Help for the Newbie Avatar maker

Hello,
I'm becoming increasingly interested in getting into avatar creation and animation. I've had the desire for some time. But I simply do not know where to start.
I jump into threads and read about Poser this, and Blender that, etc.

Is there a good starting place, or a good starter thread that will introduce all these various components?

Also, is Poser all I will require do avatar poses and animation? Or will other programs be required? Do I need some other program to make the skins for the avatars? Or does it all work together?

Anyway.. some guidance for the complete newbie would be helpful, maybe even a Forum sticky for beginners?

Thanks! have patience with me, please.

Check out this thread: Is an FAQ for New Animators Needed?.

Poser is all you will need to create poses and animations. Not sure how people go about making skins, although I imagine that Photoshop or some equivalent (like the GIMP) is also required. You might be able to make skins just with Photoshop.

Starting out I'd suggest not making your own animations. Not only does it require you to purchase poser (I'm working on another way, but I wouldn' tbe confident of it happening) it's not easy.

Skins just require an image editing program, and there are some excellent free choices for this. It's also an easy to understand process.