if i already have a fully functional animation how would i make that animation take on the look of a character ? Would i have to use blender or is there a simpler way
You can use any 3D graphics and animation software and additionaly there is Mixamo’s Fuse where you can easily create character and animate them. If you have your animations done you can only create a character and animate him.
But this software may not be free i guess.
Blender is a good tool. You can create a character mesh from it my friend.If you want a basic character model poser you get an addon(ManuelBastioniLAB addon) for this purpose . I will recommend you using blender as i have been using this tool for over two years.It is a simple software not bulky at all (100-150MB after installation).
If you are lazy like me (not saying you are lazy) Then use DAZ Studio.
But, as a learner I shall recommend Blender .You can create any object other than character too and it comes with an option of how you want to export a file(.fbx included)
Have a good day friend.
Mixamo Fuse is free of charge.
is it cause I did not know that. Does it have more advantage over Blender or 3ds MAX. Well my friend I think it depends on the person which tool he/she prefers to use.Mixamo Fuse , it is not a generalized modelling/sculpting tool but it is more like a character modelling tool.