are you a mind reader?

I'm not sure what you mean by shapes versus symbols. Isn't building a face, from say, a circle, still using a circle to symbolize a face? But thanks for actually giving advice! As for references, normally I do use them but... kind of had trouble finding a realistic equivalent to chins that huge from that angle. I tried taking photos of myself holding a box under my chin, but it didn't really help though xD
And don't worry, my passion for drawing is intact. It's more so the motivation to bother with Newgrounds specifically that's the issue. I post something to the result of atrociously low ratings and no comments. My stuff isn't perfect, but it's not 0 or 1 star bad either. Even if it was, leaving a nasty rating without feedback helps no one. This place just feels mean spirited. At least, usually that's the case.
Thank you again for actually commenting on this one! Glad you like the composition and idea ^^