Similar to what Orange said, it’s just a case of how long you are doing it for or moreso building it up over time. For some they can accomplish a lot by viewing what others have done and piecing things together to which I respect and appreciate that method, but ultimately refining your own work and style is what makes your work look the best.

It’s done by your standard meaning anything you’ve done will appeal to you and if you do it well enough, also have it appeal to others. For me I had to question what exactly I wanted to do, it may sound peculiar but just knowing what you want to accomplish for how your style looks rather than looking for it being ‘good’, that can help a lot more.

Personally I wanted to go for a simplistic yet partially ‘realistic’ look so I’ll put emphasis on crease in clothing, muscular anatomy and detailing etc but still retain an aspect of simplicity to how a Stickfigure should be. I would use various reference material to try and accomplish the look I’m going for and many people do, nobody can really get good with no reference so don’t feel shame using any.

To help get you started consider these things:

1. What styles do you like in any media (shows, films etc) / what style do you want to imitate to some degree?

2. Are you working progressively in improving or are you trying too hard and accomplishing too little?

3. Are you going in the right direction with what you are choosing to do ( what stickfigures you’re working on and even just the style you’re using )?

If you need any more help I’d be happy to assist you.