New here :) Question about Genesis 1 & General Advice

Hi I've made a mistake of purchasing the genesis 1 morph bundle and I really wanted to use it since I dont want it to be wasted, I purchased it because I thought genesis means it can be applied to both genesis 2 and genesis 3. So my question is, whenever I'm using the genesis 1 why doesnt it have skin, eyes, or the other details that make it look "human"? I mean it just looks like a mannequin and even if I render it, it still looks like a mannequin. Just side questions too, what do you guys suggest for a newbie like me to do? I mean I feel like in order to be able to create a lof good 3d art I need to purchase a lot, Ive also looked into the platinum club thing but I just want to know what you guys did when you were just starting out, what contents do you guys suggest? Genesis 2 or Genesis 3 contents? and tutorials? I know I asked a lot but I just want to ask these in one post lol
Comments
The Genesis base does not load with any texture set and I prefer it this way and wish the Genesis 2s and 3s bases did the same. My work flow is to shape a character first and I find having the figure untextured lets me see the actual shape.
There's a folder containing the Genesis materials; you can load them from there. Also, the Genesis male/female pre-made version loads with textures. Depending on what morphs you bought, loading the male/female version rather than the "plain" Genesis would probably be the best approach.
If you purchased within the last 30 days you can ask for a refund - open a Sales Support ticket http://www.daz3d.com/help/help-contact-us
I'd jump to the genesis 3 to be honest. It can use clothes and hair from all previous generations and all new products are made for her.
Older clothes and hair are generally much cheaper than the new ones, so I'd invest on tools that can make G3 wear older clothes easier like these.
http://www.daz3d.com/wear-them-all-autofitting-clones-and-clothing-smoothers-for-genesis-3-female-s
http://www.daz3d.com/sy-ultra-templates-for-genesis-3-female-s
When I started out I joined Platinum Club before making any major purchases. It can really save you money if you are committed to this hobby. If you are not sure whether you'll stick with it, start using it and working with free content until you make up your mind. You can't sell or transfer your Daz purchases, so you have no way to recoup your spending if you decide to quit (other than returning the purchases made in the last 30 days). You can find lots of free content on ShareCG and Wilmap produces lots of free clothing for Daz models. There is also a lot of free content that comes with the Genesis, Genesis 2 and Genesis 3 Starter Essentials packages. Be sure to install those. Das also has some free bundles associated with interactive lessons that will give you additional wardrobe, hair and props items (for example Day at the Beach Bundle). Also, be sure and visit the Daz Freebies page. It changes every few weeks with different items.
Can you really use genesis 2 items on genesis 3 figures?
Clothes and hair, yes. Morphs, poses and texture sets, no - at least not without the purchase of more products to make it happen. The two products suggested by seeker273 are definitely worth having as they make the conversion of clothing from Genesis 2 to 3 look a little better with the clothing.
Laurie
Each generation has its own strengths:
Genesis 1: can use clothing, morphs, items interchangeably between genders. This is the best version for monsters as well - because the monsters can also use the clothing (and be made female). Also easily uses V4 textures by just changing the UV on the Surfaces tab to Victoria 4.
Genesis 2: Split into separate genders. Higher polygons, more detail, better posing than Genesis 1. Can't use G1 or V4/M4 clothing/textures/morphs without converters. Has asymmetric (left/right) morphs for more realistic characters.
Genesis 3: Lower polygons than G2 (less detail), fewer left/right morphs as well. Improved posing and expressions. Iray ready. Different UV maps means that you need special converters (beyond the G2/G1/V4 clones) to use old textures.
I personally chose not to invest in Genesis 3 for a couple of reasons: (1) I have already heavily invested in G1/G2 and they suit my needs just fine. (2) I don't feel that the changes in G3 were significant enough to warrant purchasing everything again (which is pretty expensive). There's a whole discussion out there about G2 vs. G3 and how many people elected not to purchase G3. (3) There aren't too many characters out there that I really like because I have so many others that satisfy my needs.
Advice for a newcomer:
All that being said, it's best for a newcomer to invest in the most current character (G3) because you are getting the newest technology. You will need to purchase a number of backwards compatible products to make full use of it.
As far as the G1 morphs you purchased: Before returning this item, do a search of G1 characters. If you find some that you really like and they require the morphs, then you can buy them. There have been times when I returned something only to repurchase it later. If you got a great deal on it, go ahead and keep it.
I think the most versatile approach is to make use of all three generations. Chose one to invest in (G3) but don't ignore G1 or G2 - there are some really cool characters out there. I have found that the faces for V5/M5 are great to build characters from - they have wonderful features. Plus, the older the characters, the steeper the discounts. When you learn to play with the surfaces you can make all of them look really good.
Also, the freebie advice is great. I have acquired lots of characters for free. Sort the list by Price Low to High and you will find freebies that don't show up in the Daz Freebies category. ShareCG is another place to go for freebies. Especially consider a Platinum Club membership - it does indeed pay for itself quickly. The sales at Daz3D stack, and smart shopping can gain you an amazing discount.
There was a freebie sale finder utility - darned if I can't remember what it was and I didn't bookmark it. If someone else has it, please clue us both in.
A few corrections:
Each Genesis includes autofit clones to use clothing from the previous generation; you need add-ons to go back more than one generation. G1 can use V4/M4/Kids4 textures; G2 can use V5 and M5 textures (but not other G1 UV sets). G2 & G3 also come with autofit clones to convert clothing between the male and female versions. Some clothes convert better than others -- footwear, skirts, dangling sleeves are more difficult; form-fitting clothes are the easiest.
Genesis 2 includes Iray texture presets also.
There are paid products to expand usability across different generations.
Personally, I use Genesis 1 99% of the time, although I have bought a lot of Genesis 3 content. I skipped Genesis 2 because I really hated V6, much too skinny.
Thanks for the corrections, Fixmypcmike.
More than half my characters are Genesis - and I am still happy with them. I don't see why I have to spend lots of money on a new generation just because it's there. I don't upgrade my cell phone every time a new one comes out, either.
When Genesis 4 comes out I will take a close look at it - if there are significant changes I may buy it. But it really takes a least a year for enough products to come out to make a generation really useful, so I won't be jumping towards it like a new iPhone.
Step one, join the PC Club. You get $12 of coupons a month, and discounts beyond what other people get, particularly in sales. You easily get your PC+ membership costs back- more than back! Do keep an eye on products that will convert one generation to others, for example, you may want to put a Genesis 2 material (skin) on a Genesis 3 figure and use their morphs. Really expands your opportunities. And have fun!
Can you explain the add ons further? Also if I buy the fairy wings for Genesis 2, can it work on Victoria 7? Thanks for replying :)
Do I have to get these just to be able to fit Genesis 2 clothes on Genesis 3 figures? There are some cool Genesis 2 outfits that I like but I thought Genesis 3 already has an a built in autofit? Thanks
By default, Genesis 3 Female can autofit clothing from Genesis 2 Female and Genesis 3 Male. Wear Them All adds Genesis 1, Genesis 2 Male, V4, and M4. The Ultra Templates give better fits for certain types of clothing, like long dresses.
Yes, Genesis 3 does include the ability to autofit Genesis 2 items...but those items linked above are improvements over the basic autofit.