Houdini Fundamentals, Collection 1

Taught by Andrew Lowell
Introductory
Duration:
2 hours 47 minutes
Software Version:
18 
Launch Date:
November 2019 
Course Number:
HOU105
3D
vfx
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This series of short lessons is designed to get a new Houdini user up and running with a set of core fundamentals. There are a lot of tutorials for new users who focus on the software. However, without knowledge of Houdini's data flow and fundamental workflows in proceduralism, the users will remain severely limited. Although the examples are basic enough for new users to follow along, they touch on concepts which will carry all the way through to advanced setups by learning how to direct the flow of geometry data, and important concepts in noise, vectors and rotations, population, and simulation.

For many years Andrew has been recognized by the industry as an FX TD and trainer. Movie credits/studios include Mummy 3, Aliens in the Attic, Invictus, Thor, Sucker Punch, Transformers 3, Jack the Giant Slayer, and Ender's Game at studios Digital Domain, Rhythm and Hues, and Animal Logic. He's conducted many seminars around the world and written articles, authored a Houdini book, also conducts formal training at dedicated institutions such as Animation Workshop and fxphd.
 

Class Listing

Class 1: Attribute Concepts

This class explores the most foundational aspect of working with procedural geometry in Houdini, Geometry Attributes. This attribute obstacle course will guide the participant through various ways to move attributes around and transfer them. It also demonstrates uses for different attribute types (integer, string, float, vector.

Class 2: Understanding Rotations

One of the most daunting things for new Houdini users to get a handle on is the extensive use of rotations. This class simplifies and explains the foundation of using rotation vectors, paving the way for more advanced workflows.

Class 3: Use of Random and Noise

This class demystifies how, when, and where to apply randomization and noise functions to enhance FX scenes. The concepts of how both methods function and some best practices are demonstrated.

Class 4: Vector Manipulation

Diving deeper into vectors will allow setups to work more efficiently; and relieve a new user's dependence on pre-made workflows. This class expands on vector manipulation and more sophisticated copy paradigms.

Class 5: Scattering and Population

This class helps form more powerful ways to control an effect, by addressing distribution and population methods. Knowledge gained by population/distribution techniques will enhance control in many different FX applications.

Class 6: Essential Simulation Concepts

Simulation is a nebulous concept. This class explores a fundamental understanding of what simulation is and where it can occur in different contexts and forms within Houdini. Various examples are demonstrated expanding the participants understanding of simulation building blocks to take into more advanced simulation models.

Class 7: Fracture Methodologies

While fracturing is a highly specialized area of FX work and many tools exist for various uses; this class explores the foundational aspects of fracturing, and forms a more general understanding to give maximum control of the process to the participant. From this session the user can be more aware of underlying fracture concepts and better choose the best fracture and rigid body simulation methods.