Howdie
I'm Vlad, just a user of FPSC.
Regarding distinguishing devs from customers, it's fairly easy: developers of TGC rarely appear on these boards. I personally never saw one writing here.
That does not mean you won't get a helpful hand. Many of FPSC users are skilled in many areas and with time you'll starting noticing who's who and who does what.
Well, advices to get started... Since you seem to be taking this project very lightly (which is good in my opinion), test one thing at the time, and make your levels from simple to complex, adding things here and there until you feel enough is enough and it looks, well "cool".
Good luck, feel free to stop by and ask for a hand here and there.
V
I'm pretty sure I know everything. Doubts are something rare in me and I am never wrong, as this signature can prove.