I am a self taught 3d modeler who learns from books and uses 3ds max.
I took about a year long break from modeling to learn what I can before I start again. I am currently a student, but studying engineering rather then art, so I have little time to work on this hobby I have come to enjoy.
I became interested in modeling mainly because of a want to have better special effects in movies that I make with a friend studying to be a film director. My first model, the 3D Luigi Head, was the product of this want. (The movie is here: [link] or if you want to jump to the model then:[link] (Also, yeah I was too noobish to make a mouth and we saved time by drawing one on there. )) Now that the movie is done, I model for fun.
I occasionally surf the new 3d models and add people who predominately make 3d art without poser. So if you got a friend request that is why.
Anyway, as I get better my old models will find their way to the scrap yard and better ones will take their place.