I'm deeply sorry to read this because I was about to promote your Sr Pelo artwork for the Takeover Tuesday :( I really liked its vivid colours and how it reminded the style despite being a bit rigid in terms of pose.
If you want to know my personal opinion about your art is that it has the potential to be quite pleasant to look at especially in terms of linearts (maybe using different pressures to give different looks can add variety but I like it the way it was too) and colours. Your anthro character had a nice looking design. The main weak points I feel to highlight are the stiffness of poses and lack of anatomical proportions. To improve these, and I think you will manage to do it, try to draw the "skeleton" of the figure. What do I mean? I mean start with rough sketches of geometric shapes of the body you want to draw instead of immediately starting drawing the character itself.
I suggest this playlist I found that gives some very cool tutorials: https://www.newgrounds.com/playlist/262316/drawing-references
If you want to learn to master your skills I highly recommend this forum thread made by Skoops: https://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1453904/1
I am using Draw a Box to exercise with perspective and 2-point perspective. It's helping me a lot with composition. Another thing I highly suggest you is starting an art thread, unless you have already done, I opened mine not to showcase my art but to study myself while I study art and try to improve my skills. You might do the same if you want, you are not obliged. And in the art thread you can always ask for feedback. People are really willing to help you if you ask and take their critique as a helping hand to your growth as artist and person. Be consistent in practicing and doing exercises.
Last but not least if you want some tips, helps feel free to contact me, even via PM, I can give you some tips and feedback. But only if you want. My PMs are always open. And please don't feel discouraged by all of this, like Aalasteir said make art for yourself, nourish your soul, don't do it for validation. Enjoy yourself in the most literal meaning since art is part of your Self.
I am here if you need help.
Aalasteir
Hey Austin, it’s completely okay. Please, don’t stress yourself out by putting detrimental expectations on yourself because it’ll only make you feel worse, which doesn’t help.
Please make a habit of doing things that make you smile and feel happy.
Draw and create things because you enjoy them, not because of validation. You need to enjoy your art and the process of creating, not just focus on the end result. Create what you like because you love creating, and appreciate art because you love art.
Being happy with your art is what matters. That’s why it’s posted to have a positive impact on people.
Make getting proper rest every day your number one priority. Set a limit for how much you work on your art and don’t overdo it.
You make great art, and you draw better than I do. In fact, you and especially draw way better than I did when I was 14.
You have a lot of potential to make amazing art.
And I think what you should be proud of is you have the potential to enjoy creating art!
Which is far more valuable than being skilled at it.
Be happy for the fact that you can feel sad, because often, it’s when you can’t feel anything that it becomes the hardest. And when that happens you need to remember what made you smile.
What helps me when I feel very depressed, which I did a lot, and still do, is going for a walk.