I started drawing seriously when I was 14. Looking at my old artwork, I didn't start improving fast until I was around 19 or 20. Not to say I didn't improve at all during those five to six years but the pace did get faster once I had "learned to learn" so to say. That is to say it can take a lot of patience to get to a point where you actually start seeing improvement fast enough to stay motivated. But it is 100% worth it because at the end you have a lot of things you have created with your own two hands.

And regarding the point on physical limitations, I can't blame anyone in a situation like that for using AI if they have no other chance for realising their imaginations. For others, it is completely possible and not reserved for people who have some mythical innate talent. Just grab a pen or a brush and enjoy the process of honing a fine skill regardless of the end result. ❤️