I’m pretty sure you live in the US, so my best suggestion for you is go to Michaels (craft store) and you can take wilton cake decorating classes.
www.michaels.com (for store locations)
attached are some sample cake designs you learn, they are not my own, but i have taken these classes as well…
they are really affordable classes. as for the baking, practice at home… there are a total of 4 courses. once you have completed these courses, go to your bakery and you can gain your experience there…
this is from course 1: 
this is from course 2: 