Welding is just like learning to play the piano. After a few thousand hours, you will improve or give it up. I've been welding since 1974. Just do what you're doing. Practice, and weld on dirty crooked "stuff". Most anyone can weld on clean plate or machine cut goods. And use that personal protective gear. Wear UNFRAYED cotton. Don't skimp on a good hood or good safety stuff. Don't forget about earplugs. Keeps out the dingleberries. (those little molten BBs) Learn to use 7018 rods.
Steve