From the stand point of a novice starting out in animation I feel that there are a few things that should be mentioned to anyone else that might plan to step into this field. First off would be that creating your basic shapes is the best thing to do when starting out because it helps you to get use to the tools in the program that you are using but is basic to the point where it should not stump you. Second would be to start creating your own textures from your own images and that is because it gives you a broader range of customization within the program you are working with by dictating colors, shades, and realism. Third and one of the most important of all is of coarse learning how to properly use your lighting to make an animation have depth and a more visual aspect of shape in a 3-D environment. Through these 3 things you will find that after practicing and creating with these aspects that the rest comes much easier.