Atrocities: Look at
http://www.ubbdesign.com/ubb/noncgi/...=ubb_code_page
Tnarg - The vast majority of the shipsets out there are built using 3D software, but there's no reason why they need to be. There's no reason why you can't draw stuff on paper, then scan it in and create a shipset that way. You might have to learn a few new skills to do some basic re-touching on the scanned images, but you'd soon get the hang of it.
Also, have you ever used a graphics tablet? I think you'll be surprised by how well they simulate real art materials. The "feel" is pretty close to the real thing, since the good pads respond accurately to the angle of the stylus and the pressure applied. Most pads come with software that will simulate a whole range of pens, paints, waxes, crayons, airbrushes etc etc etc, plus you get the added bonus of those features which are only made possible (or at least a hell of a lot quicker) on a computer- ie undo, fill, layering.
They are very easy to just pick up and use, no training or heavy manual- reading required: My Dad trained as an artist/ graphic designer 40 years ago, and he has a lot of trouble adapting to new technology. He got his graphics tablet about a year ago and within a few days of using it he was a convert.
Take a look at
Wacom's website, they produce good tablets. They're not cheap, but they're worth drooling over.