u/pro_sleeper94

Started sketching as a new hobby a couple days ago. I notice drawing construction lines and shape doesn’t help and could make it even worse. I typically use a reference photo, draw, erase, draw, erase, draw, erase, and repeat. Can my skills improve this way? Or am I going to remain stagnant using this method?

Also, any tips on how to make my sketches even more realistic? Do I learn shading/smearing and other techniques, or do I focus on drawing proportionally and consistently first?