Hay there.
So I would like to add my two Cents if I May. I dont know much about rigging and animation but I can add some input on the Creation part.
So My Main focus is realistic characters, (Not that Im there yet) so what takes up a lot of time Is Knowing tricks and how to do Specific things per Topic.
For instance.
Anatomy, Getting all the Proportions right and Mucles flow to look Natural. Is he Buff, Fat, Skinny, Ripped etc.
You also have to get a look for the face and decide what Kind of look you want. If you are experienced you will be able to go through these things fairly fast but if your Inexperienced you will have trouble with getting your sculpt to look right as its the underlying Forms like Where fat, Muscle and bone are,you wont Understand and know.
There is then Cloth.
A lot of People simulate it, but you will have to sculpt further on it if you want it to really pop and look better.
Teres Armor, Sticking and not To Mention Hair and dont even get me started on hands and feet.
A dead like is Good, but you have to set realistic goals. Keep a structured daily and weekly deadline and try to meet them as best as you can.
A highly detailed realistic Character can take up to a Month and a Half to Create even for experienced people in the Industry, so keep that In mind.
I hope this helps some what.
Cheers for now.
