Learning to mod

[Manax]

I have been working on learning the basics in CK, but I'd like to start learning more about modding for Skyrim.

 

What are the programs needed to mod for Skyrim?

 

I have skills in voice acting and actually have story board experience so laying out the mod is not the issue, but I know that to make my ideas come to reality ill have to do it.

 

Any advice would be helpful.

[BruceWayne]

Moving this to general discussion.

 

As for the programs:

 

You'll need the creation kit for making the plugins. Check out Beth's Creation Kit Wiki for beginner's tutorials. A 3d modelling program like Blender(free), 3ds max, maya, etc. for editing 3d models and gimp(free), photoshop, etc for textures. To get models in and out of the game you need nifscope. 

[Khiropter]

maya and 3dmax can also be obtained for free if you are a student(or have a friend that is). Also if u want 3dxmax get the 2012 version as 2013 and 2014 version does not have nif scope plugins