Usually when I start an illustration I draw some pre-sketches and select the one that most closely gets to the idea I am looking for.
As you may have noticed, there are notes and they to not forget what I have to add in the future or in the same sketch (Typically, when I publish the images I forget details and I cry).
Before drawing, I usually practice the character that I am going to draw to have more knowledge of its anatomy because, as you have seen, I am not able to draw the cartoon style and not to mention the style of Hazbin hotel but I continue working on it.