Where do I start?

[AmateurArtist]

I want to get into 2D modeling/graphics. What would be some good programs that I should get? Price doesn't matter to me.

[kuman]

if you're interested in 2d graphics, photoshop and painter are, imo, the best choice for painting and illustration

if you're looking for more precision modeling stuff in 2d, i'd say check out autocad

good luck
-k

[AmateurArtist]

What would be a good 3D program? Would it come with animation maker?

I want to make something like this: http://forums.3dtotal.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=36397

How long would it take for me to get good enough to make that?

Also, how would you input pictures, as shown here (http://forums.3dtotal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3681)?

[[hQk].$+34]{Y]

Well, that would be made with a 3D program. If you are interested in getting a 3D program, and as you said, price doesn't matter. Well, you could always start out with cinema 4D to make simple stuff like that. But if you want to make realistic and highly detailed models, i think a good choice would be 3ds max or maya.
I think 3ds max is better for making scenes, but if you want to make characters, maya, is very good for that...

just check out their websites to see....

3ds max : www.discreet.com

Maya : www.aliaswavefront.com

[Goig!]

For 2D I STRONGLY recomend Corel Photopaint. As a personal preference I find the Photoshop interface clumsy and annoying.
Corel is more comfortable to use; the capabilities of both programs are roughly the same.

If money is not problem, go ahead with Max or Maya. :D

[Torlok2002]

if you havnt done any work in 3d i suggest you get a demo from all companies that you are interested.

Some software i have demos of:

AutoCAD (2d precision drawing such as architecture and mechanical as well as limited 3d)

Rhino3D (Nice prgram but only works with NURBS i think.)(Can d/l a demo from their site)

3DS MAx (What i use now, can also order a demo disk or d/l a demo from their site) (very versitale 3D software)

Maya (About the same as Max, dont know about a demo, but im sure one is available)

IF you search up any of these software titles im sure that you coul easily find thier official sites and you can get info about a demo their (usually trial versions)

I suggest that you try these out and get familiar with the basic 3D interface. I dont want you to go out and spend a fortune on a program that you will loose interest in very fast. 3D modelling/rendering is a lot of work, and it takes a long time to learn most of the techniques or even just the functions of one software package. Ive been doing various 3D modelling for about 4 years now, and i stil have alot to learn. Just make an educated purchase, because a lot of these software packages cost a very high amount of $.