most of the create object command sequences are a(n) x pick, y pick, and a z (size/extrude) pick.
That or use the axis constraint locks toggels for direct keying of sizes IF you know them.
Play with lofting, basically a nurb that you attach various shapes to and extrude and transition
in a set number of steps, I like mine done loosely you'll see fewer edges. When ever extacting
objects from other objects (boolean subtract) I tend to save both resultant solids for later use.
Get a book on theater lighting, read it a while, and THEN play with lighting.
Then mess with materials, try to keep the number of MAPS to a minimum in the beginning so you
have fewer variables to tend to.
