CrossBeats Water Simulation — Houdini

For CrossBeats I collaborated with the creative lead on a 3D product advertisement that needed water to feel premium — controlled, readable, and physically convincing without stealing focus from the product.

Pre-Viz First

Before committing to a full FLIP or SOP-level approach, I blocked timing and camera in a lightweight pre-viz. That step saved days of re-sim when creative direction shifted on splash height and product contact.

Procedural Iteration

I explored multiple simulation approaches in Houdini — adjusting emitter shapes, viscosity-like look controls, and meshing settings until the water read cleanly in stills and motion. Procedural networks meant I could change a handful of parameters instead of rebuilding from scratch.

Delivery Under Pressure

The final assets had to land before a hard campaign deadline. That constraint forced clear priorities: silhouette readability first, secondary detail second, and only then micro-splash refinement.

Outcome

The collaboration reinforced a production habit I still use — pre-viz early, keep the network procedural, and ship the version that serves the ad rather than the version that shows every simulation trick I know.