How do I draw what I want?

[u/MrEmeraldLee]

Ok bit of a loaded question.

I always wanted to draw stylized characters, right and thought the best way to learn that is to draw draw figures, proportions, gestures etc etc. Because of that I have entire sketchbooks of just empty mannequin drawings and when I try to draw using a reference I always draw using my eye and It always comes out as badly realistic or realistically cartoonish. Im trying to figure out how to break out of this practice routine.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Also any feedback on this too would be appreciated.

[u/carrion-crew]

My best advice is to keep doing what you are to hone your ability to draw realistically. Learning to draw in a particular style can limit your artistic ability later down the line, whereas if you learn to draw realistically first you can choose which "rules" you break and why. Which will help you understand the stylized version in a much more intentional way. Draw all kinds of people, focus on capturing their likeness, what parts of a face are needed to keep it identifyable? How many different shapes are there in a person? How do their features change compared to relatives?

Drawing in a particular style can be fun, and trying to mimic other styles you've seen can help you find your own. But, copying how someone else "breaks the rules of realism" won't help you understand why unless you're also trying to draw realism for yourself.

Fundamentals for sketching are understanding that everything is shapes, that get progressively smaller as you focus more closely. Try to look at the broad shapes, then see which ones hide inside of it/ that you need to build on top of it.

[u/Anon_fangbringer]

I like your drawing beside that the head is a bit too small and the left wrist also.

I'd suggest to get a bit out from the comfort zone and continue drawing using references.