A giant leap

(Not sure if this is the right place)
So the real reason that i got into photoshop and graphics and everything is I have always been interested in creating video games. Now, I think its time a try to make the leap. If anyone could direct me to tutorials or whatever I need to start I would be very grateful. What I would like to learn atm is not so much the programming side but the art side. For instance, I would like to learn about how to create 3d character renderings, take a sketch and render it as a 3d image on the computer, and then animate using the previous. Any help would be wonderful.

edit: When I say animation I mean something like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ahzt8DnR28

 

Look for Maya.
thats the ultimate animation program. One that Pixar and peeps use.

 

Thank you very much. Do you know of any tutorials?

 

Bbri, i'd try gamerenders.com. I knows its just GFX but still. There might be something on there..

 

I have what I need.