How to plan walk cycles with personality on a budget for 2D animation?

[Eric_J]

I'm a self-taught animator working on a short film with a limited budget, and I'm struggling to create smooth, expressive character walks and runs in a traditional hand-drawn style using digital tools. My keyframes feel stiff, and my in-betweening lacks the fluidity and weight I see in professional work. For other animators who have tackled similar projects, what are your techniques for planning a walk cycle that conveys personality? How do you approach timing and spacing to create believable momentum, and what are some efficient workflows for managing layers and cleanup in software like Toon Boom or TVPaint? I'm also curious about adding subtle secondary motion to hair and clothing without overcomplicating the process.