CommanderD, I did not intend my post to be an insult. My apologies if you took it as such, I actually intended it to have an opposite effect. I merely wrote what I wish someone would have told me when I was your age. That is, to start seriously studying art.
Maybe you can relate to this? At 10 years old, I drew constantly and I did consider myself "pretty good" just as you do. I drew what interested me, and what I wanted to draw. But I knew my art wasn't as good as it could have been and I didn't know why. Still, I drew cartoony characters because the process was enjoyable and I was proud of the outcome. Friends and family would praise my art, but for some reason I didn't feel like I deserved it. I was happy with my art, but it didn't feel right for others to be, because looking at my art and comparing it to what I aspired to draw, there was a huge difference in quality. Years later, I started to study art. In addition to drawing what I liked, I would try to draw things realistically, I'd study proportion, all that. The pieces which I wanted to draw and which I liked were improved because I had the knowledge from my art studies.
Some people like
doing art, and others see art as a
means to accomplish an end. Both are fine. In both instances, the art process is justified, because it is necessary for gratification. You seem to be more of the latter - that is, you want to find a way to realize concepts and designs you enjoy. But the important thing to remember is that the pieces you like will not reach an objectively fair quality without the skills, training, and study behind it.
Also, a bit on this forum and what it's for. On Pixelation, when someone posts pixel art, they are critiqued and given feedback on how to improve the piece. Then the topic starter uses the advice at his discretion and posts an updated piece for more critique and feedback, and repeats. The forum is predominately for
pixel critique and, while general art critiques are acceptable because they improve the art, critiques are meant to help on a pixel specific level, and not teach someone how to draw. (I'm liberally spouting hypocrisy now that I've said that
) But! It is a sort of prerequisite for creating objectively good pixel art to be a skilled artist because the pixels are only half the battle. So, you supply the piece, and you get critique. It is not a place to ask for ideas, it is assumed that topic starters 1) already worked on the piece until a level of polish they are comfortable with is obtained, and 2) bring the initial idea to the table, because you (edit: *can't*) get feedback on nothing.
So please consider my advice. ptoing even further solidified it with his last post, so you know this isn't just one person's opinion!