Hello everyone. I am a somewhat semi-retired "old guy" that has always been interested in 3D modeling and a bit of animation. I now have the chance to see just what I can do.(with a lot of help probably). My kids purchased a few programs for me as a present, 3DSMax, Photoshop CS4, Swift3D to name a couple. Hopefully I will one day be able to help someone else on here.

Hello drkwing3! 3ds max is great present!!!
You should start as soon as you can and start posting your works in the work in progress section. We will try to be helpful.
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Andyba, 3d artist
skills: 3d modeling, texturing, rendering, 3d character animation, compositing
3d software experience: 3ds max, Maya, Softimage XSI, Deep Paint 3d, Body Paint 3D, Wings 3D, Z Brush
2d software experience: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After effects, Macromedia Flash, Freehand