Folks, here is the scene file of the original model I have modeled for Peter. Feel free to inspect the file as much as you like: drive.google.com/file/d/1cBG06g23tf01D_67sunIlkshAGq8agNi/view?usp=sharing PS: Feel free to check Solaris as I also have set the scene for rendering. 😎
Thank you @polymarvels! Your toolset and this video is opening an entirely new dimension for me within houdini. I'm relatively new to houdini in general, but I have some prior experience with other DCC's such as Maya and C4D, so this approach to modeling specific assets is a game-changer for sure! Mighty kind of you to release this for free as well.
Hey man, thanks I am glad you find it eye opening. It was the same for me too. As I am also coming from other DCC's it was eye opening for me too. I spend a lot of time polishing the workflow and in the end, I have realized its not much different from other DCC's once you figure out what Houdini can actually do and how. So my advice is just think how you would approach modeling in other DCC's and its gonna help a lot.
I am really really interested in seeing more of how you work with modeling in Houdini! There are not a lot of good tutorials on how to think and approach modeling in a way that is production (film) ready. I am hoping to work with environment modeling, and struggling to find good resources.
Hi there and thanks for being interested. I am not sure will I be able to help you as primarily I am not environment modeler, for the most part I pretty much enjoy hard surface modeling. Now, if you could be a bit more precise or share with me some kind of example, I might give it a try. Simon Houdini should have few of those you might need.
@@polymarvels ah I should have been more specific sorry ☺️ I am thinking particularly modular buildings, like Soviet apartments or brick temples - there are tutorials on basics of these but I find they often rush the theory or don’t explain why an approach is a good idea. I have checked out Simon Houdini, he is great also!
@@miadoesvfx Ahhh, I understand now. That I might actually do. Interestingly enough, I am yet to try modeling a building in Houdini. So its a good challenge.
Hello again Igor. I have returned to Houdini after about 1 1/2 years to learn actual art and a big push to retire this year.. I would like to take up modeling in Houdini again so your tutorials would really help.
Hey Bob, I am really glad to hear that. I hope this time you stick to it and find a way to enjoy it. If you have any questions please let me know and good luck. ☺️
@@polymarvels I do have a question about Houdini and PC specs. I won't be doing any particle work, what specs do you think would be required for modeling only?
Anything average, decent will do for modeling. I assume it also depends what kind of things you would like to model but the way we do things, which doesn't create huge networks should also make things easier for your PC. Exception can be when working with booleans, which can create huge networks, but then again, freezing or caching networks can help. I would buy good keyboard and mouse. In my case MX Keys and MX Master 3 mouse are unbeatable when it comes to Houdini.
This is such fantastic information. As an arch viz specialist coming to Houdini, really wanting to work IN Houdini, this is welcome and fantastic info, as so much of this DCC is pointing at VFX. Now if I could just find a channel or mentor that is breaking down material and texture workflows appropriate to archviz, I would be extremely greateful {I am willing to pay for learning). I've been hard surface modelling for many years in bim, but when I import say Revit, through FBX, it comes into Houdini a mess. This is a discipline Houdini would excel in, but is currently underserved, and we need to explore/configure workflows and tools. Unfortunately, I am a rank newb on Houdini, but my heart is in it deeply. (Your archviz models and models of spaces are beautiful, by the way). Anyway, THANK YOU for this killer gift to the community. I so appreciate what you are doing, and if you are on Patreon, I would gladly support you!
THanks Billy, if you would give me some kind of example of what you are referring to, that would be great or be a bit more specific. Then I might be able to do something about it. Importing files is never fun in Houdini, especially if they come from CAD software.
@@polymarvels Hi Igor, I will see if I can get you some useable info tomorrow (Wednesday, PST). Tough work day today, and it turns out Revit (my primary architectural modeler) is not exporting FXB with mat id's or any info (everything comes into Houdini as a single grey clay model, which is fine if the file is small, but what I'm importing into Houdini is a 3500 square foot home for a set of exterior renders, and so the filmbox file directly from Revit comes in with hundreds of nodes/list tree with nothing but grey clay on everything. (It turns out there is no option to preserve mats in a Revit export FXB, with the exception 3ds max can recognize revit assigned mats, but Revit hides these same mats/id's to all other DCC's)!!!! So I wonder if it is counter productive to start a project in Houdini from an FXB with a list tree with hundreds of elements with all the same material, VS. importing one with at least basic mat id's? At a minimum, even if I don't assign textures or mats, I do like to assign unique colors (easy and fast) so mat id's are assigned upon export/import when moving between apps, provided those colors are preserved. But Revit won't even let me do that, so I'm thinking about exporting the clay FBX file to Sketchup, then placing simple colors on the similar elements (like glass, wood doors, etc) so at least we have some way of differentiating poly's/elements (window glass from window frame, for example) so I can get some kind of mat id's into Houdini? So, if you tell me it's ok to import an arch model into H with a single material, along with the simple naming conventions which Houdini assigns, I'll be happy to go from there and I'll start asking questions which pertain to a potential archive workflow.... The alternative would be assigning at least some basic mat id's, and importing that into Houdini, so to begin, perhaps you could advise me on this issue? Also, if this gets heavy, I am not expecting free advise. I know you mentioned lessons in your video, so don't hold back if this is not appropriate, and will negotiate with you. Most, thank you again for being a mentor, and all around kick-ass dude to the community :). I completely appreciate what you are doing here. THANKS! Bill
@@BillyCoopDraws Bill, thank you and no worries. I am not doing this for money anyway, and I am always glad if I can help. So if you could send me a Revit model example that would help me out to help you. I would need to see exactly how the file looks like before telling you any kind of suggestion. But I am sure we could find a good solution that will work for you. I have some ideas. So if you can send me a model from Revit on email that will do and then we can go from there.
I'm really greatful that you made something like that I love modelling in houdini and this tools and menus makes it even faster and enjoyable. I have one question , how did you use construction planes is there any shortcuts assigned or so ?
Tom, I am using only mouse and keyboard for hard surface modeling. Only time I would use tablet is if I am sculpting. Tablet and pen makes my hand tired very quickly.
Hey I somehow missed your post. Which Houdini you are using? If properly installed, everything should be there. It will not work with Apprentice license tho.
Simples answer is I don't need it. More complicated is that I am 3D software QA and I tend not to use any plugins due to testing, so instead in this case I decided to see if there is more than it meets the eye. All in all, I trained myself to use Houdini like any other 3D software so I really do not need it. Would be nice to have all those tools inside for sure. :)
Well its hard to say for sure. But it was really not that long. Most time went into actually figuring design as I wanted to make something that makes sense and looks good. Many of the parts are not visible, but in terms of flow and ease of modeling, it wasn't any harder then modeling this robot. What really makes it easier is the fact that every piece is a different object container, pretty much same principals like in any other DCC. Its way more easier to model like this and to keep your networks easy to understand. It also helps with performance. So when it comes to shear modeling, it really didn't took much time.
Folks, here is the scene file of the original model I have modeled for Peter. Feel free to inspect the file as much as you like: drive.google.com/file/d/1cBG06g23tf01D_67sunIlkshAGq8agNi/view?usp=sharing
PS: Feel free to check Solaris as I also have set the scene for rendering. 😎
Finally! Great info about modelling Igor! Looking forward for more. - JP
Thank you @polymarvels! Your toolset and this video is opening an entirely new dimension for me within houdini. I'm relatively new to houdini in general, but I have some prior experience with other DCC's such as Maya and C4D, so this approach to modeling specific assets is a game-changer for sure! Mighty kind of you to release this for free as well.
Hey man, thanks I am glad you find it eye opening. It was the same for me too. As I am also coming from other DCC's it was eye opening for me too. I spend a lot of time polishing the workflow and in the end, I have realized its not much different from other DCC's once you figure out what Houdini can actually do and how. So my advice is just think how you would approach modeling in other DCC's and its gonna help a lot.
Glad to see that you are back with a new video! 👽
Thank you! ☺️
Hybrid modeling, love the concept. Thanks for sharing :)
I am really really interested in seeing more of how you work with modeling in Houdini! There are not a lot of good tutorials on how to think and approach modeling in a way that is production (film) ready. I am hoping to work with environment modeling, and struggling to find good resources.
Hi there and thanks for being interested. I am not sure will I be able to help you as primarily I am not environment modeler, for the most part I pretty much enjoy hard surface modeling. Now, if you could be a bit more precise or share with me some kind of example, I might give it a try.
Simon Houdini should have few of those you might need.
@@polymarvels ah I should have been more specific sorry ☺️ I am thinking particularly modular buildings, like Soviet apartments or brick temples - there are tutorials on basics of these but I find they often rush the theory or don’t explain why an approach is a good idea. I have checked out Simon Houdini, he is great also!
But no worries either way ☺️
@@miadoesvfx Ahhh, I understand now. That I might actually do. Interestingly enough, I am yet to try modeling a building in Houdini. So its a good challenge.
Great vid ! Some cool tricks demonstrated
Hello again Igor. I have returned to Houdini after about 1 1/2 years to learn actual art and a big push to retire this year.. I would like to take up modeling in Houdini again so your tutorials would really help.
Hey Bob, I am really glad to hear that. I hope this time you stick to it and find a way to enjoy it. If you have any questions please let me know and good luck. ☺️
@@polymarvels I do have a question about Houdini and PC specs. I won't be doing any particle work, what specs do you think would be required for modeling only?
Anything average, decent will do for modeling. I assume it also depends what kind of things you would like to model but the way we do things, which doesn't create huge networks should also make things easier for your PC. Exception can be when working with booleans, which can create huge networks, but then again, freezing or caching networks can help. I would buy good keyboard and mouse. In my case MX Keys and MX Master 3 mouse are unbeatable when it comes to Houdini.
@@polymarvels thank you very much, this is most helpful
This is such fantastic information. As an arch viz specialist coming to Houdini, really wanting to work IN Houdini, this is welcome and fantastic info, as so much of this DCC is pointing at VFX. Now if I could just find a channel or mentor that is breaking down material and texture workflows appropriate to archviz, I would be extremely greateful {I am willing to pay for learning). I've been hard surface modelling for many years in bim, but when I import say Revit, through FBX, it comes into Houdini a mess. This is a discipline Houdini would excel in, but is currently underserved, and we need to explore/configure workflows and tools. Unfortunately, I am a rank newb on Houdini, but my heart is in it deeply. (Your archviz models and models of spaces are beautiful, by the way).
Anyway, THANK YOU for this killer gift to the community. I so appreciate what you are doing, and if you are on Patreon, I would gladly support you!
THanks Billy, if you would give me some kind of example of what you are referring to, that would be great or be a bit more specific. Then I might be able to do something about it. Importing files is never fun in Houdini, especially if they come from CAD software.
Also, thanks for Patreon suggestion, I might actually do it as I have tons of files to share.
@@polymarvels Hi Igor, I will see if I can get you some useable info tomorrow (Wednesday, PST). Tough work day today, and it turns out Revit (my primary architectural modeler) is not exporting FXB with mat id's or any info (everything comes into Houdini as a single grey clay model, which is fine if the file is small, but what I'm importing into Houdini is a 3500 square foot home for a set of exterior renders, and so the filmbox file directly from Revit comes in with hundreds of nodes/list tree with nothing but grey clay on everything. (It turns out there is no option to preserve mats in a Revit export FXB, with the exception 3ds max can recognize revit assigned mats, but Revit hides these same mats/id's to all other DCC's)!!!!
So I wonder if it is counter productive to start a project in Houdini from an FXB with a list tree with hundreds of elements with all the same material, VS. importing one with at least basic mat id's? At a minimum, even if I don't assign textures or mats, I do like to assign unique colors (easy and fast) so mat id's are assigned upon export/import when moving between apps, provided those colors are preserved. But Revit won't even let me do that, so I'm thinking about exporting the clay FBX file to Sketchup, then placing simple colors on the similar elements (like glass, wood doors, etc) so at least we have some way of differentiating poly's/elements (window glass from window frame, for example) so I can get some kind of mat id's into Houdini?
So, if you tell me it's ok to import an arch model into H with a single material, along with the simple naming conventions which Houdini assigns, I'll be happy to go from there and I'll start asking questions which pertain to a potential archive workflow.... The alternative would be assigning at least some basic mat id's, and importing that into Houdini, so to begin, perhaps you could advise me on this issue? Also, if this gets heavy, I am not expecting free advise. I know you mentioned lessons in your video, so don't hold back if this is not appropriate, and will negotiate with you. Most, thank you again for being a mentor, and all around kick-ass dude to the community :). I completely appreciate what you are doing here. THANKS! Bill
@@BillyCoopDraws Bill, thank you and no worries. I am not doing this for money anyway, and I am always glad if I can help.
So if you could send me a Revit model example that would help me out to help you. I would need to see exactly how the file looks like before telling you any kind of suggestion. But I am sure we could find a good solution that will work for you. I have some ideas. So if you can send me a model from Revit on email that will do and then we can go from there.
@@polymarvels Thank you very much Igor. I will be in touch via the emails. You kindness and participation is beyond appreciated :)
Thanks a lot for your classes, Igor!
Thank you so much for putting this tutorial out!!!
Great work Igor, thank you.
Great video Igor! 👍
I use a Wacom pen tablet, 3d compact Space mouse and the right side of a split keyboard. All the shortcuts I use are bound on the keyboard
That sounds like an interesting combo, would like to see how that could be setuped to your advantage. I never used 3D Space mouse.
@@polymarvels the mouse lets you move the mesh as you want , without losing focus
Yes, I use it with Maya, 3xs Max Zbrush. Substance Painter
I'm really greatful that you made something like that I love modelling in houdini and this tools and menus makes it even faster and enjoyable. I have one question , how did you use construction planes is there any shortcuts assigned or so ?
Thank you and yes, usually I had set shortcut on Tab but I have switched it to ctrl + tab to invoke it.
nice work!
You haven't been here for a long time. Have you recorded lessons for sale? . Welcome back
Ill probably avoid that to keep videos free, but Ill probably put scene files to Patreon as cheaper option for everyone.
Thanks. Nice work! So.. do you only use a mouse? No pen tablet?
Tom, I am using only mouse and keyboard for hard surface modeling. Only time I would use tablet is if I am sculpting. Tablet and pen makes my hand tired very quickly.
Hm, i tried to use ure Files, but the shelve and radials don`t appear in Houdini
Hey I somehow missed your post. Which Houdini you are using? If properly installed, everything should be there. It will not work with Apprentice license tho.
Hi. Is there a reason you don't use the Modeler Add On?
Simples answer is I don't need it. More complicated is that I am 3D software QA and I tend not to use any plugins due to testing, so instead in this case I decided to see if there is more than it meets the eye. All in all, I trained myself to use Houdini like any other 3D software so I really do not need it. Would be nice to have all those tools inside for sure. :)
what amount of time did you need to model the Racepod in Houdini?
Well its hard to say for sure. But it was really not that long. Most time went into actually figuring design as I wanted to make something that makes sense and looks good. Many of the parts are not visible, but in terms of flow and ease of modeling, it wasn't any harder then modeling this robot. What really makes it easier is the fact that every piece is a different object container, pretty much same principals like in any other DCC. Its way more easier to model like this and to keep your networks easy to understand. It also helps with performance. So when it comes to shear modeling, it really didn't took much time.
Yes, it is interesting and unique)!
I can help with a high-quality render) Send models and textures, if you are interested, return the render)
Ill keep that in mind, thank you! :)
3DL? ....;)
@@rd-cv4vm Oh, we talked to you at Discord!) I remember the job, great lighting and atmosphere, a legendary job for me))
Can someone explain a bit what we are talking about? 😁
@@cgyogii 👍, i ll see you around there
Great video, as per usual, much appreciated!
Thank you my friend. Your comment is much appreciated as usual! 😎
By the way, new video is out, probably most fun and easiest to understand how Modeling works in Houdini.