3D for free? 3D Studio Max is way too way out my price range. actually, anything that is not free is. so is there something that i can use for fun or work. I tried Google's SketchUp, but it seems rather limited and too specific as it seems to be allowing some free expression but still is too much original purpose(which i guess is to provide a tool for visual aid with, i don't know, construction?).

Have you tried http://www.blender.org/?

Get Blender

go here -> http://www.blendercookie.com/

Originally there was a Maya Personal Learning Edition which you could use to learn about Maya as well as the 3D creation process. It was really great and you could use as long as you didn't use the created materials for personal gain/commercial industry/etc... . Sadly the makers of Maya PLE took it away so your options are pretty much limited from what I have found.

Blender is probably the best option out there due to your ability to use it for commercial applications and such. Another program you might be able to try is Sculptris which is a really great program for sculpting models from the ground up. Unfortunately the people that make ZBrush snapped up the guy that made Sculptris and it may no longer be for free use since Pixologic is now developing it.

thanks all.

spoke to a FB friend with 3D Studio Max... he mentioned Blender and said something about free student license for 3D Studio Max. what is exactly involved in getting a free student licence, anyone knows?

Blender, Blender, Blender... i am guessing the reason it is mentioned so much is it is the best option... seems to simple. is it hard to get my feet wet with it?

Student licences are issued by Colleges for certain programs. They are either done through one of your classes, in which you'll be instructed where to go to sign up for a free account on government funded websites, or colleges/universities are issued special licences for cheap, which can usually be bought through your campus bookstore with the proper ID.

EDIT: The website way is usually done through a database set up which contains your student information, and that information is what is used. My college offered me programs through MSDN. Due to being in a Computer Systems Technology course, I got a bunch of free Operating Systems, and some rather expensive programs ranging from business to industry software.