I've written poetry and fiction, and created and designed jewellery. I love viewing the myriad interpretations of the fractal. It's fascinating to see how others are working. I received tremendous support from a handful of very accomplished fractal artists early on, and that encouraged me to display my images publicly. I'm very grateful for that support.
Art comes from the eye, the heart and the spirit.
On average, I'd say an hour or so a day. I freely admit that I'm not a math-minded person. Thank goodness that hasn't been a handicap. Don't be intimidated by any mathematical formulae which may appear within the program. Your own vision will develop with time and practice.