yeah im currently studying to become an animator but im still in the early stages. i have lots more classes to get through. and i definitely do not mind but seeing how im still learning, i hope i can still answer ur questions efficiently enough haha.
3D images are not terribly difficult to do, it just takes a lot of time to learn all the tools, keys, buttons, short cuts, etc. i took one semester of a computer animation class so far and it kinda made my head explode to realize how many different options there was in that program. but if you just want to create 3D models, then i guess you don't have to go through so much learning. just learn how to best efficiently create an object out of simple shapes/lines/arcs and play around with its points/vertices. but even just creating a single object (like my vespa) was pretty darn difficult. technology gets in your way and its all a big puzzle piece trying to figure out how best to achieve your end result. which i dont mind too much cuz i like solving problems but sometimes it gives headaches lol.
i think of 3D models like a 3D design class. i love working with my hands creating something you can see in the round so 3D modeling is a perfect escape to drawing/2d. but compared to sculpting..well.. sometimes i still prefer sculpting over 3D modeling, like when you realllllly love physically handling your objects and feeling it through. like clay. its exactly like working with clay to bend and pull stuff to form your shapes. but with 3D you can undo stuff, create scenes & replicas easily, and exists forever. or use it to plan out stuff you want to sculpt in the future. honestly it just comes down to personal preference and what you enjoy doing more. sorry, i feel like i kinda failed in answering that question well haha
i use autodesk maya 3d animation software. there is also autodesk 3ds max but i dont know much about that one. since i am still new to it, im not the best person to answer this question, sorry. but i can say that maya is fun so far! haha.
woah, that turned out to be a big response haha. i hope that helped a bit!