>>1854091How are you tracing the image? If you are making the image with the pen tool, then you should be creating fills with nodes. You can just edit the nodes to smooth out areas. When you select nodes, there should be an option at the top next to Convert, with one converting the node to a sharp node with no handles, and the other turning it into a smooth node with dependent handles. If you want a node with independent handles, then you click and drag with the alt key. If you want a node with dependent handles you can click and drag normally. Areas such as the the V-tips of hair you would want sharp nodes with independent handles. For areas that you want to be smooth, like many curves in skin and clothing, you want a smooth node with dependent handles.
As for your image, you're using too many nodes in the hair. You want hair to be smooth, so you need to minimize nodes. Only place nodes at the V-tips and try to see how far the handles can cover in a given area. Do not overextend them, because you want the tips of the hair to curve and give the hair direction. Once you have seen how far they can extend, only then should you place a node in between to fix a given area. For other areas, such as on the skin and clothing, you have many sharp points. You want those points to be smooth, so select the node with A and convert it to smooth to edit it. Then play with the handles.
You also have many areas where you aren't properly connecting colors to other objects. There are two ways to do this properly. One is using the layering system. You can hide objects under other ones, so you can draw into other parts, and then move them down in the layering. The other part has to do with objects that can't hide under layering, such as the pocket on the backpack near the edge. When dealing with that, look at the tutorial in the OP and learn how to use the Shape Builder tool. It comes in real handy.
If you got any other questions, feel free to ask.
