Greetings, my dear reader. Sorin here, the creator of Tailed Method. Within this collection, I aim to disclose my activities beyond recruitment, alongside my contributions to this platform.
So, let's not waste too much time and find out whether Houdini was a magician or not (I’m still sure it was a rabbit).
What is Houdini?
In the fields of visual effects (VFX), animation, and 3D computer graphics, you'll likely have to learn Houdini. It's developed by SideFX and renowned for its node-based procedural approach, enabling artists to create complex visual effects, simulations, and animations. It's the go-to choice in the film, television, and gaming industries. With this many requests, the software is for sure hard to learn no?! Read the article, and find the answer! Mr. Chameleon waits for you at the end of the article!
Let's provide some simple examples: Have you seen the effects in House of the Dragon or even Avatar? Does your favorite game have visual effects? Houdini was the magic behind those effects, so why not learn how it works?
With the recently launched Houdini 20, I wanted an up-to-date entry-level tutorial, and since CG Forge was going to release one, I decided to check it out.
What is CG Forge?
CG Forge is an online educational platform that helps professionals and aspiring individuals succeed in their career development and educational goals. In addition to that, the tutorials presented are made in a manner that helps YOU learn more easily, by putting the focus on the practical part of Houdini, without neglecting the theoretical one.
And here's a gem for the seekers of knowledge – the Node Bible. Consider it your trusty companion on this learning journey. In the vast world of Houdini, where nodes play a crucial role, the Node Bible becomes your go-to resource. It's not just a "video book" - it's a treasure chest of insights, unraveling the mysteries of nodes within the Houdini universe. So, fear not the complexity; embrace it with the Node Bible by your side.
This was the long version. Now let's make it simpler: Houdini works with Nodes, and if you do not know nodes, you can't use Houdini. The Node Bible is an encyclopedia for Houdini nodes!
What entry-level tutorial did I follow?
"Houdini for the New Artist" is one of the few tutorials dedicated to a person who has not even opened Houdini until now, using a project-based learning approach. You'll build a scene with Mr. Chameleon while learning the basics (I like Chameleons).
How is it structured? Well, it starts with an Intro to CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) and System Requirements, and then you get into action and meet Mr. Chameleon! You'll learn about Rendering, Different Nodes (and how to work with them), Animation, Compositing, and the list can continue :)
Sounds nice? Well, it is! And to answer the next logical question, this project-based tutorial is completely FREE and can be found on both the CG Forge Website and YouTube channel.
Course structure:
01 Introduction to CGI
What is CGI?
The CGI Jumpstart Guide
02 Firing up Houdini
Introduction + Computer Specs
Exploring the Interface
03 Introducing Mr. Chameleon
Introducing Mr. Chameleon
Rendering with Karma
Shaders and Lighting with Karma
Adding Textures to Lights
Material X
Karma Camera Settings + Backdrop
04 Shot Planning + Attributes
Test Renders and Shot Planning
Copy to Points
Attributes + Data Types
05 Animation + Misc. Improvements
Animating Parameters
Network Organization + Node Flags
Material X Standard Parameters
Dolly Zoomin'
06 Groups + Selections
Groups and Selections
Additional Selection Methods
07 Final Rendering + Compositing
Rendering With Karma
Karma Rendering Settings
Post Processing with Davinci Resolve
08 Additional Resources
Download Exercises
The Hotkey Cheat-sheet
Karma, Animation, Rendering, and many more? Don't worry if it looks hard, Tyler will make it easier for you!
Got Stuck?!
I know Houdini is hard to learn. From time to time you might be wondering how and why that works how it does.
If you feel stuck, you can use the contact form to get your responses.
Other Courses
Oh, you were wondering if there are other courses there. The answer is simple: Yes!
However, keep in mind that some of those courses are free, and others are paid (subscription-based or individual payments).
To get what you want to learn, just go to the dedicated page and enroll: CG Forge Courses
How to Enroll?
If you want, you can buy each course one by one, or use the Subscription System. Each subscription option unlocks access to all content at CG Forge - including courses, node bible entries, weekly wrangle videos, and future releases.
CG Forge Academy
Do you miss the school experience with a customized curriculum that can up-level your skills? Well, you can get that at CG Forge! It is called CG Forge Academy.
At CG Forge Academy, you have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one video calls to facilitate your Houdini learning journey. There are two options on the table: Consultations & Mentorships.
The CG Forge Academy is not just another educational road; it's a tailored experience designed to meet your unique learning needs. If you've been looking for a more personalized touch in your educational journey, this is where your aspirations take flight.
Picture this: You're not just a face in the crowd; you're an individual with specific goals and learning preferences. CG Forge Academy acknowledges this by offering a customized curriculum that aligns with your ambitions. No more one-size-fits-all approaches – here, your educational journey is as unique as you are.
But what sets CG Forge Academy apart from the rest? It's not just about the courses; it's about the experience. If you've ever felt lost in the vast sea of online learning platforms, looking for guidance, CG Forge Academy is here to anchor you.
Consultations offer a chance to schedule a video call with your instructor, while Mentorships simulate a school experience with weekly meetings and premium support.
Enrolling in CG Forge Academy isn't just about gaining access to courses; it's about establishing a connection. Think of it as an educational partnership where your success becomes a shared goal. Weekly meetings become more than just sessions; they're checkpoints in your journey, an opportunity to discuss progress, address concerns, and receive premium support.
Have you ever wished for a mentor to guide you through the intricacies of learning Houdini or any other aspect of CGI? CG Forge Academy doesn't just offer consultations; it provides mentorships. It's like having a knowledgeable friend by your side, ready to navigate the complexities of the learning process with you.
Imagine the convenience of scheduling one-on-one video calls with your instructor – a chance to dive deep into your queries, seek clarification, and receive personalized guidance. This isn't a traditional classroom; it's a dynamic, interactive space where your learning experience is front and center.
So, if you've been looking for a structured, personalized, and supportive learning environment, the CG Forge Academy is your answer. Elevate your skills, embark on a journey tailored to you, and experience the joy of learning in a community that cares about your success. The structured school experience you've been missing? CG Forge Academy brings it to life, just for you. Enroll, connect, and let the personalized learning adventure begin!
Certifications
At CG Forge, individuals embark on a learning journey where accomplishments are not just acknowledged but celebrated through a comprehensive certification system. The program is meticulously designed to recognize proficiency levels in Houdini at three distinct tiers: Fundamentals, Specialist, and Mastery.
Their description, as CG Forge mentioned:
"The Houdini Fundamentals certification is ideal for new Houdini users because it offers courses and exercises that are designed specifically for beginners.
The Houdini Specialist certification is ideal for Houdini users who are ready to go beyond the basics.
The Houdini Mastery certification is ideal for those who are close to (or are already) applying for professional work. The Mastery certification requires more consultation time because this level of professional work requires a high degree of personalized advice, critique, and direction according to your specific goals."
Community
Well, of course, you will have the possibility to join the CG Forge online community. Just enter their Discord Server.
Another important part of CG Forge is the Live Art Reviews. These reviews (that are posted for free on YouTube) are playing an important role in your aspiration to become a proficient Houdini user.
This is because you can see what others are doing, and learn from Tyler's experience what works well in those projects, and what can be improved.
Houdini Certified Center
Why is it important to be recognized by Houdini as a Certified Training Center?
Being recognized by Houdini as a Certified Training Center holds immense importance for your learning journey. This certification is a testament to the high-quality education provided at CG Forge training center, meeting the standards set by Houdini's creators, SideFX. It ensures credibility, trust, and access to exclusive resources, offering students a valuable and industry-aligned learning experience. Studying here opens doors to networking opportunities, collaborations, and unique benefits, making your educational investment not just rewarding but also a solid pathway to potential career opportunities.
But hey, do not believe me, look at the companies that have Tyler's students. There are big names in their industry, no?!
Testimonials
I always appreciate sincere and honest testimonials. This is another validation for the quality that it is presented at CG Forge.
Conclusion
But are the tutorials effective? Can one truly grasp Houdini easily? Well, even a recruiter – yes, yours truly – managed to grasp the basics of Houdini through CG Forge tutorials. So, I can confidently affirm that yes, the tutorials are top-notch. Houdini, with its unique node-based approach, might pose initial challenges, but the results are nothing short of astonishing.
Do not forget that the journey to learning Houdini is a hard one, that requires determination and ambition!
Every picture has been taken directly from the website, and you can easily find each of the sections presented in this review, and even more by navigating the platform. Wishing you the best of luck in your learning journey, and for the creator of CG Forge:
Thank you Tyler Bay for what you are doing with CG Forge! Looking forward to your next tutorials!
And in the words of Mr. Chameleon: Thank you for delving into this article!