learning maya was one of my challenges to overcome. It is not my job as a designer to create 3D models. However, learning maya did help me understand the work of artists better.
Creating my own models did help me with getting a better grasp of 3D modeling all together. Creating objects with low poly's has been quite fun for a while.
During the exercises students had to try and recreate models from concept art, create their own work and do UV wrapping and texturing.