Oh no another side blog

You got your first step down properly bc you're using at least one reference ! You get one candy at the end of class for that !/j. I recommend getting several pictures of the character/person you're trying to draw tho, to really understand what you're looking at :) Different pictures = different angles and or lighting to really get the complete picture.

Step 1.5 would be to study the face you want to reproduce, note the key details that makes that person unique (that's why having several references is good). What's their specific eye shape and how can you simplify it, how long is their hair and is it usually neatly styled or tousled, what's their nose shape, do they have a beauty mark, thin or full lips, what are the musculoskeletal features visible on their face..... etc. You're not just looking at your subject but analysing it properly to determine what makes that person unique :)

Second, if you decide on following a specific ref, I actually recommend using a very basic grid to get started !!! That's how I got taught in art school, so that's what I'm recommending, but I know some people think you should do everything by eye. I don't see the grid method as "cheating" because all it's doing is helping you to get your key features placed properly. The real work comes from what you chose to put in or to leave out, how much details you use, how you decide to simplify a shape, etc... also trust me you wont need the grid anymore once you develop an eye for proportions.... or just draw one specific character over and over....

Third, once you have a basic sketch, you're free to start tweaking things a little ! Give your character some life while keeping your references in mind. Accentuate a grin or the thickness of eyebrows, how open or closed the eyes are. You can also add or delete features that you put in your first sketch too, especially if you're drawing a younger character!!! It's harder to capture someone's face accurately when they're young, because adding details will make them look older... Again that's where the "artistry" comes in, and that's something I can't really teach because its very much a "does it looks right to my eye" situation, not something you can explain, sorry. Trust your own eye and the process. I promise it'll be worth it.

Step 3.5: Trust the process but also, trust your guts ! If it doesn't look right, you shouldn't feel bad about starting over. I delete most of my sketches when I start to get frustrated over something, because sometimes it's better to step back for a second than to obsess over details. Don't be afraid to start over.

Step 4 is to have fun. Just... have fun. It's a hobby, not a competition. I see so many people who try to get started and immediately struggle and compare themselves to everybody else. Not to be an old goober about it, but as a kid, when I started drawing, I thought I was good (I wasn't 😭) bc I just didn't have social media to compare myself to... I don't know if I wouldve been where I am today if I had that pressure to perform since the beginning...

Also final little tip: I'd recommend using a large brush size at the beginning. It's easy to lose yourself in tiny details and try to put as much info as possible in one sketch, but the truth is, it going to be overwhelming for both you and the person who's gonna look at your art. Using a big brush helps you synthesise your work and be mindful of the shapes you're putting down.