I am pretty good in Photoshop and I have decided to start creating 3D images. I am absolutely clueless in this topic. The end result I am looking for is the ability to create stunning 3D images of Armor, Spacecraft, and Buidings for a project I am working on. The images I hope to create will be viewed on the web and later in full color hardcover books. I can do this freehand with no problem but I would like to take my talents into the digital era. Someone told me that I would need a 3D modeling program to create the images and then they mentioned something about rendering it afterwards. I was also told something about creating blueprints, needless to say the instructions were not clear or else I would not be here bothering you all, lol. I really could use a brief simple for dummies type of explanation of what programs I would need, for Windows XP. I have more than enough Hardware to meet the demands of any 3D program. What I am searching for if possible, is the most user friendly, with great results type of programs. Something a newbie like me could tinker with to learn via hands on trial and error. I will also seek out online tutorials and such but the greatest and immediate need is the name of what I need and exactly what type of programs I need.

If you are having a hard time thinking of what I might need, imagine you wanted to make a 3D model of the Starship Enterprise in full color, with texture, illumination and shadows, and you wanted to take that image and stick it on a background of stars and planets to be saved as wallpaper for your desktop.

All help would be greatly received and returned if in my power. Thanks!

~ Giancarlo