Hi! I really like this idea and some of the rendering. It looks like you put a lot of work into this illustration, you did some great design with the hair, and details on the boots! What I think could be better overall is lighting. There are many things fighting for attention and I understand that they are important but they could be emphasized with a different approach. I would suggest darkening everything accept the character, and a lot, and than putting just some smaller glows on the clocks. Making them much more subtle but still important.

I love the upper middle one.. I can almost feel the kick coming :D I'm confused about images you posted, both sheets have same reference photos and to be honest I can't tell which are 30 secs and which 2 mins.

I was wondering the same thing but I don't think there is a right answer. I started with H and after some time of not being able to see anything I switched to 2B. It was a good decision :D Your gestures don't seem too light but it could be a question of what we are used to. Regarding 'sketchiness', I'm not sure what you mean, but I believe that comes from number of lines you use. More lines lead to more sketchiness. Less lines with conscious effort to use less lines means less sketchiness. It's not something that comes or goes with different pencil hardness. At least that's how I see it, I hope it helps a bit! :)

I love them, you make lovely shapes and colors!