[TapeWrangler]

I’m new to Lightwave and now SimplyLightWave. We’ve researched the many 3D Animation systems out there and have decided to give LightWave a shot. Let me describe to you what we’re trying to accomplish.
We have a business in Traverse City, MI by name of Tape Wrangler. We have a product line of specialty tape dispensers for types of tapes. Specifically tapes like Duct Tape, gaffers tape & shipping tape. We often get asked when marketing our products, who/what is Tape Wrangler? Where is he? It's the perfect storm for a mascot character.
We do all our own 2D graphics and want to get into the 3D Animation world. FYI-we also design and engineer and prototype in-house so we are very familiar with cad solid modeling.

Can someone please advise me on the best way to get started in the Lightwave so we have the best chance to succeed with it? What is the recommended workflow between Modeler and Layout?