I started out with a free version of Bryce 3d, and just messed around doing the usual stuff spheres over water etc. Then I was shown renderosity by a friend. I couldn't believe the stuff I was seeing in the Bryce gallery, and thought I'd never get the hang of it. The next step was to follow a load of tutorials I found on the web which helps you come to grips with many of the basic functions. I started to post stuff here nothing amazing as you can see from above, but just kept working on different ideas and having fun in doing so. Then I decided to concentrate on a particular genre which was sci-fi as it gave me something to focus on. From there I became more involved here at renderosity and picked up lots of ideas and got help with certain techniques. My advice is for you to always ask for help with stuff in the forum, take part in the monthly challenges, and keep at it. Also always look at your work with a critics eye, what can I do to improve etc but most of all,enjoy it!

http://joevinton.blogspot.com/