CrazyBump is widely known as being the software to use for creating 2D maps. It allows you to generate a bunch of believable height/display/normal/etc. maps, and drag sliders while seeing what effect they'll give you in an awesome preview window. (It's kind of similar to the nVidia plugin for PS... but much, much more.) Awesome for turning simple photos into full 3D materials. The full price is in the region of 300USD...
(For making maps from 3D meshes, i.e. baking a high poly down to a low poly mesh, xNormal's pretty much the standard. It's accurate, customisable, fast. And it's free. The interface is just rather ugly.)
Also, Softimage 2011.5 has been announced, and includes, among other things, Lagoa physics, "ICE for Artists" (lol?), MatchMover (previously bundled with Maya), Composite (bundled with Max) and stereo cameras. And a ViewCube, if you're into that sort of thing. :P Click here to see a more comprehensive (although not exhaustive) list that also includes some videos showing Lagoa in action.
Lastly, The Open Window is having an Open Day on Saturday. If you study there, feel free to come by and help out, chat with prospective students and laugh at their nervousness. :D If you don't, come take a look at the new campus, chat with current students and staff, and see for yourself why the school has the reputation it does.
Have a win weekend, and make awesome art. :)
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