I'm 22 and can certainly sympathise with how you feel. A few months ago I switched to shooting 4x5 exclusively, and despite having fallen in love with the process I have yet to make a negative that I am really pleased with. I'll second the suggestion on bulk loading 35mm. In combination with doing your own processing and printing it will cut down on the cost quite a bit. I would also suggest sticking with one lens. If you have a zoom, pick one focal length and just use that, or you can save up for a bit and get a 50mm. Second hand 50mm f/1.8 manual focus lenses usually sell for practically a song. The most important thing about art I learned from Julia Cameron (the author, not the photographer.) The most important thing about art is MAKING art. Don't worry about whether or not you are a "real" artist, what your message is, or if what you are doing is good or not. Just get out of your own way and CREATE. This is very hard for me, because as you seem to be I am a perfectionist. Perfectionism is only good if it doesn't get in the way of your work. While I am not the biggest fan of Ansel Adams, I was reading an interview in B+W magazine from a former apprentice of AA's. He said that while working with AA he was struck by the fact that Ansel made an awful lot of very ordinary photographs. This resonates strongly with me because I frequently expect every shot to be perfect, which it won't be, and expecting that will only give me photographer's block.
I can see I'm starting to ramble, but basically my point is to keep it SIMPLE, and just enjoy taking pictures. Play with the camera, regain the feelings that made you fall in love with it. Sooner or later, something good will come of your shooting. It may take 1 roll, it may take 5. Just do your best, but don't get in your own damn way!
Best of luck,
- Justin