woah, that's super cool! I think tracing is actually a really handy way to get into drawing and learning the basics. it sounds like you have a great brother though who i'm sure has taught you a lot. you shouldn't not feel proud of tracing btw, anything that helps you get better is a good thing! now you're doing all of your own original works.
i mostly learnt digital design myself through photoshop. i wouldn't say i'm super amazing at it or anything but i've learnt a lot so i'm happy with that. i also do a lot of video editing in my spare time which again, i taught myself. does any of this stuff interest you?