If you're new to Pokemon collecting, don't let anyone convince you that you're too late.
Collect what you like. Buy the cards that make you happy. Chase the artwork, Pokemon, and sets that actually mean something to you.
I've been collecting for years, and one thing I've learned is that I've never regretted collecting what I genuinely love.
You don't need the most expensive cards, the rarest grails, or anyone else's approval to be a collector.
There's no right or wrong time to start, and there's no single right way to collect.
At the end of the day, it's YOUR collection. Enjoy it.