Tutorials

Does anyone know if there are any faster ways to follow the tutorials, or create a game without following them exactly? What level should our games be compared to the tutorials? I am not trying to get out doing the work. I just want to make sure I am using my time in the best ways. (I am more of a programmer than an artist, and would rather code than create a design. But, I am not sure how much I can do with the code in this class, or how much of the design part is required). Could anyone give me some input on this? Thank you in advance.