How to Learn Houdini

[@RubaQewar1]

These are not Houdini advices. These are life skills advices.. Awesome video by the way

[@cgforge]

Thanks Ruba! Life skills are a big deal, and it's probably one of the most important factors when it comes to someone's success with Houdini.

[@QuesoGr7]

The project based course advice where you watch for a few minutes, and then do the thing, is not just good advice for learning this program but others as well. That's why I like instructors like Grant Abbit who tells you to "pause the video, and have a go" with his Blender courses and tutorials.

[@barbiechm08]

so what is a better way to do this on houdini? please I start to learn and idk how to learn

[@jonosvlog9913]

I wish I had someone to tell me all these when I first started learning Houdini. Cool stuff and renders might look cool and all but at the end of the day, start with the basics. Understand how points, Prim, details attributes work etc........ Learn the fundamentals of VEX and VOPS. Don't spend half of the time trying or rendering something cool try to get results only. Houdini requires a different mindset and thinking compares to other 3D software. I think I learnt it the hard way just like 90% of the people out there.

[@cristyp.516]

any tips for a guy like me who wants to learn it?i whould appreciate....

[@jonosvlog9913]

@@cristyp.516 I just mentioned those in my comment above. Good Luck.

[@Can-99.9]

I made the same mistake in unreal engine, I'm scared to do it again, I'm lucky enough to have a fresh start.

[@glmstudiogh]

I've learned more in Houdini within these few days as I read the documentation whenever I drop a node that is strange to me, I'm pretty new in Houdini, I'm a comper, and you're super right about getting inspired to create by watching other artists work, I've got a whole library of studios reels and others

[@ankanghoshdiscoverme]

These tips works for every situation. Its a good practice to be self dependant and practicing priorities. These practices are very needed when working on productions. Thanks man!

[@Novemmusic]

Fantastic video. Of course, like majority, I'm guilty of making most of the mistakes you mention, like starting with cool but too complex tutorials - where I could achieve the good result by copy and pasting what tutorial was saying, but didn't understand most of the stuff and would never be able to do it myself without a step-by-step tutorial. The Node Bible seems like a great way to start, since for me it's like Lego - the more blocks (or nodes in this case), you have/know, the better things you'll be able to build. Again, thanks for this - very, very helpful.

[@fanglinzhu2562]

Thanks Taylor! I was lost in my quest to become a tech artist for a while and every piece of advice in this video was spot on and helped me a lot!

[@cgforge]

That's awesome! I'm glad that you were able to find the video to be valuable.

[@robertsarudy4744]

Thank you for this short guideline / direction. In today's AI dominated world I feel like being a good Houdini generalist is somewhat even bigger advantage - being able to generate 3D content efficiently with possibility to iterate a lot. I am dipping my fingers into VAD and Virtual production environments and having procedural HDA's within UE is big advantage.

[@cgforge]

Oh yeah, definitely @robertsarudy4744 . AI will have a lot of impacts on the 3D industry, but I believe Houdini users will be in a good place.

[@nosirve9458]

I loved your video. This deserves so many much views. Really wise words. Thank you

[@cgforge]

Thanks for watching @nosirve9458 🙏

[@Kitv3]

Thanks for this video! I’m fresh out of university and have been struggling trying to find my own path. I graduated in film production but I live in norcal where the job opportunities are very limited. I’ve always been interested in VFX and have been trying to jump the gun but I’m glad I stumbled upon this video. Will definitely take my time in developing and learning this craft. Thanks again 🙏

[@cgforge]

You're welcome! Good luck with your studies

[@nobunaga8514]

I would say with SOPS artist friendly tools you can use them in Houdini right away if you treat it as a tool… then understand that there is a deeper knowledge that you can learn in parallel. And it helps if someone can guide you on the boundary. For instance, cloud tools, or basic simulations, Cops materials are things you can use as artist driven tools… it’s pointless to learn random tutorials without knowing what you are even doing. So… context of the learning helps.

[@jeetlalmaurya1806]

Your Explanation Is Amazing

[@sunitjoshi3573]

Thanks a lot for taking the time and effort to put this out. 🙏

[@rendermanpro]

"Dark Souls" of VFX world

[@ancelotiv]

He gave me the best advice ever 10 minutes watch , 10 minutes try , thanks

[@Beyon1ck]

Thank you! That was a magnificent help in such hard doing alone

[@cgforge]

Thanks Nick! I'm glad that video could be helpful

[@yinon_tal]

Thanks Tyler! Really good to learn courses from your website.

[@daggergblue]

There are no tutorials, that I have found, that go over setting up a file structure and what all the $HIP, $JOB, etc...Maybe you could point to something like that? It seems like a very important aspect to learn, before learning how to make a "magic lightning ball", or "melting Ice creature for beginners in 82 easy steps".

[@emkjuslen]

Thanks for the tips. I am a developer and want to learn it as a hubby.

[@victorp9361]

Actually a great way to learn almost anything ))

[@mothrahdizaztronaut6057]

*Cries in 'keep a pulse on what studios are doing well*

[@MdP-wo8vc]

thanks a lot for sharing your best advises who wanna enter 3d artist career👍

[@Helios.vfx.]

I did start doing sims and all that stuff but later down I realized it wasn't the way to go. Now I'm learning how data flows throhg the nodes nad all that stuff to get some sort of foundation and lastly go to sims

[@cgforge]

Nice 👍 I'm glad you went back to figure out how data flows. Houdini definitely forces everyone to pay their dues with that foundational knowledge at some point or another, and once you get that, then it opens up to all sorts of possibilities.

[@Helios.vfx.]

@@cgforge Yes that's true. To be honest, I didn't even know what a vector was, and all different terminologies when I was doing sims or why such node was used so on so forth. I went the hard way. Now with foundation part is still the hard way but enjoyable. Cause there's a reason of why something it's done. Thank you mate for your video. The last part was very insightful for someone who had a mess going on how to make things works.

[@cgforge]

@@Helios.vfx. No problem! I'm glad if I can help. Going back to the basics after skipping forward is definitely the harder way to do it, but fortunately it's all stuff that makes everything else fall into place. Good luck with your studies, I hope it all goes well.

[@ThraceKelsick]

Great video, great advice

[@sat8141]

Really cool! I was wondering if you have any advice on how to find a mentor, I'm kind of lost in that respect..

[@cgforge]

Well, I offer one-on-one mentorships / video calls at cgforge.com. There are others as well who offer those services, and you can find that by just googling around. But check it out if you're interested. There's an option I have on there to set up a free on-boarding or mentorship call for free.

[@tutorialtutorial8418]

Hello sir. thanks for content. it was helpful. I wanna become a fx artist. I learned everything a little bit at a time. I can do all sorts of effects on tutorials. I haven't chosen a direction yet. I like fire, explosions, water and distraction. Could you give me advice or a pipeline? where should I start? I've already finished foundation.

[@cgforge]

Hey there, I'm glad that you asked! I just put out a video that goes into all the different job positions you can get with Houdini. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h167ioOnh9umbpI Picking a direction is a personal decision, so I can't give you good advice without knowing your work, values, and who you are a bit more. But take a look at these job titles, visit the studio websites, and figure out what you need based on the requirements. That will help you decide what to do next and hopefully specialize in something that you really enjoy. Good luck!

[@tutorialtutorial8418]

@@cgforge Thanks Sir! Respect to you. I am from Uzbekistan. when I become a fx artist I'll work with you God willing ☺

[@niklovessyou_ru]

really great thoughts

[@yunismukmenov1576]

Thank you Tyler! Really usefull tips. Can you advice what areas I should focus on mostly (besides solid general basics of Houdini) in case of chasing carreir as Houdini Tech Artist in game development? And what kind of projects should be done and placed into portfolio in this case. Actually I have 3d modeler background and doing "general purpose" techart things coding in gamedev and do understand proceduralism benefits but I have no idea what exactly houdini artist day at BB or A/AA studio could be. I'm right if I say that Houdini is mostly for big projects only and Houdini knowledge must be really really high to even start to find any vacancies? Sorry for so many questions - any tips would be great) Thank you again I really glad to find your channel and so usefull learning source as cgforge. Keep it up!

[@cgforge]

Hey Yunis, In order to give you specific advice, I would need to know you, your goals, and your work much better because what you ought to do really depends a lot on where you're at and where you want to go. But, in general, if you're trying to go after a tech artist, then you would need to demonstrate a strong combination of artistic and technical ability in your demo reel. I would also say that Houdini is not just for big projects. It can make a great impact on small projects too. And the day-to-day life really just depends on the position that you're talking about. If you haven't watched my video on different Houdini jobs, then check it out because that's exactly what I talk about here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h167ioOnh9umbpI But anyway, as far as specific projects go - again I'd have to sit down and talk with you about it. But, take a look at those job positions, pick one, figure out the requirements, and demonstrate those requirements on a reel. That's the general way to go about it.

[@Levan-g9d]

Is the flat price for The Node Bible really 5k or is that a mistake?

[@cgforge]

It's 5k for studio flat price access. It's permanent access, and I plan on continually increasing the number of entries for the next few years, so that's why it looks like a big price. For most users, you'll just want to become a subscriber. That'll unlock all the entries as well as long as you stay subscribed.

[@andrewmcculloch9577]

Hey there. Great video. I'm a classically trained artist. Until recently I was grinding to become a professional illustrator. Ai has kind of killed that market. I have 2 year experience with 3d modelling and am determined to get comfortable with Houdini in my 3rd year of design school. I'm lucky enough to have some great mentors around me so there are no excuses. I sort of have 2 questions. Do VFX artists commonly have a background in illustration or traditional art or am I swimming in untested waters. Also if crunching how long would you say it would take to become comfortable enough to produce a competitive demo reel for a junior position. Love the content by the way!

[@cgforge]

Hey Andrew, welcome to the party! Having a background in illustration / fine arts is certainly a very good thing to have as a Houdini artist. It may not always directly apply to what you're doing, but I've found that having a fine art background helps in noticeably indirect ways that will serve you well over time. My background is in photography and fine art as well, so I would say that you're in good company here with that. Everyone takes a different amount of time to produce a competitive demo reel for a junior position, but in general, I would suggest this: 1. Gain a base / broad understanding of Houdini first. Skim over the topics briefly so that you're generally accustomed to what is there. 2. Pick one topic that you like and study hard on it. Get really good at one thing, put it together in a project that can go on your demo reel, and learn a lot as you go. 3. Then pick a neighboring topic that's complimentary to what you focused in, and do a project around that. For example, if you study hard at hair/grooming, then do another demo reel project that is vellum/cloth related. That will help you apply for CFX positions. Pyro goes well with RBD, procedural modeling goes well with shading / texturing, etc. etc... 4. Then, lastly, get some professional feedback to refine what you have and start getting yourself out there in the world. Message people on Linkedin, look for jobs (and apply for them even if it doesn't say "junior" in the title). In general, don't be shy, get involved, and have fun. That's how you develop opportunities over time. Good luck with your endeavors! And let me know if there's anything else I can help you with, Cheers, - Tyler

[@hillofarts7653]

Great Video! Thank you bro

[@Vizeral]

Quick question. Did you use ornatrix or xgen for your beard? Liked and subbed.

[@cgforge]

It was sculpted in zbrush actually

[@Vizeral]

@@cgforge heh.

[@h.s.narasimhan8107]

Should we learn something specific in Houdini like grooming, VFX, modeling or just learn all of Houdini?

[@cgforge]

I typically suggest to get a general overview first and then picking something to focus on for awhile. If you take a look at the certifications I have at CG Forge, I set it up so that the beginner cert gives you an overview of everything in general, the Houdini specialist picks something more specific, and then the mastery refines the projects you've done into a great demo reel. It'll take many months of hard work, but that's a pretty good path to take if you're looking for a specific job.

[@h.s.narasimhan8107]

@@cgforge thanks for the reply, I am going to watch ur 'Houdini for beginner artist series' I am actually a blender user, I've been wanting to learn Houdini for a long time, i think this new year is the best time for me to start. Thanks for the support.

[@cgforge]

That's awesome! Welcome to the community. Let me know if you need anything along the way, and I hope your studies go well.

[@MoorishMade]

Thank you.

[@Archietrex]

This is great advice for a workflow when learning. Wish my first driving instructor had not acted like a sat nav and narrated every action I should take xD. Doesn't build confidence for the learner

[@hoodinie1637]

sometimes i feel lost while studying houdini maybe bcoz of ur answer like i am being a copycat!!! i was like i learned nth now i found the solution i will try again

[@cgforge]

Absolutely! Playing the copycat game is the most common mistake I see people make. It's like trying to learn how to ride a bike and never taking off the training wheels. Plus, if any of the foundations topics are a bit fuzzy, then it helps to go back and review those as well.

[@Sophiahappy1212]

Well, today is going to be my first day 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@cgforge]

You got this!

[@addistadesse9297]

How is it going for you , i am gonna start tomorrow

[@3DMVR]

i keep learning and forgetting at this point i need a fat whiteboard notes arent helping

[@cgforge]

Hey @3DMVR if you're having a hard time remembering everything, then you probably need more practice using Houdini by yourself. It's like driving a car. You need to watch someone else do it, but you also need to do it by yourself to really get the hang of it. Good luck!

[@branthan8215]

Change the title to ...how to learn any software 😌

[@melantheoszimurri9981]

$5000 for the node Bible wow

[@cgforge]

That's studio pricing. If you subscribe to CG Forge, you can get access to the Node Bible + all courses for $100

[@MirceaGoia]

How to learn Houdini if you already know Nuke and another 3D program :)? So you are not a beginner in this VFX world....

[@cgforge]

Play at 2x speed until you get stumped would probs be your best bet. And then once you have a general feel for it, try exploring on your own and hit a bunch of walls