Honestly I find that so freeing to hear, because honestly, same. I usually work on sketches more to get an idea and to work the anatomy enough that I can do the fun things. Like the background or using the colors. I think it might be common for more painterly artists, where the sketches are more about placement.
As for music, it depends. For the more challenging parts I pop on video game music albums. I heard once that they are designed to keep your attention. Don’t know if that is true, but it usually works for me. If I am chilling, I turn on The Hu or my medival music playlist.
My question, what artists or genre of music do you listen to that No one expects from you? Mine is Scooter.
