What you'll learn

Create stunning disintegration effects, turning characters into dust using Houdini FX

Build a complete FX project by modeling, simulating, shading, and rendering a realistic sand timer

Use Mixamo animations and Houdini tools to prepare geometry, control particles, and simulate cloth tearing.

Develop confidence in combining multiple Houdini techniques to create cinematic visual effects

Requirements

No prior Houdini experience required — this course is beginner-friendly and step by step

A computer capable of running Houdini (Apprentice version is free to download)

Basic interest in 3D or VFX will help, but everything is explained clearly

Description

This course brings together three stunning FX projects in Houdini into one complete learning experience. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate artist, you will learn step by step how to create cinematic visual effects while building real, finished projects you can showcase.Project 1: Zombie Cloth DisintegrationA crawling zombie gradually disintegrates into pieces using cloth simulation and a heat-driven effect. You’ll learn how to import characters from Mixamo, prepare them for FX, fracture geometry, apply vellum cloth simulations, and connect them with a temperature source for a gradual, controlled disintegration. The project is finalized with rendering in Karma, color correction in After Effects, and sound design.Project 2: Character Disintegration into DustCreate one of the most iconic VFX shots: a character walking forward and dissolving into particles of dust. You’ll prepare geometry, use Boolean operations to define the disintegration source, replace body parts with particles, and control emission and particle timing. Finally, you’ll preview the effect with Houdini’s Flipbook tool for fast, high-quality results.Project 3: Hourglass Sand TimerCombine modeling, simulation, and rendering by building a realistic hourglass. You’ll model the glass body and base, simulate falling sand, set up caching for smooth playback, and add realistic shading, lighting, and rendering in Karma.By the end of this course, you will:Be confident in creating particle-based and cloth-based disintegration effectsLearn how to combine modeling, simulation, shading, and rendering in HoudiniGain hands-on experience with Karma rendering, Flipbook previews, caching techniques, and After Effects finishingHave three complete cinematic projects in your portfolio, ready to share and build uponThis course is designed to be beginner-friendly but powerful enough for intermediates looking to expand their Houdini skills. Each project is short, practical, and focused, giving you maximum results in minimum time.Join now and create stunning FX projects — from sand to zombies and more!

Who this course is for

Beginners who want to learn Houdini by creating practical and exciting FX projects

Motion graphics or VFX enthusiasts looking for hands-on projects instead of just theory

Students interested in disintegration, sand simulation, and cinematic destruction effects

Designers and 3D artists who want to quickly add powerful FX to their portfolio