Buy and Download - Lynda.com Up and Running with Houdini

2015
Lynda
Scott Pagano
2:56
English

Amidst the myriad of 3D tools, Houdini is unique, offering a procedural workflow and node networks that allow for increased complexity and asset reusability. And with the Houdini Engine plugin, users of other 3D tools can now incorporate Houdini's procedural power into their workflows.
These tutorials introduce the fundamental 3D concepts (modeling, animation, texturing, lighting, and rendering) as they apply in Houdini. Instructor Scott Pagano shows how to manipulate geometry; apply materials; add lights and cameras to a scene; render work with Houdini's internal renderer, Mantra; and even create simple particle systems. The course will start new users on a path to more advanced 3D work and show experienced users of other 3D packages how to transfer their skills to the world of Houdini.

Introduction
Welcome
Using the exercise files
1. Overview of Houdini
Overview of the Houdini paradigm
Understanding the interface
Setting Houdini preferences
Creating a new project
2. Geometry in Houdini
How to create basic primitive shapes
How to modify geometry
Understanding groups
Understanding attributes
Using the Copy node
The power of copy stamping
Understanding additional geometry functions
3. Animating in Houdini
How to set keyframes
Introduction to the Animation Editor
Introduction to the Motion FX level
Applying procedural animation channels to geometry
Manipulating animation channels
4. Shading in Houdini
Using the Mantra surface shader
Using the Material node to apply shaders to geometry
Shading attributes
Adding texture maps to the shader
5. Lighting in Houdini
Creating and positioning lights
Adjusting light parameters
Using sun and sky lighting
6. Rendering in Houdini
Working with the Mantra rendering node
Understanding important Mantra settings
Render passes in Mantra
7. Particles in Houdini
How to emit particles from an object
How to use forces to influence particle motion
Understanding the POP Source node
How to instance geometry to particles
Conclusion
Next steps