I tried sketching something of my own. First, I tried sketching the big overall subject, and then I tunneled down into smaller parts in my second sketch. (I drew over the first by erasing some parts and adding just some positions.) I found that during my sketching, I tend to worry about getting the lines right on the first try and not explore (then double down on the existing lines) + with smaller parts, I tend not to explore and draw loosely at all. Resulting in no energy at all in the sketch. I spent around 30 minutes+ during the first sketch and second sketch each. (Seems kind of too long for the first sketch). The result isn't too bad, but I'm not satisfied yet. Any tips for sketching more loosely & faster with more energy?

For my first day, I wanted to draw something simple and interesting, so I chose a random animal to draw: a whale. I simplified a lot since I felt a bit too lazy to go into too many details. I sensed some proportion mistakes since I didn't really care about them too much. The goal of this drawing is to draw from the reference and try not to draw perfectly because it'll stress me out too much, and I won't feel like drawing. (Focusing on the process of drawing instead of the outcome!) Since I have to draw every day, I don't want to burn myself out, so I tried to take it easy and slowly apply what I learned to the drawing. (for this drawing I simplified using CSI)

I tend to overcorrect my drawings, including proportions, curves, lines, etc. (I'm a perfectionist). In this snail drawing, I noticed that my proportions are a bit off, especially the head and the shell. Overall, the drawing is OK but not that great (7/10), even though I followed the demo step by step.

Before I watched the demo, during my drawing, I didn't really simplify; it was more like copying from references. Proportions are quite a bit off, and my lines aren't the best, but overall, I guess it's OK for now. I'll learn how later.

After I watched the demo I realized I can use more than just HB for values Jo I use what I got which are 2B, 3B to shade my shadow instead of just using HB (before I watch the demo), and use HB only for lighter tone. My shading is still kind of messy and chaotic(not smooth as stan's). My value & shading skill still need to be improve a lot. + Observation skill (I can't separate some value that are close to each other like stan did yet & proportion still a bit off.) Overall , I would say it's OK for beginner. (6/10) A generous score for myself. Shading need to be more directional and not all over the place.

It's messy but not too bad for the first try. The highlight is kind of hard to see since it smudges all over the place. The shape is okay, but I think I need to improve the value a bit. I only use HB on this one. I did this before watching the demo.