Modeling Program
 

http://www.sketchup.com

Being in architecture this software suits me well, but I was thinking it might be a good investment for beginners as well. 3D Max can be very overwhelming to new users who have absolutely no modeling experience. This software is basically a piece of 3-D sketch paper. Very simple to use, 8 hour demo... etc... They also have online video tut's which make learning the program very easy. It also has full import/export features for raster images, .avi's, max, dwg/dfx and vrml.

another great program is wings 3D... for more organic shapes.
Pretty simple to use also...


http://www.wings3d.com

8 hour demo? Fuck that.

[url:5fcea]http://www.solidworks.com/[/url:5fcea]

This is what I use at work every day (in conjunction with AutoCAD and Microstation). It's the best 3D modeling software I've ever used. It may not be the best for the more artistic side of modeling, though.