when i first staring using graphic software i was really into c4d...everyone in my digital arts class though i was a god for the stuff i created, which was funny cause i stumbled upon caustics, and radiosity...which give realism, and really bump your skill levels...and all you have to do is check it in render settings lawl....i never told them
personally i think its easier to become good at 3d progs, cause right off the bat you can line up some spheres, slap on a nice reflective texture add a little lighting, check caustics, radiosity, ambient occ.....render and BAM you got a freeking sweet render....if your looking for more practical, or lifelike objects, make a square - extrude/inner extrude, add hypernurbs and wala you got an object....it came natural to me i guess, but as time went on i took interest in photomanipulation cause of the realism, and hot women :P