This is an interesting question, and one that seems to bedevil quilters more than other artists/makers. I think it is complicated for quilters as there is a tradition/cultural pressure to "quilt thrifty" with repurposed fabrics and no "waste". I think there has also been an issue with quilting being the province of women who did not have any say in the household budget, forcing them to quilt on a shoestring.
It seems to me those pressures worked to prevent many quilters from taking chances, and making the kind of experiments you must make to grow as an artist and maker.
As in all things, what you focus on depends on your goals. When I started quilting I did traditional quilts based on quilt kits and patterns that demanded a high degree of accuracy to complete...so accuracy and basic skills were my preoccupation at that time.
As I gained competence I realized I wanted to develop the confidence to choose my own fabrics, so I took courses in colour and design, and improv/round robin quilting, to hone the appropriate skill set....so colour and design were my focus then.
Now I am taking a lot of time to learn free motion/longarm quilting, which is a whole other skill set.
I deliberately chose to quilt knowing it was a focus I could take into very old age with me...something I could do even if confined to a chair. There are so many techniques and skills to learn and master I will never run out of challenges!
FWIW the things I tell new quilters speak to this question:
1. have patience with your own learning curve
2. don't point out all your mistakes...heck don't point out *any* of your mistakes!
3. celebrate what you like best about your work
4. have fun, enjoy the whole process (even folding washed fabric is meditative)
5. do what excites you and brings you joy