Update II
So glad I decided to use an asset pack, the art is so good and I would have just gotten frustrated doing it myself. Even with the art sorted there was so much to learn, building levels was next and the basics down but when I wanted to make anything interesting it was such a hassle doing it block for block.
I discovered Autotile and so much makes more sense, several Youtube tutorials later I had a semi-decent auto title system up and running, but there are still some spaces that need work. But it will do for now
I like how the clouds and the whole vibe is coming along, it just needs some movement to make it come alive. But now I really need to focus on the characters as this took me way too long. Also need to circle back to fix that bitmask, will do that in the polish phase