I recently had a discussion with a sound engineer about this because I have the same problem. Basically, you need to get your sound as best you possibly can with the basics. EQ should then provide the punch required to boost the character. What kind of signal chain are you using? Also, you should put the EQ before any pedals and the preamp itself. Post EQ is what you get in a studio, that is done when you are happy with the tone but just want to get iot to sit with the rest of the mix.