I started this about an hour ago and this is where it's at so far.

I haven't yet finished it but I want to know If you all think this is a good starting point for me? Should I keep doing these types of drawing and maybe get better at? Or should I just quit while I'm ahead?

Practice makes perfect, so they say. I never encourage people to quit being artistic and creative, but the opposite. Sketch more, but start with a grid on paper (if you're using a picture or mirror) make the grid identical in shape to the picture or mirror. Start your outline by noting each grid's outline. Then translate eyes, nose, mouth position based on the grids. Once you get the feel of doing that, then you are ready to sketch freestyle and sketching becomes natural to you.

Thanks for the positive feed-back!

It looks a whole lot better on paper but it clearly needs work!

To me, there is no such thing as bad art. Unless of course, it's someone mocking an art form, but even that becomes an art of sorts. You also have to remember, we are our own worst critics. I've tossed countless sketches in the trash can when I was younger (don't do this). You need to see how far you've come, by looking back. We sort of lose our sense of things if we throw away everything we feel critical of. Keeping your sketches in your pad helps you grasp a better idea of where you've been and where you're taking it, artistically. I keep all of my work now, even if I don't like it.

I've also had the opportunity to witness people evolve artistically. My family comes from line of lithographers. And I've watched nephews, nieces, cousins, all develop artistic skills. Each of them keep sketch diaries and compare work with one another. It's interesting to see family take interest in one another because of commonalities, like music and art. To me, art is like glue. It bonds us together.

Well said, I would have to agree.

Amanda, are you drawing from a mirror or picture? Are you outlining with soft lead pencils and detailing and shading with harder lead pencils? You're doing a great job, btw.

wyatt, I think you should continue. I like your soft lines and shading. keep up the good work...

I would suggest that you blend in the Lips some more, and the eyebrows could use some streaky lines flowing away from your nose to give them the appearence of not being drawn in (unless they are of course).

The eyelashes and hair are amazing much better than anything I can do!

This is a picture I took from my phone. It looks better this way I think. The first one was scanned!

The lip still seems a bit too dark imo

Yeah, your right. It still needs a lot of work but I have come along way and not about to stop now.

NOTE: It is my first portrait of someone ever. I'm glad you made the comment though about the lips.

I can't wait to see it finished!

Keep on there, wyatt. It's looking good.

A portrait of me, self or otherwise would be criminal and certainly gruesome.

Come on, It cant be that bad....