I know how to use it and have found that it is rather fun! As for the steep learning curve, I found it to be minimal if existent at all. You can learn it in a half an hour! Check out these tutorials. All you need is to download Blender, install it and follow the video tutorials in the link. Once you're done with number 1 just move on through the series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmOFRkRjOSQ