I just discovered Blender about 2 1/2 weeks ago and have never worked with 3D modeling in any aspect, but I do have a 17-year background in pencil art (primarily portraits), which I think has really helped me--particularly with the sculpting aspect of this course.
I decided to give my pilot a lot more character, which I realize will be a rendering nightmare later on because of all the detail, but I have to give my spin on him.