My 3D path was similar to yours RobynsViel.  I had a little add-on for Adobe Photo Deluxe that made it possible to add 3D models to pictures to enhance them called Kazoo Studio.  I became facinated with Kazoo Studio and bought the full version, but still found it too limiting.  I also becamed enamored with the people in the Sims.  From there I found a little 3D program that game me more options to create 3D scenes called Simply 3D--but it didn't have any 3D characters or people.  I bought a book called *Getting Started With 3D *found out about Poser 4.  If you guys think Poser is expensive now, it cost a fortune back then--$500 and I couldn't afford it.  Eventually I was able to get Poser 4 for half price and the rest is history.  There was no other option for easy to use human figures at the time, Daz Studio did not exist and 3D models cost as fortune.  Just a simple 3D model at Daz could cost as much as $50 with nothing coming with it.  We certainly live in a golden age for the 3D hobbiest.