I 'm trying to teach my self to do cake decorating and would like to know what areas I should get into?

Buttercream

Fondant

Gumpaste

Thats all I've got so far

Also you know those really fancy looking cakes that you get these days - is that Fodant or gumpaste?

I'm taking a course in cake decor this wednesday but thats just baking different cakes and frosting with buttercream. So the rest I'll have learn by myself. So what do you think I need to research on?

Thanks