How should I study the French Defence?

That's actually a very good question.

French defense has the great advantage that it can be as simple or as complicated as you want.That makes it maybe the best semi-open defense for beginners.This opening can literally evolve as you evolve as a player.It;s not an opening that will become unplayable once you improve , it's an opening that will always be playable , at any level.Another advantage of the opening is that no matter what White does and how crazy he tries to play , the pawn structures that you need to know are a few and not especially difficult to understand(although very difficult to master as al things in chess).  

      Here is my suggestion:

First, understand the basic and "simple" pawn structures of French defense.

Why is that necessary?

Because in many cases ,in the most complex lines , Black's best chance is to enter a favorable form of a simple pawn structure.Additionally , knowing the simple pawn structures will allow you to play relatively correct French defense.  

      So , start with Advance variation and Greco's games.Greco has many important things to teach you(what to do and what not to do).Greco wins both of the games with very instructive way.They are not flawless engine-like  games like the ones Carlsen plays but they contain invaluable knowledge.

        Then start studying the basic black setup with Nc6-Qb6-Nh6-Nf5.That teaches you how to create pressure on d4 and how important that pressure is.The game McConnel-Morphy is the place to start.Morphy, in his only French defense game as Black) sets the foundation of the system that will become black's main system against 3.e5 for the next century.In the very few moves(only 14) parade  some of the most important aspects of the position.3 more classics , 2 with Steinitz and one with Capablanca teach you some very typical and important mistakes and you are ready to jump in the modern era where the games of the great masters await you(from Korchnoi to Caruana).

      Against 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 start with 3...dxe4(Rubinstein's variation) and start with Rubinstein's games.This is a pawn structure you need to learn and the resulting pawn structure after ...c5-cxd4 (with 3-2 for one side on q-side and 4-3 for the other side  on k-side) can occur from a wide array of openings(queen's pawn openings,  Sicilian , Caro-Kan ,and others) and often from other main lines of French defense.It's a pawn structure that most underestimate.Huge mistake.

    I think I gave you enough to keep you occupied for the next weeks.Message me if you need more help. 

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Honestly, that helped a lot, and is exactly what I am looking for!

I have a quick question though, to fully understand what you mean.

What does a "pawn structure" exactly mean? - I know you may say "It's self-explanatory" but I would like to know when it is the pawn structure, etc.. - Thanks. 

Aaand hello Chess.com Community!

So, I've started to research some defence openings that I could play while playing with Black.

I watched multiple videos and read comments about The Sicillian, (dragon) and the French.

However, Since I'm not that advanced, I decided to study the French first, and then the Sicillian.

My question exactly is; How should I study the French? - I often get the reply, "Watch others play it" - However, It gets me confused as to, "Should I take notes of them playing? Should I put it in Analyze, and break it down? What should I do when I watch them?".

I'm going to of course put it into practice as much as I can while playing, but I would like to properly study it.

Thanks guys, as always! 

Pawn structure is the initial form the pawns take after the starting moves  of a line.

 For example , in French defense , advance variation , after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3. e5 you have that pawn structure.

Oh, I understand now! Thank you for providing a picture, and making this simple for me. - I'm thinking of doing this;  

Looking at games may not be the only thing necessary... but it's a big help. Maybe make a goal (for any opening you want to learn) to view 100 GM games in that opening (not only the variations you play) just as an exercise to give you general knoweldge for that opening.

GM level french and playing against mortals are very different. I'd recommend looking at games of GMs beating up on sub-master players using the french.

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Uhm, should I search "GM's beating up sub-master players using the French Defence - Chess?"  haha? I'm not sure how to find that exact section of play

GM level french and playing against mortals are very different.