Commissioning a Fursuit-Tips!
If you'd like to watch our episode on this topic, go here!
Episode 4-Commissioning A Fursuit
Episode 4-Commissioning A Fursuit
If you decide you can't, or don't want to make your own fursuit. What is your option? To hire a professional Fursuit Maker! Our fandom has Hundreds of extremely talented people who bring characters to life. Choosing a maker is hard, and sometimes a long wait. But it's always worth it! Here are some tips and tricks to remember when you decide it's time to commission your own Fursuit!
Always Remember kids, You Get What You Pay For! Don't be cheap with them! Save up, it's worth it!
Before even thinking about getting a fursuit, BE SURE YOU HAVE THE MONEY. Also, you must be 18 or older to order yourself, if you are younger than 18, a parent or guardian must email for you (Even then, some makers still will not accept a commission for a minor, check their TOS. In fact, just read their TOS before considering). Because of the amount of money involved, All fursuit makers do Not work with minors. If you are under 18 and you cannot have someone help you, start saving up money and wait! Working hard for it makes it so much more worth it!
Also another useful tip. Fursuits are NOT a necessity. You do not need them to live. They are a luxury item. If you cannot afford one, DO NOT BUY ONE. Pay for life items like rent, food, bills, etc before even thinking of getting a fursuit. Check your finances first! You don't need a fursuit to be a furry!
To Start, Do Your Research!! Don't go with someone just because they are a big name, don't go for brand, or because they're prices are super cheap. Go for the look and style! Pick a style you want and that you know you'll be happy with for years to come! Think about your character and it's personality. Look at the makers newer works and think will my character look good? Do I like the face structures? Look at Everything! Carefully inspect their previous works and think about what your character may look like. Another Really great idea is to contact previous customers. Send them an email or note, this conversation should be private just in case. Ask them about their experience with the maker. What were the pros and cons? Did their fursuit turn out like they wanted? How was the customer service? Wait time? Etc. Ask them any questions you may want to know. Almost all previous customers of makers will tell you their experiences. You can also search around for fursuit review pages.
After doing lots of research, pick 2 or 3 of your favorite makers (Or just one if you are certain!), and if they are accepting them at the time, ask for a quote! (PLEASE Read the makers Terms of Service before sending in. This is very important!) Before sending in, check their profiles and/or websites and see if they have base prices listed, or if they are open or closed for new quotes/projects. Just in case they do not accept quotes at that time. If they are accepting quote emails, send one in! Or simply wait for the next opening. Fursuit makers are highly in demand, please be patient with them. Remember, they are human too, not factories!
When emailing them, include ANY AND ALL information you feel you need too. Remember, this will be YOUR fursuit and you need to think about every feature you want. If you want certain colors, textures, padding, style, toony or realistic or following eyes, moving jaw or static, etc. It needs to be mentioned at this time. This way the maker can carefully analyze and think about what you're wanting for an accurate quote. If you have a deadline in mind, be sure to mention it, but know most makers do not do deadlines, but it can be mentioned, they will let you know if the deadline is reasonable. Also be sure to have a Detailed Reference Sheet attached to your email. Always include a reference sheet, unless you are getting an artistic liberty fursuit, Always include your ref sheet. Make sure it is a detailed, 2 or 3 view ref. Do not just send random art. And of course, please, oh please, do not steal someone else's reference sheet for your own fursuit. That is character theft, it is wrong, and it is rude. Make your own fursona, special to you. It makes the character and fursuit so much more special!
Once you have gotten an estimate price or quote from each of your chosen makers, then it's thinking time! Look at the prices: Can I afford it? Is it a good price for the experiences and quality I learned of? Will I enjoy this style? Etc. Think hard about this, take your time! You will be spending lots and trusting this maker with your character, and you will want to enjoy it for years to come! Take as much time as you need to think about this (If time is a factor, then be sure to think about things before even sending in).
Also remember, fursuit makers charge what they feel their art is worth. Do Not email them telling them their prices are unfair. It makes them not want to work with you (And remember, fursuit makers talk! They can put out a beware! So be polite!). If you do not like your quoted price, go to another maker. Do not insult any maker by belittling their prices and work.
Once a maker is chosen, email them back to accept the quote and let them know you're wanting to go with them. Be polite, and let the other makers know that you will not be buying from them in the nicest way possible. So that you do not leave them hanging. Also please note, all makers require a material cost down payment to get you onto their queue, make sure this payment is ready (they normally let you know the amount in the quote email) to send to them right away. Once your payment has cleared they will mail you and you are on their queue! You and the maker can work out future payment plans. Now is the waiting game! Please remember to always be kind and patient with your makers. What they do is hard work that takes weeks to complete. If your wait time is long, or your deadline is missed, politely email them and discuss any issues with them calmly. Fursuit makers Do Not like rude and demanding customers. They are Not Factories. They are people making beautiful wearable art. Please treat them with respect. If you have a long queue time, send the maker a polite email every now and then asking about your spot and what not. Include polite things like "How are you?" "Hope you are well", etc. Don't just email demanding answers. As long as you are polite, and stay on top of your payments, working with fursuit makers is great, and they will much more enjoy you as a customer!
With that said, ALWAYS KEEP UP ON YOUR PAYMENTS. For many fursuit makers, this is their living, it's how they buy food, rent, and pay bills. You missing a payment could put them in a bad place. If for an emergency reason you need to extend a payment, let them know as soon as possible and explain as much as you wish too, but do not just leave them hanging waiting. Keep them informed. Otherwise, keep up on your payments and email them when a new one is sent.
Once your turn on the queue arrives, the maker will email you and let you know it's your turn! You then will be asked to send either measurements, or a "Duct Tape Dummy"(DTD). Most makers use these, and you MUST be sure it is made correctly! Anything wrong with it could result in having the maker request a new one, or your suit not fitting properly. So take your time, have someone help you, and do it correctly. You also could look online, or on FurAffiinty for tutorials on DTDs. For masks they always ask for measurements, be sure they are triple checked, and done correctly! Especially if the mask will have a moving jaw. Most makers have diagrams they send. Remember, any measurements done wrong results in your fursuit not fitting correctly. And if this happens the maker is NOT at fault! It is your own fault, so please do them correctly. For paws they ask for measurements or tracings for hands. And for feet paws they ask for shoe size, measurements, or even for you to mail a pair of shoes to them. Each maker has their own rules for these, be sure to ask about them if they do not specify!
Once the maker has what they need, construction begins! Most makers send WIP photos. When you get these, be sure to carefully inspect each photo and/or video as much as possible before responding. Make sure you love everything about it! Anything you want changed? Now is the time to mention it! Don't just go with it and then complain later. All makers will work with you, so be honest and make sure you are 100% happy with the WIP before telling them to continue.
Once construction is complete, some makers will privately email you completed photos of your fursuit for you to see first. Others may post onto a page or website for you to come and find! After looking at your photos and/or videos, send the maker a thankful email. Be sure to give them your shipping address again if they have not asked for it to confirm.
When the suit arrives, it's excitement time!! After opening everything, before mailing the maker, carefully inspect each piece of your suit. Look at everything. Make sure everything came to you in prime condition. No holes, shaved evenly, etc. Be sure to try on everything as well before mailing them. Once you have inspected it, and tried it on, email your maker and let them know how they did! Tell them thank you, send photos and videos (Makers LOVE seeing happy customers!) and tell them of any issues if there were any. Otherwise, praise them, their work, and thank them. They worked hard on this for you! Please never forget that!
Now, go out and enjoy your new fursuit!!
Always Remember kids, You Get What You Pay For! Don't be cheap with them! Save up, it's worth it!
Before even thinking about getting a fursuit, BE SURE YOU HAVE THE MONEY. Also, you must be 18 or older to order yourself, if you are younger than 18, a parent or guardian must email for you (Even then, some makers still will not accept a commission for a minor, check their TOS. In fact, just read their TOS before considering). Because of the amount of money involved, All fursuit makers do Not work with minors. If you are under 18 and you cannot have someone help you, start saving up money and wait! Working hard for it makes it so much more worth it!
Also another useful tip. Fursuits are NOT a necessity. You do not need them to live. They are a luxury item. If you cannot afford one, DO NOT BUY ONE. Pay for life items like rent, food, bills, etc before even thinking of getting a fursuit. Check your finances first! You don't need a fursuit to be a furry!
To Start, Do Your Research!! Don't go with someone just because they are a big name, don't go for brand, or because they're prices are super cheap. Go for the look and style! Pick a style you want and that you know you'll be happy with for years to come! Think about your character and it's personality. Look at the makers newer works and think will my character look good? Do I like the face structures? Look at Everything! Carefully inspect their previous works and think about what your character may look like. Another Really great idea is to contact previous customers. Send them an email or note, this conversation should be private just in case. Ask them about their experience with the maker. What were the pros and cons? Did their fursuit turn out like they wanted? How was the customer service? Wait time? Etc. Ask them any questions you may want to know. Almost all previous customers of makers will tell you their experiences. You can also search around for fursuit review pages.
After doing lots of research, pick 2 or 3 of your favorite makers (Or just one if you are certain!), and if they are accepting them at the time, ask for a quote! (PLEASE Read the makers Terms of Service before sending in. This is very important!) Before sending in, check their profiles and/or websites and see if they have base prices listed, or if they are open or closed for new quotes/projects. Just in case they do not accept quotes at that time. If they are accepting quote emails, send one in! Or simply wait for the next opening. Fursuit makers are highly in demand, please be patient with them. Remember, they are human too, not factories!
When emailing them, include ANY AND ALL information you feel you need too. Remember, this will be YOUR fursuit and you need to think about every feature you want. If you want certain colors, textures, padding, style, toony or realistic or following eyes, moving jaw or static, etc. It needs to be mentioned at this time. This way the maker can carefully analyze and think about what you're wanting for an accurate quote. If you have a deadline in mind, be sure to mention it, but know most makers do not do deadlines, but it can be mentioned, they will let you know if the deadline is reasonable. Also be sure to have a Detailed Reference Sheet attached to your email. Always include a reference sheet, unless you are getting an artistic liberty fursuit, Always include your ref sheet. Make sure it is a detailed, 2 or 3 view ref. Do not just send random art. And of course, please, oh please, do not steal someone else's reference sheet for your own fursuit. That is character theft, it is wrong, and it is rude. Make your own fursona, special to you. It makes the character and fursuit so much more special!
Once you have gotten an estimate price or quote from each of your chosen makers, then it's thinking time! Look at the prices: Can I afford it? Is it a good price for the experiences and quality I learned of? Will I enjoy this style? Etc. Think hard about this, take your time! You will be spending lots and trusting this maker with your character, and you will want to enjoy it for years to come! Take as much time as you need to think about this (If time is a factor, then be sure to think about things before even sending in).
Also remember, fursuit makers charge what they feel their art is worth. Do Not email them telling them their prices are unfair. It makes them not want to work with you (And remember, fursuit makers talk! They can put out a beware! So be polite!). If you do not like your quoted price, go to another maker. Do not insult any maker by belittling their prices and work.
Once a maker is chosen, email them back to accept the quote and let them know you're wanting to go with them. Be polite, and let the other makers know that you will not be buying from them in the nicest way possible. So that you do not leave them hanging. Also please note, all makers require a material cost down payment to get you onto their queue, make sure this payment is ready (they normally let you know the amount in the quote email) to send to them right away. Once your payment has cleared they will mail you and you are on their queue! You and the maker can work out future payment plans. Now is the waiting game! Please remember to always be kind and patient with your makers. What they do is hard work that takes weeks to complete. If your wait time is long, or your deadline is missed, politely email them and discuss any issues with them calmly. Fursuit makers Do Not like rude and demanding customers. They are Not Factories. They are people making beautiful wearable art. Please treat them with respect. If you have a long queue time, send the maker a polite email every now and then asking about your spot and what not. Include polite things like "How are you?" "Hope you are well", etc. Don't just email demanding answers. As long as you are polite, and stay on top of your payments, working with fursuit makers is great, and they will much more enjoy you as a customer!
With that said, ALWAYS KEEP UP ON YOUR PAYMENTS. For many fursuit makers, this is their living, it's how they buy food, rent, and pay bills. You missing a payment could put them in a bad place. If for an emergency reason you need to extend a payment, let them know as soon as possible and explain as much as you wish too, but do not just leave them hanging waiting. Keep them informed. Otherwise, keep up on your payments and email them when a new one is sent.
Once your turn on the queue arrives, the maker will email you and let you know it's your turn! You then will be asked to send either measurements, or a "Duct Tape Dummy"(DTD). Most makers use these, and you MUST be sure it is made correctly! Anything wrong with it could result in having the maker request a new one, or your suit not fitting properly. So take your time, have someone help you, and do it correctly. You also could look online, or on FurAffiinty for tutorials on DTDs. For masks they always ask for measurements, be sure they are triple checked, and done correctly! Especially if the mask will have a moving jaw. Most makers have diagrams they send. Remember, any measurements done wrong results in your fursuit not fitting correctly. And if this happens the maker is NOT at fault! It is your own fault, so please do them correctly. For paws they ask for measurements or tracings for hands. And for feet paws they ask for shoe size, measurements, or even for you to mail a pair of shoes to them. Each maker has their own rules for these, be sure to ask about them if they do not specify!
Once the maker has what they need, construction begins! Most makers send WIP photos. When you get these, be sure to carefully inspect each photo and/or video as much as possible before responding. Make sure you love everything about it! Anything you want changed? Now is the time to mention it! Don't just go with it and then complain later. All makers will work with you, so be honest and make sure you are 100% happy with the WIP before telling them to continue.
Once construction is complete, some makers will privately email you completed photos of your fursuit for you to see first. Others may post onto a page or website for you to come and find! After looking at your photos and/or videos, send the maker a thankful email. Be sure to give them your shipping address again if they have not asked for it to confirm.
When the suit arrives, it's excitement time!! After opening everything, before mailing the maker, carefully inspect each piece of your suit. Look at everything. Make sure everything came to you in prime condition. No holes, shaved evenly, etc. Be sure to try on everything as well before mailing them. Once you have inspected it, and tried it on, email your maker and let them know how they did! Tell them thank you, send photos and videos (Makers LOVE seeing happy customers!) and tell them of any issues if there were any. Otherwise, praise them, their work, and thank them. They worked hard on this for you! Please never forget that!
Now, go out and enjoy your new fursuit!!