Easiest way to learn it watching the video tutorials at Lynda.com ... although it does cost, you can have a free week try without the need for paypal or credit card numbers... all you need is a valid email address.You can learn just about any popular designing software out there :)Hope this helped...
Actually the fastest way to level is via questing, especially as of the recent patch (2.3) Now between level 20 & 60 requires 15% less experience to level up, and also more experience is gained from quests. There is no need for the horrors of grinding, it ruins the game for ya.