The only modeling program I've used is google Sketchup, but I don't think that really counts. Is modeling hard to learn? What are the best programs for modeling and texturing? For a project I may want to make an item for TF2 or a different source game if it is enjoyable.
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The hardest part is getting started... Theres a lot of things you pick up with the more you practice. There are also various workshops that you can join if you want to learn as well as a handfull of college courses you can attend. I'm guessing that you don't want to drop a few hundred for this on the previously mentioned Maya, so I suggest trying out Blender 3d... and maybe Scupltris