Is Houdini the Right Choice for a Beginner 3D Artist?

One of the initial questions students ask me in the classroom as they begin their journey to become 3D artists is about which software to use. With open-source software like Blender directly competing with Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya, and other powerful packages available, the choices have become more complex. So, which software should a beginner choose? Is Houdini the right option? Let's explore.

It's not mystery as of late, nearly all of my content in the last year has been focused around SideFX's powerful package, Houdini. Everything from layout, to lighting, FX, and now even rendering, I have handled inside of Houdini. From the industry's perspective, Houdini has only continued to grow. Earning its place within pipelines at even the most established studios.

But it's not just for cool explosions.

Let's take a look at some of the effects where Houdini has been utilized heavily in the industry.

There is a good chance a show or film you watched caught your eye in the above video. Houdini is everywhere. As one commentor on this video stated, "They could have put any movie in the reel, there is no VFX done without Houdini nowadays." And they aren't that far off.

But what about beginners? Should you start off in Houdini?

Short answer, yes.

It's why, on my channel, here on this website, there has been a sudden and abrupt shift to only Houdini FX content, or at least centralization with Houdini. My career is staked on After Effects, Nuke, and Autodesk's 3D package, Maya. All amazing software in their own rights, but as of late, SideFX has been on a tear with Houdini. It is so much more than just an FX simulation powerhouse now.

With its unique procedural workflows that can take you from layout all the way to final render with ease. You can quickly create worlds right at your fingertips. Take a look at what highly experienced VFX Lighting Supervisor, Arvid Schneider, is able to accomplish quickly

in his video series developing a Favela Dystopia.

You can see the power of working procedurally. This alone is enticing to any 3D commercial artist. And with Solaris, Houdini's incredibly powerful USD based layout and lighting package, this is only exploding (what a bad pun.).

Where Houdini struggles to keep up, it dominates in the physical simulation space. Its wide range and package of different and unique solvers enable artists to create effects that would otherwise be kept locked away deep within the dream cabinets of their brains. The solutions offered by Houdini are unrivaled.

In my career, I have successfully achieved effects that were previously beyond my reach. And to be honest, the enjoyment factor is far higher than ever before. I find Houdini to be fun. Blending my passion for mathematics and physics with my career. It's a match made in heaven.

Fire created through Houdini's Pyro Sparse Solver.

However, as some are quick to point out, Houdini can come across as one of the packages with the steepest learning curve. Not entirely sure I agree with this. But even if it were true, I can safely say that Houdini probably has the best library and teaching tools out there. Their educational support is one of the best there is.

With top-notch tutorials on the SideFX website, numerous artists with channels and platforms of their own to assist, such as Rebelway and DoubleJump Academy and now my own platform here through my brand, there is no shortage of material for you to get started. The ramp-up for Houdini now takes weeks to months, not 3-4 years, unlike competitors in the same space. I know this because I teach VFX using most of them. I have witnessed students struggle with Maya pick up Houdini in 2-3 months to the point they are able to get a decent looking portfolio together.

The ramp-up for Houdini now takes weeks to months, not 3-4 years, unlike competitors in the same space.

So, it begs the question, why not get started with Houdini today? Houdini appears to be the right choice for beginners. (And well-established creatives, too!).

Quick study of a dust explosion in the desert using SideFX's powerful package, Houdini FX.

And you can! It is as easy as heading over to the Houdini main website and downloading Houdini Apprentice to get started today.

Start creating now. And then come back here and show off all the cool projects you are able to accomplish. Need help getting started? Check out the links listed in this blog. And of course, you always have my website here, Bryan Holt Media and the accompanying YouTube Channel.

Can't wait to see what you create!