$30

In this series of lessons we'll learn how to use the Interactive Creative Environment inside Softimage to create particle effects. We built this course for people who have never touched ICE because it's such a powerful system that users of other applications find very useful.
We'll begin this project by learning the basic concepts behind ICE such as the main uses of ICE, the basic workflow of ICE and how ICE nodes work together. We'll then learn about the various data types and the importance of context while working in ICE. Once we understand the ideas behind ICE, we will take a few lessons to familiarize ourselves with the Softimage interface. Then we will begin building a particle simulation from the ground up and learn about various ICE nodes and workflows. We'll finish by rendering out an image sequence of our finished particle simulation. This series of lessons was designed to launch someone who has never touched Softimage into being comfortable with the interface and working with ICE. This will allow us to create particle simulations in ICE quickly and easily and begin exploring this powerful platform.

Digital-Tutors - Getting Started with ICE in Softimage 2011 (2010)

$30

$30

In this course we will explore several rendering enhancements that are available to us through the mental ray Production Shaders within Softimage.
The mental ray production shaders offer us a completely new arsenal for increasing render performance, integrating 3D with live action, easier compositing, and many other advanced rendering features. Through these lessons, we will learn how these production shaders can be used for a variety of purposes, such as adding nearly instantaneous motion blur to our rendered images, seamlessly integrating our 3D art into a live-action plate, achieving more accurate compositing results in an external application, and much more. Using these shaders, we now have access to mental ray features that will allow us to render our images faster, with a much higher level of control, and with much higher quality.
Software Requirements: Softimage 7.5 and up
Lesson Outline
1. Introduction and Project Overview
2. Enabling mental ray Production Shaders in Softimage
3. Utilizing the mip_rayswitch node in Softimage
4. Using the mip_motionblur node in Softimage
5. Working with the mip_motion_vector node in Softimage
6. Utilizing the mip_card_opacity node in Softimage
7. Live-action compositing with Production Shaders
8. Using the mip_matteshadow node in Softimage

Digital Tutors - mental ray Production Shaders in Softimage (2009)

$30

$30

Learn a production workflow to automotive modeling using XSI and several time-saving techniques that can be used for film, games, and automotive design projects. Provides 10 hours of project-driven training. Perfect for intermediate artists and experienced artists learning new techniques.
Popular highlights include:

Digital Tutors Automotive Modeling in XSI (2009)

$30

$30

Learn a production workflow to rigging and enveloping, create custom tools, and time-saving methods for creating game-ready characters rigs. Contains over 6 hours of project-based training for artists learning character rigging for next-generation games.
Popular highlights include:

Digital Tutors - Rigging Next Gen Characters in XSI (2009)

$30

$30

Learn production modeling techniques and an innovative workflow to creating clean topology, working within polygon restrictions, and building assets from reference art. Contains over 7 hours of project-driven training for artists learning the creative and technical processes of character creation for next-generation games.
Popular highlights include:

Digital Tutors Modeling Next-Gen Characters in XSI (2009)

$30

$30

Establish a solid foundation and learn flexible rigging methods, various rigging and character setup tools, and the essentials of building animator-friendly controls in XSI. Contains nearly 7 hours of project-based training for aspiring artists learning character setup and rigging workflows in XSI.
Software Requirement: XSI 6.0 and up
Popular highlights include:
* XSI Rigging Tools Overview
* Organizing Scenes
* Working with the Schematic
* Parenting Objects
* Using Groups
* 2D and 3D Bone Chain System
* IK Capabilities
* FK Capabilities
* Chain Properties
* Repositioning Bones
* Choosing Workable Rotation Orders
* Position Constraints
* Orientation Constraints
* Direction Constraints
* Pose Constraints
* Controlling SRT Parameters
* Chain Up Vector Operators
* Mesh Deformation Overview
* Envelopes
* Enveloping Techniques
* Resetting Envelopes
* Understanding Operator Stack
* Editing Envelopes
* Weight Paint Panel
* Redistributing Weights
* Weight Editor
* Blending Envelope Weights
* Mirroring Envelopes
* Working with Shapes
* Modeling Shapes with Tweak Component Tool
* Secondary Shape Modeling for Corrective Shapes
* Setting up Driven Key Relationships
* Working with Character Key Sets
* Organizing Animation Data

Digital Tutors - Introduction to Rigging in XSI (2008)

$30

$30

Learn time-saving quadruped rigging techniques and the principles of building solution-based rigs for more efficient animating in XSI. Contains over 8 hours of project-driven training. Perfect for intermediate artists.
Software Requirement: XSI 6.0 and up
Popular highlights include:
Building Rigs from Reference
Broken Hierarchy Systems
Custom Toolbar
Character Key Sets
Sub-Character Sets
Constraints
Constructing Proxy Cages
Painting Weights
Reverse Lock System
Naming Conventions
Limb Controls
Expressions
Custom and Proxy Parameters
Mirroring Techniques
Custom Control Spline Rigs
XSI Spines for Vertebrae
Cleaning up Control Objects
Working with Groups
Tail Rig
Enveloping Techniques
Deform Keys
Rotation Order

Digital Tutors - Rigging Quadrupeds in XSI (2008)

$30

$30

Learn time-saving animation techniques, the mechanics of quadrupeds, and a flexible workflow to creating convincing animations in XSI. Contains over 3 hours of project-oriented training. Perfect for intermediate artists.
Software Requirement: XSI 6.0 and up
Popular highlights include:
* Mechanics of Quadruped Animation
* Quadruped Anatomy for Animators
* Reference Images
* Ghosting
* Captures
* Copying and Pasting Keys
* Working with Character Key Sets
* Timing and Spacing
* Follow-Through
* Achieving Believable Weight
* Translating Cycles Forward
* Navigating Animation Editor
* Modifying F-curves
* Snapshot Curves
* Cycling animation
* Animating Arcs
* In-betweening
* Editing Slopes

Digital Tutors - Animating Quadrupeds in XSI (2008)

$30

$30

The ICE Nodes Reference Library is the newest offering from Digital Tutors that helps artists and TD's quickly master ICE nodes in XSI 7 to create powerful new or enhance existing compounds that remove limits to their imagination.

Digital Tutors - XSI ICE Nodes Reference Library (2008)

$30

$30

Learn the fundamentals of Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, Animating, Rigging, Rendering,
and a production-proven workflow to ICE. Contains nearly 7 hours of project-based training and time-saving
techniques to working with XSI 7. Perfect for artists new to XSI and seeking a refresher.

Digital Tutors - Introduction to XSI 7 (2008)

$30

$30

earn a production-proven workflow to visual programming with ICE and easily extend the capabilities of XSI. Integrate into existing pipelines, rapid prototyping of tools, visually debug, and iterate and create in real-time
1. Introduction to the ICE Tree View 8:57
2. Building ICE particle simulations 8:05
3. ICE particle surface interaction 8:32
4. Particle Instancing with ICE 5:25
5. Particle rigid body simulations 4:14
6. Driving shaders with ICE attributes 5:59
7. Creating ICE Trees from scratch 9:14
8. Deformation with ICE 6:08
9. Conversion nodes 6:50
10. Ripple using vector math 4:12
11. Building compounds 6:32
12. Exporting compounds 6:48
13. Creating ICE attributes 6:25
14. Working with clusters 5:10
15. Simulating the spread of heat along the match 5:37
16. Increasing the heat value using the IF node 6:30
17. Real-time shaders and ICE 5:19
18. Fine-tuning the Heat spread 8:03
19. Deformation based on Heat 7:05
20. Emitting particles from hot regions 6:08
21. Deleting particles based on age 6:03
22. Modifying the particle color 4:39
23. Applying and formatting comments 5:22
24. Adding forces to make particles rise 7:50
25. Sculpting the flame with forces 6:11
26. Rendering with Particle Volume Cloud 7:50
27. Setting data on Color At Vertex maps 8:03
28. Map lookup in the Render Tree 3:20
29. Generating Heat from the flame 5:15
30. Sharing ICE Attributes 6:11
Total Run Time:
3:12:06

Digital Tutors Introduction to ICE in XSI 7 (2008)

$30

$30

The Artist's Guide to XSI is an exclusive series of video tutorials teaching artists to use the powerful tools and solutions available within XSI to deliver inspiring imagery

1. First Look at XSI 7
- Overview of The Artist's Guide to XSI 7 [1:57]
- Creating and managing projects using the Project Manager [3:52]
- Overview of Interaction Models in XSI [6:23]
- Getting acquainted with the viewport navigation tools [15:21]
- Manipulating objects in 3D space [11:15]
- Understanding XSI's various geometry components [10:39]
- Adjusting the center point of your geometry in XSI [7:57]
- Accessing scene objects from the Explorer [8:33]
- Working with XSI's operator stack [8:38]
2. XSI in Film
- Assigning and manipulating UVs in XSI [7:54]
- Healing and subprojecting UVs in the Texture Editor [11:47]
- Creating and positioning skeleton chains in XSI [9:24]
- Renaming chain elements, Building a secondary foot control [9:20]
- Creating rigging control objects and constraints [10:31]
- Mirroring skeleton chains and rigs in XSI [10:07]
- Enveloping characters in XSI [8:50]
- Painting envelope weights to fix deformations [8:18]
- Smoothing and refining envelope deformations [10:27]
- Mirroring envelope weights in XSI [8:50]
- Setting keyframes in XSI [8:43]
- Offsetting keys for fluidity and follow-through [6:43]
- Creating a Tag Template for Motor [6:58]
- Retargeting motion capture in XSI [9:28]
- Using Offsets to enhance motion capture result [10:24]
- Using Animation Layers in XSI to easily enhance animation [6:53]
- Various methods of adding materials to objects in XSI [9:37]
- Using the Render Tree to add textures to materials [14:55]
- Positioning and adjusting lights in XSI [11:25]
- Using image-based lighting to achieve realistic renders [9:50]
- Overview of Referencing [4:54]
- Setting an ICE simulation for referencing [6:00]
- Using Deltas and reference models [3:30]
3. XSI for Games
- Polygon modeling workflows in XSI (part 1) [9:45]
- Polygon modeling workflows in XSI (part 2) [17:40]
- Reducing meshes with Polygon Reduction [4:00]
- Extract normals information with Ultimapper [6:19]
- Building a real-time incidence shader [7:00]
- Altering the color and texture information of real-time shader [7:11]
- Understanding the Animation Mixer in XSI [9:27]
- Blending animation clips in XSI [9:32]
- Transferring attributes between meshes using GATOR [4:04]
4. XSI for VFX and TD's
- Getting started with ICE [6:01]
- Getting object information in ICE [9:18]
- Creating ICE compounds [6:11]
- XSI Scripting - building a custom property [8:13]
- XSI Scripting - building control logic [10:00]
- Setting up particles in XSI [6:31]
- Tweaking the look of particle simulations [3:49]
5. Broadcast Design in XSI
- Creating 3D text for broadcast use [6:49]
- Scene preperations for easier animation [6:40]
- Blocking in the shot camera path [5:23]
- Refining camera animation in the Animation Editor [5:51]
- Keyframing object parameters from a property page [5:10]
- Setting up multiple render passes in XSI [15:15]
- Using the Render Manager to render animated sequence [10:35]
- Overview of the FX Tree compositing tools [13:08]
- Assembling and rendering composites from the FX Tree [12:28]

Digital Tutors - The Artist's Guide to XSI 7 (2008)

$30

$30

Learn animation techniques that offer greater control and a complete overview of using the Animation Mixer for intuitive non-linear animation within XSI. Contains over 2.5 hours of project-based training and new ways to edit, combine and re-purpose various types of animation data from keyframes to expressions and constraints of motion capture files.

Digital Tutors - Introduction to Animation Mixer in XSI (2008)

$30

$30

Easily learn time-saving modeling techniques, modeling tools overview, and a proven workflow to modeling in XSI. Contains over 4 hours of project-based training. Great for new and beginning artists.

Popular highlights include: Overview of Modeling Tools in XSI; Overview of Geometry Types; Polygon Modeling Workflow; Using Rotoscopes as Modeling Reference; Optimizing Geometry; Mirroring Geometry; Working with Curves, Surfaces, and Trims; Lofting Curves to Create Geometry; Adding Edge Resolution; Scene Organization Techniques; Principles of Creating Clean Topology; Creating Custom Toolbars and Shelves; Edge-loop Selections; Strategically Adding Resolution; Removing Resolution; Merging Multiple Pieces of Geometry; Lofting Surfaces; Bridging and Welding Components; Splitting Parallel Edge-loops; Re-routing Geometry Flow; Generating Symmetrical Geometry; Reusing and Re-purposing Geometry; Modeling with Deformers; Extruding Geometry Along Curves; Edge Creasing; Naming and Organizing Assets; Interactively Adding Edges Around Objects; Building High-res Geometry with Low-res Cages.

Digital Tutors Introduction to Modeling in XSI (2008)

$30

$30

Learn essential techniques for adding greater realism when rendering and a time-saving workflow to lighting within XSI. Contains over 2 hours of project-based training. Ideal for new and beginning artists.

Popular highlights include: Overview of Light Types in XSI; Using Depth Map Shadows; Utilizing Raytrace Shadows; Decay Rates of Light; Area Lights for Accurate Shadows; Creating Custom Light Intensity Curves; Controlling Render Statistics for Geometry; Creating Volumetric Lighting Effects; Building Shaders to Simulate Visible Light Sources; Adding Environment Fog to Scenes; Simulating Realistic Camera Effects with Lens Flare; Altering Object Behavior in Render; Inclusive and Exclusive Lighting; Creating Gobos and Projectors; Practical Lighting Exercises and Scenarios;

Digital Tutors Introduction to Lighting in XSI (2008)

$30

$30

Learn the essentials of animation and creative approaches to effectively using XSI's robust animation tools. Contains 6 hours of project-driven training for aspiring animators and experienced artists seeking a refresher.

Popular highlights include: Overview of XSI Animation Tools; Understanding Non-linear Animation; Manipulating Keyframes from Timeline; Overview of Animation Editor; Using Animation Mixer; Animation Preferences; Frame Rate Preferences; Copying and Pasting Animation; Fine-tuning animation; Editing Keyframes; Dope Sheet; Region Tool; Utilizing Expressions; Using Edit Key Tool; Editing Slope Handles; Controlling Function Curves; Utilizing Snapshots; Automating with Cycle Tools; Animating Seamless Cycles; Plotting Function Curve Cycles; Ghosting Animation; Path Animation; Layering Animation; Plotting Parameters; Optimizing Keyframe Data; Transitioning Animation Clips; Animating with Constraints; Linking Parameters; Parameter-driven Relationships; Real-time Previews of Sequences;

Digital Tutors Introduction to Animation in XSI (2008)

$30

$30

Learn to create, style, texture, render, and dynamically drive hair using XSI Hair. Contains over 3 hours of project-based training and a multitude of practical scenarios for learning XSI Hair. Perfect for artists learning XSI.

Popular highlights include: Hair Overview; Hair Styling; Hair Based on Curves; Growing and Scalping Techniques; Brush and Cut Tools; Scale, Puff and Stand Tools; Popping Hairs and Attenuation; Connect Maps; Dynamic Setups; Displacement Effects; Simulating Hair Curves with Cloth; Hair and Forces; Alternative uses with Hair Instancing; Transfer Hair;

Digital Tutors - Introduction to XSI Hair (2007)

$30

$30

Learn a time-saving workflow to interior set modeling and production techniques that can be used for Film, Architectural Visualizations, and Games. Contains 6 hours of project-driven training. Perfect for intermediate artists.

Popular highlights include: Establishing Scale and Measurement; Edge Loop Splitting; Enhancing Edge Details with Bevels; Optimizing Geometry for Lighting; Merging Polygon Meshes; Re-purposing Geometry; Polygon Extrusion Techniques; Creating Complex Geometry with Deformers; Hard Surface Modeling Techniques; Adding Realism with Randomization; Breaking Lines for Visual Aesthetics; Strategically Adding Details; Welding Points and Edges; Selecting and Manipulating Component Loops; Complex Scene Management;

Digital Tutors - Interior Modeling Techniques with XSI (2007)

$30

$30

Learn the fundamentals of mental ray and begin adding visual richness to your work with 3 hours of project-driven training. Ideal for beginner to intermediate users.

Popular highlights include: Global Illumination; Final Gathering; Photon Emission; Render Speed Optimization; HDR Lighting; Caustics; Subsurface Scattering; Realistic Skin Effects; Cartoon-style Rendering; Depth of Field; Render Map; Lighting and Shading Nodes; Render Tree.

Digital Tutors-mental ray in XSI (2006)

$30

$30

Explore the Render Tree and gain control over the appearance of your objects in XSI with 2.5 hours of project-based training. Ideal for new and beginning users.

Popular highlights include: Render Tree Overview; Bump Map Generators; Displacement Maps; Texture Projections; Mix Nodes; Advanced Texture Placement; Volumetric Effects with Light Shaders; Layering Textures; Ambient Occlusion Shader; Material Editor;

Digital Tutors - Introduction to XSI Render Tree (2006)

$30

$30

Save time and easily learn the fundamentals of UV layout in XSI with over 3 hours of project-based training. Perfect for beginner to intermediate artists using XSI.

Popular highlights include: Overview of UVs in XSI; Planar Mapping; Cylindrical Mapping; Spherical Mapping; Unique UVs; UV Projections; Subprojections; Adjusting UVs with Texture Editor; Separating UVs; Healing UVs; Island Heal Tool; Mirroring UV Islands; Matching UVs; Relaxing UV Islands; Contour Stretch UV Projections; Transferring UV Data; UV Stamps;

Digital Tutors - UV Layout in XSI (2006)

$30

$30

Easily learn the entire process of Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, Animation, and Rendering with XSI. Contains over 7 hours of project-based training and updated for version 6. Perfect for beginner to intermediate artists.

Popular highlights include: Setting Up Rotoscopes; Working with Different Surface Meshes; Polygon Modeling Techniques; Extruding Faces & Edges; Extracting Geometry; Assigning Materials & Textures; Working with Texture Layer Editor; Creating & Modifying UVs with Texture Projections; Utilizing Deformers; Parenting Objects into Animation-friendly Hierarchy; Optimizing Workflow with Keying Panel; Automatic Movement with Path Animation; Setting and Modifying Keyframes with Animation Editor; Understanding the Material Manager; Efficiently UV Mapping; Exploring Various Light and Shadow Types; Applying Rendering Techniques; Developing Shader Networks in Render Tree; Creating Smoke Effects with Particles;

Digital Tutors - Introduction to XSI 6 (2006)

$30

$30

In this training series we will be starting out with learning what subdivision surfaces (SubDÆs)
are and how to manipulate them in different ways.
These basics will pave the way to modeling advanced objects in Softimage while using only SubDÆs. After learning all the basics of SubD modeling, we will exploit all of the powerful tools
in Softimage in order to model out a detailed and realistic scene.
You will model many different objects from the real world in incredible detail, all the while using and learning special techniques that are normally learned from years of SubD modeling experience. You will be shown SubD modeling techniques that emphasize speed, efficiency, and ease. This training product includes all project files and assets needed to follow along with the instructor.
Project files require Softimage 6.5 and up.

I3D - Introduction To SubD Modeling In Softimage XSI (2009)

$30

$30

This training series covers the most important aspects of rendering with mental ray within Softimage for beginners. We begin with the easiest principles and features of mental ray and gradually move onto more advanced features in a way that is easy to understand and follow, as every step of the process is explained and covered in detail. By the end of this training series, you will have the knowledge necessary to render out photo-realistic scenes for use in architectural, product, and CGI renderings.
Some of the training highlights include: area lights, final gather, global illumination, caustics, daylight systems, controlling and fine tuning mental ray’s powerful lighting features for quality and speed among others. mental ray has never been easier to learn. This training product includes all project files and assets needed to follow along with the instructor. Project files require Softimage 6.5 and up.

I3D Tutorials - Introduction to mental ray in SOFTIMAGE XSI (2007)

$30

$30

Softimage training partner i3DTutorials has released free tutorials for SOFTIMAGE|XSI 7. One of XSI 7's most innovative features, the Interactive Creative Environment, also known as ICE, allows artists to visually create stunning effects for film, games, and visual effects easier than it has ever been before in the computer animation industry.
With the release of these new free tutorial videos from training partner, i3DTutorials, everyone can now see the new features of XSI 7 firsthand, including the new implementation of mental ray 3.6 and ICE.

I3D Tutorials - New Features in XSI 7 (2008)

$30

$30

This training series dives deep into the mental ray renderer for XSI 7. Advanced techniques are covered for rendering out production scenes, designed to teach the user how to take advantage of the many powerful features of this industry standard renderer. Traditional methods of direct and indirect illumination are shown in explicit detail, including the use of Global Illumination and Final Gathering. Also covered are new features of the latest version of mental ray that is integrated with XSI 7, including new shaders such as Photographic Exposure, Portal Lights, and more. With the release of XSI 7, mental ray now comes with Importons which are also covered in this training product, as well as how to use Importons for production. You will be shown how to use different professional techniques for lighting both photorealistic scenes, and projects that require more artistic freedom to achieve a desired look. Among the new features also covered in XSI 7, is the new Ambient Occlusion Caching and much more.

I3D Tutorials - Rendering with SOFTIMAGE XSI v.I: mental ray (2008)

$30

$30

This training series dives deep into the mental ray renderer for Softimage. Advanced techniques are covered for rendering out production scenes, designed to teach the user how to take advantage of the many powerful features of the latest implementation of the mental ray industry renderer within Softimage. Some topics covered include new shaders, such as the Bokeh lens shader that allows for the rendering of physically accurate depth of field effects, including chromatic aberration. Also covered are more techniques for lighting photo-realistic scenes, HDRI rendering, caustics, new techniques for using the new Photographic Exposure shader, and more.
This training product also is the first of its kind to cover the new Irradiance Particles indirect illumination algorithm that was introduced in the latest version of mental ray for Softimage. Everything you need to know about this mysterious new feature of mental ray is covered with this training product in incredible detail; there is no other training like this available anywhere, except at i3DTutorials. This training product includes all project files and assets needed to follow along with the instructor. Project files require Softimage 7.0 and up.

I3D:Rendering with SOFTIMAGE XSI v.II: mental ray (2008)

$30