How can I establish a cohesive, cinematic look in DaVinci Resolve as a beginner?

[Ronald82]

I've been editing my short film for the past month and have a decent picture lock, but now I'm completely overwhelmed by the color grading process in DaVinci Resolve. I understand the basic tools like the color wheels and curves, but my attempts to create a cohesive, cinematic look either result in a flat, desaturated image or something way too stylized and unnatural. I'm going for a subtle, nostalgic summer feel, but I can't seem to translate that intention into actual adjustments. For editors and colorists, what is a sensible workflow for a beginner to approach their first serious grade? How do you start building a look, and what are the most common pitfalls that make footage look amateurish, like improper skin tones or crushed blacks? Are there specific scopes or techniques you rely on to ensure consistency across different shots and lighting conditions?