I love Houdini but it's still missing the mark in terms of having the rounded 'artist friendly' toolset of XSI.
The SideFX guys came to London this week and held an event called 'Procedural in Motion' which was targeted at those of us the use Houdini for non VFX stuff (motion design in particular). There's a bunch of interesting presentations but the one that caught my attention the most was the final panel discussion which featured a few folk from this list. - *Participants: Lawrence Parkhurst (SKY), Will MacNeil (The Mill), Simon French (ETC), Tim Bolland (Glassworks), Pétur Breki Bjarnason (Jellyfish Pictures)* - https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.sidefx.com_community_procedural-2Din-2Dmotion-2Dpresentations_&d=DwIFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=hoIXV3ligbl1ju9E6cTWVJnwbJOyVp28ShHBKPpOSbk&s=R9saZMJoKjw5wFvm-89bDqU0NWqLUK7Xcr3Opv1WIVo&e= TLDW - The consensus view regarding transition strategies was Maya/C4D & Houdini in tandem in the medium term. But Houdini still has the best long term potential as a single package replacement for XSI. The best thing about being a Houdini customer is the level of support you get from SideFX. They really listen and respond to customer feedback. It's the polar opposite of Autodesk. Aside from Houdini's current capabilities, SideFX's responsiveness to customer feedback is a huge plus for me. As others have said. If you still have your Softimage license, keep it installed but get yourself a Houdini Indie license for learning purposes at the very least. There's no doubt that Houdini comes with a steep learning curve but that learning curve is rewarded with creative flexibility. I'm confident that SideFX will continue to make Houdini more 'artist friendly' (I hate that catch all term, but it serves a purpose here) in the longer term. It certainly has the most potential as a single package replacement for XSI. If your budget allows for two packages Houdini is a powerful partner to either Maya or C4D. Many in motion design partner Houdini with Cinema 4D but taking Autodesk out of the equation the Maya team have improved many of it's failings in recent releases and Maya 2018 makes a great partner to Houdini too (the Maya team are focusing on workflow for the 2018 release schedule and the benefits of this approach are apparent). Modo is a solid low cost consideration as a partner to Houdini, it has a really great V-Ray integration and it's far more performant and stable than in years gone by. Full transparency here, I've been a long term alpha/beta tester for Modo, so my opinions are obviously flavoured by this. But Modo is looking far stronger going into the 12 series than it was it the beginning of the 10 series, when it was liable to crash at least once in every session, so view it with fresh eyes. It has three releases each year and you can set up a new 30 day demo with each new version. So no definitive answer from me, but hopefully a few useful pointers. ;) On 7 October 2017 at 17:15, Nicole Beeckmans-Jacqmain <[email protected]> wrote: > hi. > do you say Olivier, > that it is possible in Houdini to work autonomously as an individual, > make a movie on your own the way it is with softi? > with softimage there was a few hours of learning, and you could > start the whole aspects of a production , this ; on your own. > what is your 'radar'? do you work in a studio environment? > > ps i have seen a recent pluralsight tutorial about houdini procedural > building cities, > and i do understand better now the meaning of the conversation we had here > about > developing an 'artist' friendly insight into houdini. > > it is really 'engeneering', in asmuch as we cannot say that Gustav Klimt > or Salvador Dali > (to take mild, provide tempered examples, not Tristan Tzara or James Joyce > say), these XXcentury artists they were *not* engeneers. > if you start building movies the way you build the Empire State Building > or the Millau Bridge by Foster, > then it is not cinema. It used to be cinema. Not to mention the quality of > the 'movies' like BatMan-Marvel or recently Bladerunner 2049, > who i believe at top level of production are built to make audience adapt > to the same sadness which causes the hard > coding effort. Houdini gestion of particles integrates perfectly swell in > that management of audiences. Netflix also. > Art is about Joy, inspiration, visionnary, invention.. Engeneering is > about enslavement and vacuum. Apocalyptic. > > so in regards to this i d be entertained to know if there are independent > users of houdini. > > best regards, > N.B.J. > > > > 2017-10-07 16:21 GMT+02:00 Olivier Jeannel <[email protected]>: > >> Mmmh, I have to admit that rigging is not on my radar atm. >> There should have a few good tutorial (not that many) though, for the >> basic of IK. >> And I think I've see some big prods working with rigs in Houdini as >> described here >> https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__vimeo.com_222707484&d=DwIFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=hoIXV3ligbl1ju9E6cTWVJnwbJOyVp28ShHBKPpOSbk&s=3-Ka_62MMSY8wF2ar8x87Y0_S2sD9ies049FiUWiKJ8&e= >> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__vimeo.com_222707484&d=DwMFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=VjVYPMqcEtT0rAui_UWcp9nTKpMooXt3SwdUnuoE7Wc&s=xaXNedVGnj6dRaER6UOahpQE2rQb6yrymw_0tWaBlLY&e=> >> by Michael Goldfarb (I haven't watched the hole lecture). >> But overal you're right Mirko. >> >> >> >> 2017-10-07 16:08 GMT+02:00 Mirko Jankovic <[email protected]>: >> >>> One note on Houdini that character animation is far away from Softimage. >>> One big stopping point there is lack of riggers. I was trying to look >>> around and Houdini riggers pool is close to non. >>> Now unless you have time and wan't to learn rigging completely as >>> well.... This one is a bit stopping point for me at the moment. >>> ᐧ >>> >>> On Sat, Oct 7, 2017 at 4:03 PM, Olivier Jeannel <[email protected]> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> I've moved to Houdini. If by far Softimage was easier or more friendly, >>>> I found that Houdini provides a never ending learning curve with unlimited >>>> possibilities. >>>> If you're not affraid to learn and want to give 3D some little sense, I >>>> strongly suggest you (patiently) give Houdini a go. >>>> >>>> 2017-10-07 14:03 GMT+02:00 Mirko Jankovic <[email protected]>: >>>> >>>>> Old saying was, it still is and will probably be accurate for a bit >>>>> longer... >>>>> >>>>> With Softimage you work, with Maya you workaround >>>>> ᐧ >>>>> >>>>> On Sat, Oct 7, 2017 at 1:58 PM, Sven Constable < >>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I heard positive things about Cinema4D from ex-SI users, regarding >>>>>> usability and speed. I never used it and never will but as I was told, it >>>>>> has a fast learning curve and is very well suited for standard tasks. >>>>>> Especially motion graphics and such. >>>>>> >>>>>> But, if you already have a Softimage license and you are used to work >>>>>> with it over the years AND you are a one man show, delivering final >>>>>> animations and renderings, I don’t'see a need to change tools. >>>>>> >>>>>> As other said, the only reason to switch to Maya is when you're >>>>>> planning to work as a freelancer at companies again. If you're in the >>>>>> lucky >>>>>> situation to do your own productions, you're pretty much free to use >>>>>> whatever you want :) >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> The only slightly uncomfortable thing using Softimage is, that I'm >>>>>> feeling a bit lonely ;) We're using a software that noone will start to >>>>>> learn anymore. There are still ppl on this list and a few forums, but >>>>>> they >>>>>> will diminish further. I'd feel much better if there would be Softimage >>>>>> Inc. around, even if they won't sell or develop the product anymore. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Sven >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> *From:* [email protected] [mailto: >>>>>> [email protected]] *On Behalf Of *skuby >>>>>> *Sent:* Saturday, October 07, 2017 10:39 AM >>>>>> *To:* [email protected] >>>>>> *Subject:* I'm lost / Which Software fills the void / help!? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> TLDR = Where do I go/which program? I’m specifically asking hardcore >>>>>> Softimage users who knew all the hotkeys and L/R/MMB clicks/shortcuts, >>>>>> sticky keys, etc.. And wore the software like a custom fit glove. All >>>>>> aspects (modeling/rigging/anim/UV/all of it etc.) I was a freelancer, >>>>>> not >>>>>> a specialist. I won’t be working in the 3D segment of the industry again, >>>>>> but I want a professional generalist tool-kit back in my art toolbox. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -Has Maya become use-able out of the box (according to Softimage >>>>>> vets) (w/ preferences tweaks)? Did anyone make a plug-in or hotkey kit >>>>>> for >>>>>> Softimage users? Does it still take 4+ steps/clicks for everything vs. >>>>>> Softimage even after learning Maya best practices? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Was there any recent talk of bringing Softimage back, even with >>>>>> limited support? I’d pay $30+ per month for it w/Mudbox in a heartbeat. >>>>>> (I’d pay the same for Maya + Mudbox if it was viable for me) (I’m close >>>>>> to >>>>>> giving up on Blender, interface/usability wise it’s still way too far >>>>>> away >>>>>> from Softimage and it took A LOT of effort to get to the point where I am >>>>>> with it now, too much effort). >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> After all this time, how did you solve this problem? Is your solution >>>>>> adequate or still frustrating? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> About Me: I spent a small fortune training Softimage at Vancouver >>>>>> Film School/VFS and then worked as a freelancer for small commercials >>>>>> (before that I trained Maya at SVA for 4 years and I hated the Maya >>>>>> software, I was using it afterwards at a small film and commercial >>>>>> company). More recently I swung over to websites and now have moved >>>>>> fully >>>>>> into 2D Illustration. I miss my 3D toolset (and have practical >>>>>> commercial >>>>>> uses for it now), and I really need to bring it back into my toolbox. >>>>>> I’d >>>>>> be willing to put in the time to re-learn some things that I already know >>>>>> how to do, but I won’t settle for sub-par interfaces, I’m sick of banging >>>>>> my head into the wall. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Please help me, I’m completely lost, frustrated and heart-broken. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Best of luck to all of you. Thank you for your time. >>>>>> >>>>>> ------ >>>>>> Softimage Mailing List. >>>>>> To unsubscribe, send a mail to [email protected] >>>>>> odesk.com with "unsubscribe" in the subject, and reply to confirm. >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Mirko Jankovic >>>>> *https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.cgfolio.com_mirko-2Djankovic&d=DwIFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=hoIXV3ligbl1ju9E6cTWVJnwbJOyVp28ShHBKPpOSbk&s=IJ8WXYpwqw_ealIF0g8h2t68aHNUYWtBQoBC10cChzo&e= >>>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.cgfolio.com_mirko-2Djankovic&d=DwMFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=3DXoJY3ZjewpIxh8Vu3NoTyjYJB_FwvNPIewA-IwVr8&s=Z7q5UXHuUSMnXgIF_2a3CiAQWUWEGhZAvi5ytDVJZ-U&e=>* >>>>> >>>>> Need to find freelancers fast? >>>>> www.cgfolio.com >>>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.cgfolio.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=3DXoJY3ZjewpIxh8Vu3NoTyjYJB_FwvNPIewA-IwVr8&s=FNgaY1O8JPUFfba7YlKFcUXR-QURItn6gVliKrN5mTY&e=> >>>>> >>>>> Need some help with rendering an Redshift project? >>>>> https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.gpuoven.com_&d=DwIFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=hoIXV3ligbl1ju9E6cTWVJnwbJOyVp28ShHBKPpOSbk&s=hZOJyRyFzU6zssIB0chUUvusB_KKdwBBnJi3wVFnDcE&e= >>>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.gpuoven.com_&d=DwMFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=3DXoJY3ZjewpIxh8Vu3NoTyjYJB_FwvNPIewA-IwVr8&s=8QnCvconWzNBZ-L4y3RQews9UaIQaXAnY5Wi_NA9yeM&e=> >>>>> >>>>> ------ >>>>> Softimage Mailing List. >>>>> To unsubscribe, send a mail to [email protected] >>>>> with "unsubscribe" in the subject, and reply to confirm. >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ------ >>>> Softimage Mailing List. >>>> To unsubscribe, send a mail to [email protected] >>>> with "unsubscribe" in the subject, and reply to confirm. >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Mirko Jankovic >>> *https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.cgfolio.com_mirko-2Djankovic&d=DwIFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=hoIXV3ligbl1ju9E6cTWVJnwbJOyVp28ShHBKPpOSbk&s=IJ8WXYpwqw_ealIF0g8h2t68aHNUYWtBQoBC10cChzo&e= >>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.cgfolio.com_mirko-2Djankovic&d=DwMFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=AAFHHTvIOLfan8Mh1oSh1w_jufe1NEiwk2cLZ-3MOZw&s=C7iPNWLBmq5DXtuCbQba_Abvxg7iN9XD1_iL8zherAE&e=>* >>> >>> Need to find freelancers fast? >>> www.cgfolio.com >>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.cgfolio.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=AAFHHTvIOLfan8Mh1oSh1w_jufe1NEiwk2cLZ-3MOZw&s=dK3abBZg6XVB9RYDZaUdXqxfrly0mH44UBJbj-cJsAI&e=> >>> >>> Need some help with rendering an Redshift project? >>> https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.gpuoven.com_&d=DwIFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=hoIXV3ligbl1ju9E6cTWVJnwbJOyVp28ShHBKPpOSbk&s=hZOJyRyFzU6zssIB0chUUvusB_KKdwBBnJi3wVFnDcE&e= >>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.gpuoven.com_&d=DwMFaQ&c=76Q6Tcqc-t2x0ciWn7KFdCiqt6IQ7a_IF9uzNzd_2pA&r=GmX_32eCLYPFLJ529RohsPjjNVwo9P0jVMsrMw7PFsA&m=AAFHHTvIOLfan8Mh1oSh1w_jufe1NEiwk2cLZ-3MOZw&s=RpDDGz-rlsIG4OsVDkgwPO9wgr40JrXDNteOIvR217U&e=> >>> >>> ------ >>> Softimage Mailing List. >>> To unsubscribe, send a mail to [email protected] >>> with "unsubscribe" in the subject, and reply to confirm. >>> >> >> >> ------ >> Softimage Mailing List. >> To unsubscribe, send a mail to [email protected] >> with "unsubscribe" in the subject, and reply to confirm. >> > > > ------ > Softimage Mailing List. > To unsubscribe, send a mail to [email protected] > with "unsubscribe" in the subject, and reply to confirm. >
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