That sounds soooo familiar!! Seriously, I took shortcuts all the time until one random day I decided to get picky and oh boy! The penny dropped! It was so rewarding! But had I not allowed myself to take those shortcuts I would have stopped drawing before my Eureka moment. So I say it's a valid strategy!
I don't do free request I'm afraid. I have too little time (and money) as it is, which is why I accept paid commissions only (See info above). Hope you understand.