/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

This thread relates to some questions I have. I want to build a world, a story, anything. I can't get past a naked, semi-naked or "wrapped" figure floating around. Hell when I attempt a grounded figure, it's barely clothed. I'm may later provide an example of where I'm struggling with an example of a drawing I made.

>my questions
How do good artists come up with the designs? Even the backgrounds?
What is their thought process?
Do they just use reference?
And Similar to OPs question "purpose/function, associated period, evolution, cultural significance and etymology behind every detail on an article of clothing?"
The technical "skill" of line drawing. How do they draw and paint patterns and textures so interestingly? Whenever I see a nice scale mail, I'm not even super into fantasy art, but even I get really jealous.
Are they just painting it? Did they spend hours drawing?

There are so many wonderful artists out there. Preface, I use reference wherever possible! I'm not convinced it's 100% using reference because most of the reference aficionado's, as wonderful as they can be, get a little too copy happy with their source. I've been drawing an embarrassingly long time, since I have little to show for it.

When I see stuff like this:
>>2106757 >>2105816 >>2104346 >>2104344 >>2104343
I'm impressed, easily or not, it's something I wish I could do. There was an image floating around on tumblr in response to frequently asked questions on how the artist designed old clothing. And the vague reply was that image, "just draw corsets." It was interesting, but I don't think it helped me so much.

Forgive me, I am struggling to make this question clear. I keep falling into this "trap" of aimless drawing. I'm happy to move my pencil, but unhappy with the results. Zedig, he's popular, I know, but look at how he just churns these out. I want to do this, with people and with backgrounds. I went to ask him on his stream, but had no luck.