EagleKing, try making the dinosaur, thats how you learn. Everytime you try something new you learn something new.
Also remeber it takes time to learn how to model and all the tools...
As far as the refective look it easy just use a blin with 3 point lightig. There is a small tut that Mike did on 3 point lighting
Old saying..... practis makes perfect.
I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination, knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world. (Albert Einstein)
https://www.artstation.com/kurtb