neonnachtschwarz

Some colors may look a bit different on particular types of paper...Photo paper is most importantly pure white, while the ordinary copy paper we use in our home printers is rather a really really bright gray. Also, if you use glossy photo paper, you get the impression of more vivid colors and higher contrast, thus otherwise pallid colors might look a bit more intense.Also, some printers have a different color range than others.This depends on the type of ink, the number of ink cartridges and the technology used (lithography, thermosublimation,...).It would help a lot, however, if I knew which printer you use at home and- if possible- which printer they use at the lab where you send your pictures to.

I think that depends on what you want to do...(modeling/animating)I'll just sum up the features of both for you:3ds max:+ straightforward, more user-friendly+ easier to learn+ your choice for game modeling (easy skinning, convert to game model filetypes, loads of plugins that help you with almost every aspect of modeling/skinning)Maya:+ your choice for animation in general (better, more powerful animation editor)+ your choice for character animation (cloth, hair and fur effects included)+ in my opinion overall more powerful as far as character modeling and animation is concernedNow if you are completely new to 3D Design in general, i would recommend you start with 3ds max for now, since it is easier to learn and handle and afaik also cheaper.have fun!