Thanks for the tips Shante. I just filled out a registration for Renderotica to see your pic, waiting now for the confirmation email. (Seems to take a while -- ~20 minutes so far.)

Like I said, I'm a complete newbie at this, and I don't know what it will turn into for me (hobby, obsession, source of income, who knows). For now I'm having a lotta fun doing quick animations as e-cards for friends & family. Not ready to spend a lot of money just yet... I'll keep a lookout at the DAZ site in case the Noggins rat goes on sale. Their sale items seem to be good deals usually - closer to what I'm willing to spend.

 

I just love rats, and I thought I might have fun with a 3D model. People are so easily creeped out by them (which I'm guessing you used in your renderings), and they know nothing about them! I just caught one a couple weeks ago in my apartment, and against my better judgement I tried keeping him as a pet for a few days. He was miserable and wouldn't eat, so I released him by the river.