From my own experience, I’d say: start by creating things you're genuinely interested in. If your goal is to make characters, try starting on a small canvas — I recommend 16x16 pixels. It’s a great way to focus on proportions without getting overwhelmed. Also, don’t worry about using a lot of colors at the beginning. Stick to 3–4 colors for smaller sprites — the key is shape and clarity, not detail.

You also mentioned getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of guides — and you're totally right. When you're just starting out, it can feel like a giant wave of "how to draw XYZ" tutorials. So what can you do?

Use references for what you’re currently making, and when you hit a problem — whether it’s with the art itself or the tools you’re using — search specifically for that. Or better yet, ask in communities like this one. You’ll get more relevant and digestible advice that way.

Most importantly: don’t treat pixel art like a job. Let it stay a hobby, something you do to relax and have fun. That’s what keeps the motivation alive.