Ok, first off:
I think I am starting to realize that I am not a very good pixel artist.
Throw that in fucking trash. *klang*
Don't worry about it.
With this sort of outlook you will continue to struggle even if you become "good".
We all feel like this at some point or another, it's just a matter of getting back up.
Put a positive spin on it.
"I am starting to realize that I can still learn a lot about making pixel art".
Now:
This is taking me an incredibly long amount of time to do
Yep, art takes a lot of time.
Build up a callus for patience.
Grinding away is the bulk of the journey, so learn to enjoy it.
Yes there is methods and choices to speed things up, but nothing will ever change that time = stuff.
And:
and I feel like it's just plain bad.
I chalk this feeling up to a lack of process and foresight.
Everything you put on the canvas should be a tool for moving forward.
So if you don't think like that, learn to.
Theory is another way of alleviating art woes.
It helps you make choices on why you put what and where.
So what is your theory here?
What drawing program are you using?
Doing tile work without tile support certainly makes it much more of a chore.
Sorry no time for much pixel talk or edits.
Purely motivational speech here.
First get your head on straight.
Until you can do that not many good pixels are bound to pop out of it.