I seem that XSI is a best on today 3D professional package... But it much not forgive for the study - too much possibilities. You will be able to find very nonbad and interesting material about XSI here: http://www.edharriss.com/tutorial.html (best tutorials) http://archives.itg.uiuc.edu/softimage/ (maillist archive) http://www.xsibase.com/ and http://www.cgtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=24 - very good forums.... http://roger.rosa.free.fr/index.html - RCR XSI Site, big collection of resources...