Now I sit here, I got the tools, but not the choice. I have a vision of things I want to create. I got both 3ds Max and Maya because I saw they both do the same stuff. But I can’t decide which to begin modeling with. Can someone help me?

Would this influence your decision?
http://area.autodesk.com/forum/Autodesk-3ds-Max/wishlist/please-end-3dsmax/

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Hi,

It depends on what kind of portfolio you want. For example if you are interested in doing Architectural Models you can use 3Ds Max, since it has lot of good options for Architectural Models. And also it has lot of support for Vray. If you are looking like some special effects and Game modeling, Maya is an better option. You will have good control over the models in Maya. Both the tools are the same , but both of them has its own advantages. Hope I was helpful to you. All the best.

Regards
Prahalad.S

SW ENGG-GPU
Nvidia Corp
http://www.nvidia.com