Some custom sprites for a new character.

[Sir Ethan]

Two things:
1) Practice, practice, practice.
2) Richard Williams: The Animator's Survival Kit is a good reference book. But you should also consider looking into figure drawing books by Andrew Loomis, Burnes Hogarth, and Stephen Rogers Beck and practice drawing people from real life and to a minor extent: photos.

The best way you're going to build on consistency is focusing on learning from doing, reading, and seeking feedback as needed. The best way is to get involved in some art classes. EDIT: Once you capture how to draw a human body realistically, that's when you can deviate into doing things with your own style.

I do agree that these are better than the edits, but I have faith that if you really put your mind to this you could be a pretty damn good animator if this is what you seek to do. But know that it takes way more work than you think it will.

Thanks for the recommendation.
If you want to see one of my better artworks, check this thread:
https://www.vg-resource.com/thread-33735.html