Some quick newbie questions:
1. Are most of you sketching before inking, or going straight to the final lines?
Slight sketch, but whatever is needed.
2. As someone who doesn't know how to draw or ink, I assume I should always sketch first for now while I work on my seeing and proportions?
YES, inking is about adding that extra finishing touch to a drawing, traditionally the progression is thumbnail>sketch>pencils>inks>color. Drawing straight with inks is added challenge that you take up later, as a "test your skill" minigmae, of sorts
3. When working digitally, is there a typical zoom level I should use or NOT use to avoid bad habits? I also haven't been making the canvas high resolution but I could change that of course.
A good habit is to have longer strokes instead of adding up a lot of small strokes. It takes a while to build a good stroke and it takes patience and trial and error. Digital can both help and be a crutch since real life consequences of analog can get you into clutch mode while digital with infinite redos can get you to be lackadaisical. Regarding zoom level it depends! For small areas zoom in, for larger areas like thighs or forearms try and zoom out a bit
Disclaimer, I know part of the answer is "don't do digital at first" and "learn to draw before inking" but please humor me for this month.