Thanks guys
Basically I downloaded an epic crap ton of brushes and I was playing around with them to see what they did...
And I am in total agreement with the whole 'work harder' point of view. While I have seen many people that start with a better eye for art than others, in the end the artist that works harder will be the better one.
I'm at job#1 atm but I'll try to get some sketches up tonight!