Well, i draw since i was like around 12 or so, so its basically been --- 13 years if i can count x) So.. a pretty long time, but to be honest i did go on a few depression indused hiatuses when i didnt draw for a few years, so my progress for sure got hindered a bit because of that

As for the values -- studies are always you best friends i would say, at least thats what i do when i feel like i need to up some specific skill (be it studies from photos, movie screenshots, other artists , whatever strikes your fancy) (but it also good to know what you want to get from the studies and not do them mindlessly/just trying to copy, but to actually understand whats what. Also if you want a specific vibe/look for your style - you try to find something that fits your vision. Sometimes i want something more artistic - i go for old masters, sometimes i want something more realistic - go for casual photos, if i want something more dramatic - pro photography or movie screenshots and so on)

Also its good to watch some educational content on youtube from any good artists you know, i often watch lads like Marc Brunet, Jackie Droujko, pikat, Ethan Becker etc , these lads always have some good advice on different topics