New to VFX need lot of advice

[Bokich]

Before i choose FX, i was web designer. When i "entered" in 3D world, i wanted to be character and environment modeler, but it seems that modeling is not fun for me.
I've been always fascinated from special effects, especially those from Harry potter and other sci-fi movies. But, also i stylized effects like from the game like World of Warcraft.
So, i know this is really great challenge for me. I want to learn this by myself, from DVD's tutorials, because i can't effort to go to school because is a damn expensive.

I want to create only special effects, realistic or in-game. Like, dust,smoke, distractions and other things. What programs do i need to know for this? At the moment i have Maya, 3D Max, realFlow, and plug ins like, Krakatoa, FumeFx.

I am really interest to create effects like, water, fire, dust, smkoe distractions, morphing, etc etc

As FX artist, do i need to know drawing and painting? Because i don't like draw, i've tried many years ago, but i don't enjoy, it is boring and frustrated.
Do i need to know Zbrush?


Because i will learn this alone, do you have any idea/advice, how to start?