Apex Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Hello All, I am new to vfx and I am starting from the beginning. I am currently learning after effects and I want to get into some more serious software. I keep hearing Maya and Houdini pop up as industry programs, so my question is, which one? I want to be marketable in the industry, hoping to work on features some day. I don't want to be a modeler or a rigger, but more of the particle effects like water, smoke, fire, lighting effects, ect. That said, I would also like to dabble a little bit in compositing and minor modeling so that I can create projects on my own, can Houdini do all of this? I would like to jump into one program full heartily, but I need to figure out which is going to be the best for me. I figured I should go right to the professionals and ask! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Hey Apex Well you really can't go wrong with either one to be honest. If you learn either then you should be employable at most facilities, although I do think Houdini users have the edge (mainly because there aren't that many of us ). Personally, I would recommend Houdini (although that should be obvious ). It's slightly trickier to learn, but you get a lot more freedom from it and a lot more involved with the inner workings of the 3D environment. Although, if you eventually want to learn more than 1 package then learning Maya first may be your best bet. Houdini spoiled me so much that I can't work in Maya now at all.... it just frustrates the hell out of me. M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kleer001 Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 (edited) Gaw, I wish I had picked Houdini when I was starting. The saying goes "There's no such thing as an unemployed Houdini Artist". Houdini wins hands down against Maya on every level. Put in the time, learn the software. You'll never regret it. Maya is a well marketed piece of $h*!, it's particle system is over 20 years old. Bah. I've been using Maya since 1999 and I want my 8 years back. </surly> Edited January 16, 2008 by kleer001 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apex Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 Thanks Guys, Well, it sounds like Houdini might be the place to start, so I guess, where do I begin? I am starting from the beginning here, where does one start this exciting adventure? :thumbsup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Go to www.sidefx.com and download the Apprentice version. Then load the help and start digging through... they have a few docs on getting started now, so it should be enough for you to get going. Once you're in then there are a few places you can get training from, 3DBuzz, Digital-Tutors, Gnomon and of course we're here to help too. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ihab Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I highly recommend Vizyacky, http://www.vizyacky.com/ Garman Herigstad is a great teacher and he's been working in the industry for about 20 years now. Check out the website and you'll find some free tutorials there. enjoy! cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kleer001 Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Ummm, download the apprentice version and go through as many tutorials as you can get your hands on. google "houdini tutorial" That'll keep you busy for a few 16s of your Earth hours. besides that, contribute in discussion, ask questions, get a couple books. The most important thing is to be motivated, well, that and have plentyof time. Thanks Guys,Well, it sounds like Houdini might be the place to start, so I guess, where do I begin? I am starting from the beginning here, where does one start this exciting adventure? :thumbsup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 one this that helped me when I started learning Houdini was to try to do tutorials that were written for other apps...gets you thinking... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisuke Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 It's perhaps a good idea to learn After Effects or node based compositing software like fusion.. compositing in houdini seems to lack but then I have never played with it. Just my 2 cents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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