[Braehill]

WJH,
The two things you mention will come with practice, as will keeping a consistent torch angle, arc length, adding filler and finding ways to prop for comfort. Welding has to be a repeatable process thousands of times in the same weld to produce the welds you'll see spread all over the internet. We don't see their first attempts, just their latest.

Being able to recognize where you need to improve means you're doing fine at this stage in your learning.

Len

[rick9345]

Most welds are rarely seen except by the welder.
Become your own worst/best critique.
You seem to be well on your way.
As Breahill stated "practice".