Its good to use references when you draw. But one should not start with them outright.
Study the body on arts. Check out a couple of helpful pictures that helps you move on. Pictures that show whats underneath, so to say, that helps you create art that looks alive and healthy.
I placed a couple of good study material in the spoiler.
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
- man_anatomy_drawing_study_backview.jpg (98.35 KiB) Viewed 2315 times
As Vintage said. Start with simple things. Draw some legs, draw a bust, draw some hands and arms. Also its easier to do a 3/4 head than a head straight facing straight towards you.
When one looks at a refrence pictures and tries to copy it one often forgets to flesh out the picture. Before you start drawing the picture try to picture it as a stickman. Where would the lines go if it was a simple stickman? then start adding the blumps for a ribcage and hips. Move little steps a time.
I recommend drawing a reference two different times. Once by having the reference on a screen or printed paper then look at the reference while you draw. Once done. Wait a while and do it again, this time without the reference. Try to remember it. Do that a couple times then wait a couple of days and then do it again. That way you implement said styles to your own style.
But don't only draw of references, use you imagination. Think of different poses and characters. If you draw to much references you run the risk of being unable to draw without one. Then you are basically copying other artists creations and that is not your goal. You'l want to be your own artist create your own stuff(or stuff that others wish you to do for them)
Check my thread
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1758 Hopefully you can pick up some more pointers from there ^^
Also id stay as far as possible from ink while youre training