I'm finding myself no longer happy with anything I Bryce.  It all looks cheesy to me.  First I don't have the time I seemed to once have to devote to "projects"

Secondly, I don't seem to have the computer power to grind out the type things I want to achieve anymore.  Maybe my standards are higher.  Maybe I'm expecting to visually compete with all those wonderfully detailed and lifelike models everyone seems to be using now.  I want to create what is mine, not just positioning cameras on someone else's background, sky, props, models, etc.  (I am not mud slinging those who can achieve super images with the forementioned items.  I just would rather called it "mine". 

How about some insight from the masters out there...

How can I improve beyond "hobbyist" without quiting my job and enrolling in a graphic art school?  I have two other mouths to feed. 

Help me, friends.  I'm in a funk.