SKIBBZ

The artwork is phenomenal. Is that a helmet sort of deal or does this guy have four eyes? The bottom section looks generic and if it really does have a long head then the "jaw" makes it hard to visualize.

Also, the insight as to your artistic process is really cool.  

I went through this same process in one of my animation pre production classes in college. Except we did a silhouette before we did any kind of sketch or grey value. My professor would usually get mad at me for using lines in my artwork.

Nice Job!! Also, without lines it doesn't look as bad. Still prefer the one with lines. Gives it a feeling that is actually built and not just existing out of nowhere.

Try doing thinner lighter lines. That might help? I dunno much about art... Very cool looking though!

Oh also, it gives off a very reference-y vibe with those lines...