Well you sure are in the right place!

Looking at other artists helps alot, if you think about how their art was made, you could try and copy it (method, not the art!).
There are some good tutorials on here as well which may help you learn more. [link]

And most importantly, PRACTISE! Art only has to cost as much as a pencil and a peice of paper, its what you do with them that matters.

thanks for pointing me to tuts. I love reading them Always get some good ideas.

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Visit SFX.com

If you ever get to watch a traditional artist at work, watch their methods very closely. See what they do, see if they have any patterns, how theyuse their hands, etc. I benefited greatly from my art instructor in HS because I watched him draw/paint.
Practice helps! Also, If you want to make something look more realistic, focus on shading. Light areas "pop out" and dark areas recede
:]

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Defying all seriousness in any conversation.

Doctor Who = Crack induced hyperactivity.

(pssst, I'm a Tegaki whore, Are you? [link] )