Geometry in Houdini is different to other applications and requires a far deeper understanding than most people realise, beginners and 3D professionals alike. VFX, direct modelling, procedural modelling, UVs, scene layout – it all starts here. If modelling is running, understanding geometry is learning to walk. You’ve got to ace one before you can do the other. Houdini approach to geometry is unique, so even if you’ve walked before, there’s a hell of a lot more to learn.

Houdini is an awesome piece of software, but it’s complex. Drawing a curve seems basic, but how do you know if you should use uniform, chord length, or centripetal parameterisation if you don’t know what they mean? In this wild world of technical lingo and mathematical terms, to make use of the tools you need to understand the terms and concepts that operate them. If you don’t, you’re really limited with what you can do. But if you take the time to learn it properly, you’re in control of a very powerful machine. That’s why we’re here, why we developed the Geometry Essentials Collection, and why we strongly recommend you do it before diving into any of our upcoming modelling courses.

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By The End of This Course, You’ll Have a Deep Understanding of:

  • Houdini’s geometry components – points, vertices, primitives, edges and breakpoints
  • How geometry is constructed in Houdini by connecting points
  • The importance and power of vertices in controlling connectivity
  • The concepts, theories and practical uses of Houdini’s primitive types – polygons, nurbs, beziers, meshes, polysoups and quadratic primitives
  • How to easily convert from one primitive type to another – plus when and why you’d want to

This is the first of three courses in the Geometry Essentials Collection, step two on the Houdini Made Easy learning path.


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What Students Are Saying 

"Awesome course! Explained superbly! You introduced important concepts that I believe have provided me with a solid foundation in developing modeling skills."

– Eugene Cephas | 2D and 3D Animation Generalist, EulindenStudios.com, Executive Producer, Matty Manhattan Show

"I am not even exaggerating but you, sir, are the best teacher I have encountered, ever! You have a way of simplifying the complexities of Houdini in a way that no one is doing and for that kudos. Clearly you understand Houdini inside out plus you have a beautiful voice and accent! The course is enjoyable as much as it is educating."

– David Kibui | Creative Director, Visign Creative and Marketing

"These are the most comprehensive and engaging tutorials that I've seen up to now during my travels with Houdini."

– Zafer Topaloğlu | Lecturer and Artist


About Hipflask and Houdini Made Easy

Clear, comprehensive online courses to help you master Houdini. Designed for beginners by an award-winning 3D artist.

Take a handful of all the major CG applications and roll them into one – that’s about the scale of Houdini’s toolset and capabilities. That’s a lot to learn. For many, Houdini ends up straight in the too-hard basket. We’re here to pull it out. 

Other courses just aren’t comprehensive enough for beginners. So we made our own to help CG professionals thrive. Straightforward, high quality training that progressively builds deep understanding. We got stuck learning the hard way, but you don’t have to.

Whether you’re just starting out or transitioning from other software, Hipflask’s Houdini Made Easy series is focused on getting you confident and capable using Houdini for all stages of the CG process. Forget those quick how-to guides that teach you to make one thing. Hipflask builds real understanding by unpacking the vital stuff other courses breeze over, covering the fundamentals in depth, showing you why these principles are so integral to Houdini and just how to wield them. We’re here to arm you with technically sound knowledge to craft, finesse and refine original pieces. And the next time a client asks for changes, you’ll have the know-how to make them happen.


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CREATED BY

Fraser Shiers
FRASER SHIERS

Fraser Shiers is an award-winning creative director and 3D generalist. He is the founder and principal instructor at Hipflask and the founder and director of Forge & Morrow. As an instructor, Fraser is committed to making it easy for artists to transition to Houdini from other DCCs. As an artist, he’s made work for some of the world’s largest brands and advertising agencies. In between creating Houdini training with Hipflask and producing work with Forge & Morrow, Fraser also teaches at the University of Newcastle in Australia where he lectures in 3D animation using Houdini.

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