How can i prepare myself for skinning in UT 2003?

[d1abolic]

Well, i want to become a 2d texture / 3d modeler artist, and am currently working on mastering Photoshop. I'll eventually move on to learn 3ds max. But i also thought that it would be a good idea for me to start getting some actual experience with the process. So i figured i'd join a UT 2003 mod team and start making skins for models. Now, i've never made any skins before, so i don't really know anything about them. What would be a good way to prepare myself for skinning in UT 2003? Of course, the obvious answer would be to start making skins for UT, but i don't feel like learning how to do it since UT 2003 is just weeks away now. So any suggestions?