Best Animation Program?

In my first life, I am a graphic designer and am proficient with Photoshop, photography, Illustrator, InDesign and am completely web-fluent as well with Flash and Dreamweaver. My desire is to design clothing and household items for sale on SL. What program does everyone suggest? I picked up a book about Maya and Poser the other day. I downloaded a demo program for Strata (but it looks like I won't be able to animate - just build 3D pieces) and I don't believe there is an export BVH.

So do tell - what do you all recommend?

Thanks for your assistance!

Aubrey Georgette

If your desire is to make household items then I'm guessing you mostly need poses (eg. sit poses for chairs.) In that case, I'd recommend Avimator. It's easy to learn and it's free.

If however you intend to learn and create full animations (eg. characters walking) then I would recommend Poser. I mean, Maya's a much better animation tool, but SL has very simple integration with Poser.