1. Get a solid foundation in the following five areas:
A. Composition.
B. Light and Shadow.
C. Color Theory.
D. The Human Form.
E. Perspective.
2. Draw for a few hours every day.
3. Copy other artists.
4. Start and finish personal projects in your area of interest. "Finished, not perfect."
*Link to the video where these principles are discussed by Jake Parker, while he draws a dragon.