Once you learnt how to use Maya properly how long would it roughly take to make a decent animation?

[Dave-The-Rave]

A good looking animation..I am planning on learning Maya using online tutorials during the summer break (About 3 1/2 months) and also make a nice animation out of what I learn..Is it possible?(I mean like, I learnt how to use Photoshop completely using online tutorials..now I know how to use it ALL by heart and can make some very nice things in a small amount of time without giving it a second thought)Is it like that with Maya too, once you learn the software?

[goatboy]

Like most pieces of design software, learning it off by heart, might mean that you learn alot of things which you never use; I'd recommend using the autodesk online help and tutorials to get to grips with the interface and then just striking out and starting your animation. When you come across a stumbling block look up an appropriate tutorial and use that to better your knowledge whilst getting round a problem. To learn everything would take ages far longer thn the three months you have set asideGood luck; it is loads of fun!