I've noticed that this section contains a few posts on the subject of 3D and I just thought I should share some of the programs and information/tutorials I've used in the past few years. Note that every comment I write about the program/tutorial is based on past experiences, so it may or may not be entirely correct.
3D PROGGS
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First step is to choose a 3D modeling package. Listed below is a collection of free/cheap 3D modeling software that I've either used or heard about. One thing to note is that I've heard plenty of people argue over which package is better, but in my opinion each package has it's pros and cons and it's really up to which package you feel the most comfortable using.
OpenFX - Haven't used this package enough to form an opinion on it yet, though from what I have used it for its a fairly decent package. The community seems to have died from when I've last visited (some odd 4 years ago).
XSI Mod Tool - A free version of Soft|Image's commercial 3D package (my package of choice). Numerous free game development software support this package including XNA, Valve Source, and the CryEngine. I highly recommend at least giving this program a try, speaking from a commercial user I have to say that this is without a doubt the best package I have ever used (and trust me, I have used quite a few). However, this free version is not without it's limitations; there is a limit on how many polygons you can export (the exact number escapes me at the moment), among other restrictions.
Autodesk Maya Personal Learning Edition - A free version of Maya from Autodesk. Learning material can be found almost everywhere. A word of warning though, this package does stamp the word "student" all over your work. Not necessarily a problem when you're just learning how to model but can be a bit of an eyesore (not to mention unprofessional) when you try to share you work with the world.
Wings3D - Another great free package. This one is a bit different from others as this one mainly focuses on modeling through the use of NURBS.
2nd Note - The packages listed above are what we in the industry would call "low-polygon" tools. Meaning that the packages are used to create a low polygon counting base model (or commonly referred to as "mesh") for you to add in details through the means of a "high polygon" tool. To create highly detailed 3D models such as the ones in recent movies/video games (The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Gears of War, Unreal Tournament 3, etc.), you must take your base model and import it into a sculpting package such as either Mudbox from Autodesk or ZBrush from Pixologic. Neither packages are free or cheap so don't feel ashamed to resort to less than legal means (*hint* *hint* *wink* *wink*
) LEARNING MATERIALS
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After downloading a package and opening it up, you're most likely staring at the screen in confusion at this point wondering what to do next. Don't worry, this happens to almost everyone their first time and hopefully this section does lend a hand to your learning process. Listed below is a collection of links that I have found useful and feel obliged to share. Please feel free to reply with your links and I will add them.
Blender Artists - A popular community dedicated solely to the Blender package. Friendly and helpful, this is definitely a place I recommend for beginners. Contains quite a few tutorials.
CGSociety - A very well-known 3D community full of professionals and hopefuls. Very helpful and extremely friendly, stocked to the brim with tutorials on various programs.
Pixel2life Maya Section - Collection of tutorials for Maya. Useful for the beginner and for those looking to brush up on a few things.
Soft|Image Community - Official community forum of XSI/Mod Tool. Very helpful and friendly community. Contains a few tutorials and quite a few links to more tutorials for XSI and Mod Tool.
Subdivision Modeling Forums - Great resource for Sub-D modeling. Highly informative.
Blender's Officially Recognized Websites - A list of websites from the Blender Foundation dedicated to Blender. Definitely worth a visit.
EdHarriss.com - A vast collection of tutorials mainly for XSI, but most (if not all) can be carried over to Mod Tool.
Finally, 3D modeling is just like any other form of art, you must practice. I've seen a number of individuals give up simply because they became frustrated. 3D modeling can be frustrating, yes, but the more you practice the better you get at it. I think the following phrase best describes it:
"You only get out what you put into it."
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Wow, my longest post at Darkside to date. 3D modeling is something I am very passionate about, it's a great field to work in and it is absolutely amazing to see what others can do. If you are at all curious, here is some background on myself.
I am a college student with about 2 more years left to go, I have been modeling for about 4 years. I started out with Blender but migrated to XSI. I am an aspiring game designer hoping to get a job with Monolith when I graduate. I am not the best at modeling, but I have been told I am pretty good at it and I don't mind lending a hand so if you need help feel free to PM me.
