@chriswhatelse Hey! for SCULPTING, I definitely recommend Zbrush. It is very natural, and works beautifully. I've heard that sculpting is doable and somewhat decent in blender; which is a free program that you can try out before going for Zbrush.
You'll have to learn the basics of modelling afterwards too; in which case, you'll have to use Maya/3Ds max for the basics of modelling (UVs, retopologizing, vertex control, rigging). This can also be used on blender, although it is not widely used in the industry.
Here is a personal project that I have been working on. Sculpting, texturing and UVing done in Zbrush. Render done in Keyshot. It is still WIP.