hiya! It really depends on what kind of art you’re thinking of, but in blanket terms keep/start making things!! The more you make, and the more bad things you make- the more you learn. Find people who are interested or are pursuing similar things because you can talk to and inspire each other and push each other to do better. I can’t recommend art school to everyone, but for me it has done so many good things (meeting lovely people, giving me time and the facilities to use, the advice and time to talk to tutors without feeling like I’m burdening anyone).
but really I know nothing. I think there is no best way, everyone does it a little bit differently. I think that is what is nice about art.
a great interview by Martin Margiela: What are you working on? Continuing. Future Plans? Continuity. What inspires you? Continuance. Advice? Continue!
and also advice by the fantastic Ira Glass: https://vimeo.com/frohlocke/thegap
I hope that was helpful in some way. Good luck!! x