@rose_bushes_ +1 on exaggerating shapes-the silhouette of a sprite is dis-proportionally responsible for how well it reads:
consider bold protrusions/indentations and abrupt changes in edge-angle wherever you want to draw attention, and smoother lines/curves that flow into eachother elsewhere!
@mirrutatep@Jukobut3 theres middle ground to be found here imo - step 2 of the diamond tutorial seems redundant and could be substituted with a more substantive change to better bridge the gap.
re. melon tutorial, theres no OBVIOUS change in last 4 steps unless scrutinized- (which avg viewer won't)
@ilyamokka although well-intentioned, i dont think this kind of post is constructive.
check most pixel art veteran's palettes- they zig zag all over the place, for interest and to control a piece's visual 'weight' distribution!
don't discourage beginner cooks from experimenting with spices!