I have not done any modeling with imported illustrator files so i can't help there. But i do use a lot of imported pictures as templates using image planes. I convert to BMP before I use them. Bryce imports a lot of formats OBJ seems to work best wings can export as an OBJ. It is nto MOI or Rhino so you will have to get used to it but wings does what it does well. A lot of Maya tutorials you can do in wings too.

The wit of a misplaced ex-patriot.
I cheated on my metaphysics exam by looking into the soul of the person next to me.