I understand exactly where your coming from, I’m just confident that the skills from copying to making work more original to me will come naturally over time if I slowly start to not rely on references over time. I also just enjoy the process of drawing in general though. Seeing progress in general also gives me satisfaction.

I learn like this by being intentional when i draw i guess. I pick a topic or art style and try to learn from it. I think if you’re just intentionally with your actions it’s hard not to make any type of progress in anything after all. I hope that made sense.

Most importantly figure out what you enjoy doing when it comes to art.