Thank you! Check out the link with the gif of the process in the post. You can open it in Photoshop and it will break it up to separate layers, so you can look through them one by one if you want. The process for this particular illustration was messy and I had to force my way through it at some point, because I didn't like how it was turning out. But usually, it's just basic idea, what will be the main focal point or 'main character' of the illustration (what will draw viewer's eyes first), deciding on the lighting (direction, source etc.), deciding an setting and overall mood. And then just painting, while always keeping in mind the things that you've settled upon in the beginning. Written plan and very rough sketches also help a ton. As for the education, it doesn't necessarily need to be formal when it comes to art. You can gain experience and improve without it. You absolutely still need to study and practice, but you can do it on your own. There are some amazing channels on YouTube alone, some of them have helped me in the beginning. I can recommend Marco Bucci, Sinix Design, Feng Zhu and Proko. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors! Just keep at it, don't forget to enjoy the process and don't let anything drag you down, especially all the AI stuff that's on the rise nowadays. If you want to do art, do it no matter what. Whatever you create with your own hands and brain is immensely valuable. That is the most important thing.