Being able to construct things in three dimensional space can be greatly enhanced by learning to draw what you see. Learning to draw 1-point, 2-point and 3-point perspectives with various points of view will be incredibly valuable to your learning both 2D and 3D software.
I love to draw and construct my designs on paper but I also have a small tin full of 25 year old modeling clay that I carry around in my pocket to use as a 'sketch tool' when visualizing objects that I wish to create three dimensionally. Drawing, sketching and sculpting are all skills worth building in every way to become a better digital artist.
Make physical models of your subjects. Draw pictures from every angle. Paint matte backgrounds. Sculpt things into existence! Definitely learn everything there is to know about your art form. Practice. Practice. Practice. You will indeed see improvement in those areas that you study most.
Then, move on to optics and study more to learn everything there is to learn about the camera and lighting by studying photography. Then learn about creating realistic materials by studying physics and color theory, then learn...
Why would you want to do the minimal amount of studying possible if your goal is to become a master?
