Advice to New Modelers

A person that was new to modding and wanted to create new armor for the game asked me for some general advice.  Here it is:

Learn the Construction Set

NOTE: The Construction Set is only used for creating plugins which makes changes to the game.

1. Learn how to use the CS to create new / unique weapons and armor from existing weapons and armor (by changing their FormIDs to make copies and alter stats)
2. Learn how to place NPCs and Creatures for fighting and have the weapons and armor as rewards (or place them in stores for sale)

Learn How to Edit Textures

1. Learn how to convert DDS texture files to Photoshop PSD files.
2. Learn a graphics manipulation tool for editing the tool.
3. Learn how to create a normal map.
4. Learn how to convert the PSD images back into DDS format.
5. Learn the basics about glow maps.
6. Learn how to place the DDS files so that they are just texture replacers (no esp plugin required)
7. Learn how to edit NIF files to update their texture paths to point to your new texture.

Learn Blender

1. Learn the basics of how to navigate the program.
2. Learn how to create models.
3. Learn how to create UV Layouts.
4. Learn how to apply textures to the model.
5. For armor/clothing, learn how to rig using weight painting.
6. Learn how to export your model to NIF format.

Learn NifSkope

1. Learn the basics of NifSkope.
2. Learn how to remove objects from a mesh.
3. Learn how to copy/paste items from one mesh to another.
4. Learn how to remove all objects in one mesh (and retain collision data) and copy a new object so it can utilize the collision data.
5. Learn how to optimize / clean meshes.

Learn How to Distribute Your Mod

1. Learn Oblivion Mod Manager (specifically how to create OMODs and OMOD-Ready archives)
2. Learn the Readme Generator tool.
3. Learn how to take screenshots.
4. Find places to upload your mod.

Some Resources

Blender Software Bundle (3D Modeling)
GIMP Software Bundle (Image Manipulation)
Paint.NET (Image Manipulation)
DDS Converter (DDS <-> PSD Converter)
Readme Generator (Help crank out professional files quickly)
Oblivion Mod Manager How-To Site (OBMM Tutorials and Examples)
Screenshots: A Basic Guideline (Tutorial)
List of Online Hosting Sites
NifSkope Tutorials
Model and Texture Tutorials
Resources for 3D Modeling (List of Links)
Construction Set Wiki (Tutorials)