Hello All,

First a quick intro: I am new(well newish) to the CG thing. I attended Art school some years back in a BFA program, but never did anything with it. Recently(past few years) the cgi thing has really peaked my interest. Due to a recent injury which has meant I cant work at my present job, I am eager to really get back into art as a career(which was my initial intention anyway). I have a student copy of 3DS max and am enrolled in some photoshop courses, to keep the momentum going.

I am wondering how and where to get professional software without spending a small fortune - or how long can one really work with student versions(for money that is). Also, how long is a version of max still recent enough for professional use, before upgrading. (I have 3ds max 9)

Any insight or ideas, or even how other professionals built their careers would be great.

Welcome on CGCoach Scott!
If you are a mac user, there is a good deal for you here:
http://calgary.en.craigslist.ca/sys/1316559239.html
After a little search on ebay and Craigslist, it seems to be difficult to find 3Ds licences though.
I don't think you will be able to legally use any student versions of a software as soon as you make money out of it.
About the upgrading, it all depends who you would be working for and what you would be doing. Unless your clients are using a newer version in their pipeline, I don't see a reason for ugrading.
Oh and just in case you want to buy a cintiq, you would have a discount off the Photoshop licence just by registering it.

I hope that helps. Cheers!