Hey guys, I just came across this site and had to sign up! Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this but I couldn't find a new member area.

I work for Raven Software (Activision) as an environment artist. I pretty much spend all my professional time lately creating digital sets for the Call Of Duty games.
What drew me to this site ultimately was my love for creating environments, and then also my love for animating and bringing a scene to life.
And the need to create something with my HANDS instead of the computer alone.

Im hoping you guys can give me a little advice as to where to start on my journey. I stopped by stopmotionstore.com and ordered the master class in hopes that studying that will keep me busy for a while as I research supplies.  As a complete beginner to actual clay modeling/sculpting (I have only done digital prop/character sculpting) armature/molding work...ect - where do you guys suggest I begin? I have some experience creating physical miniature sets, using styrofoam hot cutters, and painting. Its just a bit overwhelming to me as to what I even need to create a simple fully modeled/rigged character in a scene!

Oye... so much to learn! Thanks for any help you can provide

- Shawn