Nobody could blame someone starting out in graphic design for being a little bit overwhelmed. Even though applications like
AutoDesk Maya are incredibly powerful, they can be a little difficult to get a handle on. If you're new to the game, you should start out with something free and basic. Then, when you feel more comfortable, you can move on to something more advanced.
Serif 3D Plus is a good starting point. It makes a bad first impression, with an old-fashioned interface and obligatory registration, but don't let that put you off. Serif 3D Plus allows you to carry out basic animation and design projects, and provides a wizard for both. You can also start from scratch, but even if you do, it won't take you long to figure out what you are doing.
Results from Serif 3D Plus aren't fantastic, but they will let you get a feel for 3D modeling. The program has a limited range of configuration options, and colors are hard to get the hang of, but apart from that, creating animations and designs is very easy. Serif 3D Plus also allows you to export in various formats and preview your projects from different camera angles and perspectives. It would be easy to be dismissive of such a basic program, especially when you see it side-by-side with some of its more advanced relatives, but the bottom line is that Serif 3D Plus is functional and free, and will help you get a foothold in 3D design.
It's not going to win any beauty contests, but Serif 3D Plus is a good starting place for budding designers.
