomenal artist, but he's occupied right now.

I'd say it depends on how close it is to the art, and to the final Vader design. Plenty of characters in games and movies have similar design elements. You just have to be able to set your universe apart. There should be fundamental differences and new twists to the Star Wars formula.