Text is downright terrible. Remove the bevel, and lighten the Gradient.
Background, However, Try some Light Brushing. Dont Try to go immediately to C4D's just yet. Try to get down the basic elements of flow and gradients with brushing and apply that knowledge to latter works.
I highly recomend going to 22 Pixels for Flock, or
dA for some brushes, and
P2L for some tutorials.