mayatjeuuuh !!!

hi maya, if your new to maya i surely wouldn't go for anything photorealistic. maybe straight forward polygonal modeling with non photo realistic shading.
maybe you could get started with posting some stuff in the wip forum (funny name aint it?)
but who am i to advice you, i am a complete and utter newby in maya (but hooked already). there are some geniusses hanging around on the board here. keep on bugging them!!!
i wish i could have been more of assistence.
good luck with your assignment !!!

skol,

luke