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Welcome to Jess E. Owen, author of noblebright fantasy, and optimistic contemporary Young Adult writing (as Jessica Kara), whose book A Furry Faux Paw caught the notice of Dogpatch Press with a 2022 Ursa Major Award for Best Novel. It’s the story of a teen girl artist with a hoarder mom, facing isolation and family complication with the promise of a forbidden trip to a furry con. It stood out for reaching outside a typical insider science fiction/fantasy audience, with gateway appeal by using fandom as a setting for character building. It stood out even more as a furry teen story in the face of conservative backlash at books. A Furry Faux Paw was seen on a mainstream channel, before it was obvious that she was a furry insider — that’s well-rounded exposure! In fact, she laughed about her pen name maybe being too successful at separation from her best known fantasy series starring gryfon characters, The Summer King Chronicles. Here’s a creator worth interviewing about how her work gets around, one you might see soon at Anthrocon 2024.

(Dogpatch Press:) Let’s start with your background in writing and genre. Would you say you started as a furry writer, or just a writer?

I think I’ve always had a furry vibe before it was intentional; back in my mIRC days I was ‘Lyoness’ in my teen chat group and I think half of us had fursonas without realizing there was a whole subculture already happening. So I’m definitely in the furry community even if I don’t have an official gryfon-sona character or a ref sheet or anything. I think most people who know me consider me part of the birb/avian sector of the fandom.

As far as writing, when I came up with the concept of my fantasy series, The Summer King Chronicles, it was before I was really aware of furry as a whole community so I was really writing in more of the mainstream ‘animal fiction’ tradition of Watership Down, The Lion King, and Meredith Ann Pierce’s Firebringer trilogy (even though we can just call those furry, too! Tomato, to-mah-to, and all that). However, a friend made me aware of the Ursa Majors back in 2014 so I threw my hat in the ring with my eligible novel, Skyfire, the second book in The Summer King Chronicles. I won the Ursa for best novel that year, which caught the attention of other writers in the fandom, and I have been immersed in the community ever since. I’ve published short stories in a couple of fandom anthologies as well.

So to answer your question–yes! I call myself just a writer and a furry writer, and my books have crossover appeal for mainstream YA audiences and furry readers alike.

While you’re earning awards and appeal, how are things going as a career?

If the question is, can I quit my day job yet, the answer is no– but I consider it my actual career, and this true for a lot of writers. I’m happy with the books I’m putting out, I’m thrilled to have gotten a traditional book deal for my contemporary novels, and I’m in it for the long haul. I have a million stories to tell and I’m just hoping to get most of them out before I shuffle off this mortal coil. If money follows eventually, that would be nice. Some stories will continue to appeal to furry readers, some will be mainstream, who knows what else; I cannot be contained, someone stop me! (Just kidding).

I’m juggling day jobs, family, and multiple writing projects as well as marketing and pushing other creative ideas–I run a Patreon, I’m creating a graphic novel of Song of the Summer King with an artist, as well as audiobooks of the series, so I just try to keep all the pots stirred. Someday I hope for a tipping point when I’m making more than I’m spending, or at least enough to fund all my ideas.

Can you talk about your recent work, and the process of crossing outside of fandom with YA writing?

The most recent book I’ve published is Don’t Ask If I’m Okay, a contemporary YA with no furry ties except it was the second of my contractual obligations with Page Street YA, who published A Furry Faux Paw (AFFP)– so let’s talk about AFFP, a book about furries, for furries, picked up by a mainstream traditional publisher

How did I go from writing fantasy to writing contemporary? Once I was immersed in the fandom I fell in love with the creative community and I started getting this idea to write a novel about . . . a furry. A person who is a furry, not “furry fiction.” I write primarily for kids and teens, and so the story happened in my mind that way–a teen in the furry fandom. Usually I’m a die-hard fantasy writer but all the people I was meeting and all the different stories I saw inspired a more realistic story, of a realistic teen, overcoming realistic teen obstacles.

I knew Maeve/Mauve would be a teen artist in the fandom, but it couldn’t just be about that, so the friction and plot came when I decided her mother was a hoarder, and the fandom and Maeve’s artwork were one way she distanced herself from her mother’s struggles and found her identity, and solace. So the idea developed that she’s going to attempt to break away from her mother, runs away to her first furcon, and her coming-of-age and my love letter to the fandom ensues! An agent loved it, so did an editor at Page Street YA, so that book was my first foray into traditional publishing.

My agent coined the term ‘tragi-cozy’ for my contemporary work. I definitely go for a Studio Ghibli vibe where even when difficult things are happening, there are beautiful things, friendship, and a life worth living. So while Maeve has a hard row to hoe, the book itself is cozy and mostly heartwarming and a nice little escape from the daily grind.

What reactions has A Furry Faux Paw gotten, both in general and inside fandom?

Positive reactions in general! The curious normies who have picked it up seem to come away with a better understanding of the fandom, and Maeve’s struggle with her mother garners a pretty universal emotional, empathetic response. Most furries seem to see it as a fun frolic through an accurately painted furcon, even if Maeve’s adventure doesn’t involve some issues specific to fandom and conventions (again, the fandom is not the actual focus of the story, but a loving backdrop). I’ve gotten reviews and letters from furries expressing their joy at my depiction of the fandom, and seeing themselves reflected in the pages, which was my whole goal.

I’ve had only one negative email which implies I glossed over the darker parts of the fandom and actually suggested that the book was dangerous for portraying too sunny of a picture and should be pulled from publication. (I found that pretty shocking and have not answered them). I get the sense this isn’t someone from “outside,” but someone who had a terrible experience within the fandom, which unfortunately does happen–but it happens with all groups of humans whether it’s a fandom, church, or school–not just furries. To expect a single novel to cover every base is a tall order. The novel is also from the point of view of a girl whose experience has been mostly positive, so it would be hard to address ‘everything’ without it becoming a very different book.

The book is not an exposé on the fandom, nor is it intended to explain everything about it or point a light into dark corners. It’s one (fictional) character’s (fictional) experience. It is, perhaps, a Hallmark version of the fandom, but I have personally had a positive experience overall, and I think it’s okay to reflect that. Anyone interested in researching the community further has plenty of resources at their disposal. I think we can agree the furry community has had its (un)fair share of negative press already, so I flipped the narrative.

My hope would be that if a young person is interested in the community, this book could be a lighthearted way to introduce friends and family to the positive aspects, and could open the way for conversations about how to conduct yourself and be safe in a larger community.

What’s it like to work with an agent, and how has the book sold?

Like having a writing buddy, cheerleader, and professional advocate all in one! My awesome agent, unfortunately, has decided to leave the publishing business for personal reasons, but she got me my first traditional book deal and helped me navigate some of the questions around book contracts, authors’ rights, marketing, and so on. It’s like having a go-to publishing reference because they only succeed when you succeed, so your best interests are also theirs. My agent was “editorial” in that she liked to read and make comments and suggestions on my manuscripts before sending them on submission; not every agent does that. It depends on their work style, and the writer. It was good for me because she knew the market very well and it was my first dive into writing contemporary fiction, so I valued her insight and market knowledge.

About sales numbers for AFFP; I will say sales are about ‘as expected’ for a YA contemporary without becoming a bestseller or allowing me to quit my day job. Page Street is a smaller press, so while they’re distributed by Macmillan and have vastly more reach than I would on my own, AFFP is still a niche book so it hasn’t surprised anyone with sales numbers either good or bad. My hope is that it’s still relatively unheard of and will continue to gain traction both inside the fandom and out. A few of my subrights have reverted back to me so I will be working on an audio version as well, which I’m very excited about, and I continue to push the book on my own!

You have some fun news about Anthrocon… and how else can people find you and your work?

YES! This is the year I will finally make it to Anthrocon! I’ve been to Midwest Furfest and Texas Furry Fiesta multiple times, and a couple of smaller (now defunct, sadly) cons, but this will be my first time hitting the east coast! I’ll be bringing plenty of copies of AFFP as well as my gryfon books and HOPEFULLY the much-anticipated second book in The Dragon Star Saga, Shadow Sun. I hope to see lots of folks there.

If people want to get a jump on reading, they can find my books pretty much wherever books are sold, or request them at your local library. More about my fantasy series here: www.jessowen.com, and my contemporary novels here: www.authorjessicakara.com.

Like the article? These take hard work. For more free furry news, follow on Twitter or support not-for-profit Dogpatch Press on Patreon. Want to get involved? Try these subreddits: r/furrydiscuss for news or r/waginheaven for the best of the community. Or send guest writing here. (Content Policy.)

文／伊爾、藍風　編輯／艾倫德、傑克、涯軒宇

繼人外獸人ONLY、獸摩莎之後，新創的主辦單位BeastAges、協辦單位台灣毛毛文化交流協會，1/27號在高雄市苓雅運動中心舉辦「BeastAges 獸人/人外向Only」活動販售會。販售會共吸引72個社團攤位參與，在現場販售包括吊飾、服裝、書籍等多種原創及同人周邊商品，吸引許多參加者到場以消費來支持創作者。

本次販售會活動場地。 圖／瓦克提供 活動場地外人潮排隊情形。 圖／官方提供

本次活動是台灣南部首場以獸人與人外取向主題的販售會。BeastAges的負責人之一虎皮 ，在接受採訪時分享了他舉辦活動的初心：大多數與獸文化相關的活動都傾向於在北部舉行，這對於居住在其他縣市的參與者來說，意味著他們需要負擔相對應的交通和住宿費用。居住在高雄的虎皮亦表示，希望能在自己的家鄉舉辦獸迷販售會，讓更多的獸迷們能夠在南部參與販售會；也秉持和以茶會毛相同的理念，讓外縣市的獸迷們可以借此機會體驗和享受高雄的生活風情。

販售會現場許多獸迷正排隊購買商品。 圖／官方提供

虎皮與獅子也強調這次活動的攤位規劃和動線布局都經過細心安排，希望讓參加者跟攤主都能感到舒適。攤位「Banana May Meow」的創作者芭蕉表示他為這次活動準備了10項商品，並對銷售結果感到滿意，也讚賞主辦單位在活動前的宣傳工作，以及銷售場地的寬敞布局、良好的動線規劃和空氣流通。然而，芭蕉對於場內禁止飲食的規定表示略感遺憾。

另一攤位「斜咖尼斯好快樂」的攤主阿狗，則對於本次活動的銷售成績感到意外地滿意。他表示，儘管販售的都是既品，但銷量遠超出預期，也遇到許多來自南部的朋友前來支持。攤主竹本嵐對於南部獸文化相關活動的前景持樂觀態度，並表示如果未來有機會再度舉辦，他會有興趣再次參加。

現場販售商品眾多，如書籍、服飾等商品。圖／官方 (上圖)、肯尼 (下圖) 提供

這次BeastAges開放讓獸裝扮演者穿上獸裝參加，不過由於場地大小的限制，官方僅抽選出33位扮演者開放在會場內進行活動。獸裝扮演者之一的雷奧對於在南部首次舉辦此類活動表示肯定。不過他提到現場冷氣似乎不夠強，建議主辦方可以準備更多的工業用電風扇和提供飲水，來確保獸裝扮演者的舒適度，也認為可以安排一個專門的時段讓扮演者合影。

另一位扮演者傻瑟則表示，換裝場所本身沒有問題，但是現場的廣播似乎聽不大清楚。他表示未來可以將活動的開始與結束時間明確列在場刊上，讓參加者能夠更清楚地安排自己的行程。

除了獸裝扮演者外，來自台中的參加者鬼喵表示，他認為相比於北部的類似活動，這次BeastAges在場地選擇、現場秩序等方面都更為出色。鬼喵也特別提到，這次場地建築外側有屋簷為排隊等候的參加者提供遮陽，對於在外面排隊的參加者來說也更加友善。

官方所提供給參加販售會的獸裝扮演者識別證。圖／官方提供 現場獸裝扮演者站在官方主視覺布幕前合照。 圖／祥狼提供 現場參加者與獸裝扮演者互動熱烈。 圖／肯尼提供

對於活動能順利舉辦，虎皮表示特別感謝所有志工和參加者的支持，讓販售會能順利成功。另外，他也感謝協辦單位台灣毛毛文化交流協會的理事長——冰羽貓對活動的大力協助。至於未來是否會再次舉辦類似的販售會，虎皮表示未來如果再度舉辦，會計劃在1到2月份進行，也將尋找更加適合的地點並對提供設施進行改善，例如獸裝扮演者更衣室和安排大合照活動。最後，主辦方也計劃在招募擺攤的社團時更加注重多元性，不管是母獸、人外等等，讓獸文化的特殊性能夠更好的發展。

Sometimes we can’t believe the stuff we get to write about here… Things like The Adventures of Cthulhu Jr. and Friends, a new “all ages” graphic novel from Source Point Press. “A wannabe supervillain has to capture the son of Cthulhu (who just happened to move in across the street for the summer) in order to be admitted into the League of E.V.I.L. Hilarity, hijinks, and, yes, even a little (all-ages appropriate) horror ensues as the ‘dastardly’ villain starts to realize that perhaps his priorities are misaligned… unlike the stars, which are entering their proper alignment for the return of The Great Evil One!” Told you. It’s available now, written by Dirk Manning, with art by Scoot McMahon and Sean Burres. Oh, and there’s a Cthulhu Jr. plushie available too!

image c. 2024 Source Point Press

Furry party rooms in HK. ---- Social Media: Official FABP Twitter: https://twitter.com/foxandburger Michael: https://twitter.com/foxnakh https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9xoFQrxFTNPMjmXfUg2cg Burger: https://twitter.com/L1ghtningRunner

Less serious stuff, for younger readers (mostly). It’s the Bigfoot and Nessie series of hardcover graphic novels, written by Chelsea M. Campbell and illustrated by Laura Knetzger. Volume one is The Art of Getting Noticed. “Meet Bigfoot and Nessie! Yes, that Bigfoot and Nessie. Only…Well, things are a little complicated right now. Bigfoot is having trouble fitting in with his family. He can never quite manage to get himself into the picture, much to the disappointment of his mom, dad, and sister, who always want to be in the spotlight. When he meets Nessie, who’s equally desperate to get away from the cameras, he begins to ask himself the ultimate question: What’s the price of fame after all?” Volume two, The Haunting of Loch Ness Castle, is also available now from Penguin.

image c. 2024 Penguin Workshop

Abbey takes the stage for his very own episode and draws various ideas sent in by the viewers! See more at: http://www.TheRaccoonsDen.com Abbey on DeviantArt: https://www.deviantart.com/nim303 GoFundMe for Mark Merlino (Sy Sable): https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-true-fandom-original FACEBOOK: http://www.Facebook.com/TheRaccoonsDen TWITTER/X: http://www.Twitter.com/TheRaccoonsDen FURAFFINITY: http://www.FurAffinity.net/user/TheRaccoonsDen INSTAGRAM: http://www.Instagram.com/TheRaccoonsDen TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@theraccoonsden -------------------- MUSIC BY: E Royale: https://www.auralalliance.page/artist/eroyale MP Special: https://soundcloud.com/oiseaublizzard Aki Tanuki: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW_Izh5Cbgp6regPR9_ra1Q Ian Martyn: https://www.auralalliance.page/artist/ianmartyn Rhythm Bastard: http://rhythmbastard.bandcamp.com For All: https://forall.rocks/ #TheRaccoonsDen #TRDs9 #ArtChallenge

MOOBARKFLUFF! Click here to send us a comment or message about the show!

Moobarkfluff!  Taebyn, Bearly and Rayne are in studio discussing all sorts of random things.  We get the last of the catfurmations; Taebyn gets off the rails a lot this episode; we play some This or That, discuss upcoming events and annual award nominations.  Taebyn reads a Denny and Penny story that is a little odd,  And we take our final trip to the Transfurmation Station only to find Wallaby Socks has taken over. So tune in and pup out! Moobarkfluff all you furs! 

 Taebyn YouTube 

Taebyn Merch at Fourthwall 

 Wild Bills Soda 

Merch at Redbubble 

Merch at Bonfire 

Merch at Fourthwall 

This podcast contains adult language and adult topics. It is rated M for Mature. Listener discretion is advised.

Support the show

Thanks to all our listeners and to our staff: Bearly Normal, Rayne Raccoon, Taebyn, Cheetaro, TickTock, and Ziggy the Meme Weasel.

You can send us a message on Telegram at BFFT Chat, or via email at: bearlyfurcasting@gmail.com

Bearly Furcasting S4E42 - Life Furry

Ursa art by Foxenawolf.

For over two decades, the Ursa Major Awards have recognized the furry fandom’s favorite creations every year. For the 2023 awards, anything with anthropomorphic animals is eligible to win by popular vote. Want your favorite works represented?

Go HERE to nominate, and don’t wait, the deadline is today (February 17)! 

There are fifteen categories (your input is only needed for ones you want to include): Best Motion Picture, Dramatic Short Work and Series, Novel, Short Fiction, Comic, Magazine, Illustration, Game, Website, Fursuit, Music, and more.

You can reference the Ursa website’s 2023 Recommended Anthropomorphics List, but that’s not all. The list only has what some fans submitted. There’s much more furry stuff in the world, and anything you can possibly think of inside or outside the fandom can be nominated if it was made in 2023. After nominations close, voting will be open from March 1 to March 31.

The awards are run by volunteers of the ALAA. Please consider donating to support their service via paypal@ursamajorawards.org.

__________________________________________

6th Annual Good Furry Awards open for nominations.

Starting in 2019, the Good Furry Award has been recognizing fan-nominated furries for outstanding community spirit. Nominations are now open for whoever you feel deserves recognition.

Nominate HERE via the updated page.

This year there’s a difference, and instead of just one award, there will now be 3:

• The Image Award is for furries who give the fandom a positive image through videos, podcasts, vlogs, documentaries, websites, and other social media.
• The Good Egg Award is for furries who do good deeds for individuals, animals, organizations, or the community.
• The Furtastic Award is for furries who are excellent at other things not easily categorized as the above two and so is a catch-all for general pawsomeness.

Nominations will be open through September 1, 2024. (The timeframe is a little different this year, too.) There will be another Lifetime Achievement Award (3rd year running). Because there are now several awards, payment is phased out and winners will get a very handsome trophy and lots of furry love, as promised by founder Papabear Grubbs Grizzly of Uncle Bear Publishing.

Like the article? These take hard work. For more free furry news, follow on Twitter or support not-for-profit Dogpatch Press on Patreon. Want to get involved? Try these subreddits: r/furrydiscuss for news or r/waginheaven for the best of the community. Or send guest writing here. (Content Policy.)

Is he more shark or cat? Find out as we take a brief dive into Cocoshark. ---- Timestamps: 00:00 Teaser 00:37 Intro 01:16 Meet Cocoshark 02:26 Furry origins 05:19 More about Cocosharks 09:16 Small town vs Big city Korea 12:48 Coconut talk 14:24 Artistic transformation 16:13 Drawing semi-toony furries 19:17 Artistic inspiration 22:02 Coco’s favorite conventions 26:37 Comics are hard 29:21 Advice for aspiring artists 30:37 Social media shoutout 32:45 Outro ---- Social Media: Official FABP Twitter: https://twitter.com/foxandburger Michael: https://twitter.com/foxnakh https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9xoFQrxFTNPMjmXfUg2cg Burger: https://twitter.com/L1ghtningRunner Cocoshark: https://twitter.com/yewonlee1999 https://twitter.com/Qundium https://www.furaffinity.net/user/qundium/ https://www.patreon.com/qundium ---- Footage Credit: https://twitter.com/yewonlee1999/media https://twitter.com/Qundium https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10191-how-to-train-your-dragon/images/posters https://twitter.com/phantomx112/status/1751121634558173666 Other pictures and video provided by Pixabay, and guest’s and host’s personal footage. Intro/Outro Music: WatR - Fluid ---- The Fox and Burger Podcast is one segment of our production house, Fox and Burger Productions. The podcast’s goal is twofold: 1, to know more about the Asian furry fandom; and 2, compare and contrast the Asian fandom with the Western one. If you have a guest that you would like to see on the show, please PM us! We will also take questions for our guests, so don’t miss this opportunity to know some amazing furs.

Cartoonist and illustrator Jed McGowan has created their first graphic novel, My Life Among Humans. “A nameless alien data compiler comes to Earth to study humans, setting up shop on the outskirts of a small desert community in North America. Working under forced labor, it must watch humans in complete secrecy while sending regular reports to its manager back home. Using spore-like technology to read the minds of his hosts, the alien quickly takes a special interest in Will, one of his early subjects. That interest proves to be a problem when the alien is accidentally revealed to Will’s family and it takes desperate measures to save its own life.” Check it out now from Oni Press.

image c. 2024 Oni Press

A deceptively simple concept lies behind this new black & white illustrated book. “Always there to comfort and listen, stuffed animals provide a reassuring presence in many a childhood. With Toys Talking, acclaimed illustrator and author Leanne Shapton explores their inner lives, to reveal that their thoughts and feelings are just as complicated as our own. The concerns of these bunnies, bears, and ducks range from the mundane to the existential, and with each new pairing of character and text, we see a deeper portrait of their pensive, quiet world. Shapton holds a mirror to our own lives, to our insecurities and concerns, by revealing that the objects who comfort us have worries of their own.” See what we mean over at Drawn & Quarterly. Then go digging in your attic.

image c. 2024 Drawn & Quarterly

TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 14. Join the Discord Chat: https://discord.gg/SQ5QuRf For a full preview of events and for previous episodes, please visit http://www.tigertailsradio.co.uk. See website for full breakdown of song credits, which is usually updated shortly after the show. If you like what we do and wish to throw some pennies our way to support us, please consider sending a little tip our way. https://streamlabs.com/tigertailsradio/tip * Please note, tips are made to support TigerTails Radio and are assumed as made with good faith, so are therefore non-refundable. Thank you for your support and understanding.

1. Introduction
2. Mini Partial Fursuits
3. Regular Partial Fursuits
4. Three-Quarter Fursuits
5. Full Fursuits
6. Full Plantigrade Fursuits
7. Full Digitigrade Fursuits
8. Quad Fursuits
9. Common Fursuit Styles
10. Toony Fursuit Styles
11. Kemono Fursuit Styles
12. Kigurumi Fursuit Styles
13. Realistic Fursuit Styles
14. Choosing The Right Type Of Fursuit For You
15. Takeaway

Article Content

• What Is A Fursuit?
• What Are Fursuit Accessories?
• Furry Badge
• Ring
• Collar
• Piercings
• Props
• Name Tag
• Cooling Vest
• Where Can I Buy Fursuit Accessories?
• How Expensive Are Fursuit Accessories?

Introduction

Fursuits are more than just costumes. They are a way to show creativity and personal identity. But what types are there? This article looks closely at the different kinds of fursuits. You’ll see everything from full suits that cover your whole body to simpler partial suits.

 

It doesn’t matter if you already wear or are interested in fursuits. We will explain the many kinds of fursuits because each is a unique art piece.

Mini Partial Fursuits

Mini partial fursuits are a simpler type of fursuit. They usually include three parts: the head, hand paws, and tail. Each part is essential in creating the character’s look and feel.

 

The head is the main feature of these suits. It’s made with great care to show the character’s personality. The design focuses on things like the eyes, fur patterns, and the shape of the mouth. This makes sure the head shows the right emotions and traits.

 

Hand paws are another part of these suits. They cover just the hands, not the whole arm. It makes it easier to use your hands. The paws match the theme of the suit. The tail is the last part of a mini partial fursuit. It helps show the character’s mood and style. Tails can be of different shapes and sizes. Some are long; others are short. The tail is made to look good and work well.

 

Mini partial fursuits are a good choice for those new to fursuiting. They’re easier to wear, carry around, and look after. Many people like them because they’re a simple way to join in the fun of fursuiting. They’re as expressive as bigger suits but more practical.

Image of A Partial Fursuit

Image via FuzzButt Fursuits

Regular Partial Fursuits

Regular partial fursuits are a mix of full character look and easy handling. These suits consist of four parts: the head, the hand paws, the feet paws, and the tail. You can portray a character well with this mix, but it is still easy to handle compared to a full suit.

 

As with most fursuits, the head is the central point of a regular partial suit. It is intricately designed to represent the character’s facial features and expressions. The design is meticulous and detailed, so the head reflects the character’s unique personality.

 

Hand paws add to the character’s look. They can be simple for basic cover. Or they can have more detail like fingers, claws, and pads. These paws usually match the head’s style and colours. This creates a uniform look.

 

Feet Paws cover the wearer’s feet. They transform them into the character’s feet. Depending on which animal is depicted, they can be claws, hooves or padded toes. The paws are designed to be both aesthetic and functional. This allows the wearer to walk comfortably while maintaining the illusion of the character’s feet.

 

The tail is the final component that completes the regular partial fursuits. It varies greatly in size, shape, and length, depending on the species and style of the character. Tails add a dynamic element to the suit that enhances the overall portrayal of the character.

 

Regular partial fursuits are a common choice. They are practical for those who want to show their character without wearing a full suit. These suits are easy to wear and take off. They are comfortable for a long time. They are also easy to carry and look after. Still, they give a good level of character look and feel.

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Three-quarter fursuits offer something between a full suit and a partial suit. These suits include the head, the upper body (like arms and torso), part of the legs (usually up to the knees), hand paws, and a tail. They cover more than partial suits but less than full suits.

 

The head is the most crucial part of a three-quarter suit. It is made with great care to show the character’s personality. The creator’s skill and the wearer’s ideas come together in the head.

Example Of Three-Quarter Fursuit

Image via Facebook

This suit covers the torso and arms and features detailed fur matching the head. Sometimes, it has special things like wings or special marks. These are part of the character. The suit is made to look good and be easy to move in.

 

The legs are partly covered in these suits. This goes down to the knees. It gives a more complete look of an animal. At the same time, it is practical. It is suitable for warm places or when you need to move a lot. Like the rest of the suit, the leg part has detailed fur work.

 

Hand paws and a tail are also part of the suit. The paws are made for both looks and use. They often have detailed claws or pads. The tail can be of different sizes and shapes. It depends on what the character is like. 

 

Three-quarter fursuits are liked by many. They provide a middle ground between a partial and full suit, allowing the wearer to embody the character entirely. But they are also comfortable. This makes them great for wearing for a long time, like at events or shows.

Full Fursuits

Full fursuits are the heart of the fursuit world. They cover the entire body, from head to toe. This creates a full character look. They are about becoming the character in every detail.

 

Making a full suit is an art. Each one is unique, often made to order. Makers use various materials, like fake fur and special fabrics. These are chosen for looks and comfort. The process is detailed. It involves designing, sewing, and crafting by hand. It can take hundreds of hours to make a full fursuit. 

 

Full suits are loved for how they bring characters to life. You often see them at conventions. They are always a big attraction. Full fursuits come in different styles. Two main types are digitigrade and plantigrade leg styles.

 

Example Of A Full Plantigrade Fursuit

Image via Lemonbrat

Full Plantigrade Fursuits

Full plantigrade fursuits have legs like humans. This makes them look natural and relaxed. These suits are different from digitigrade suits. In plantigrade suits, the legs are straight. They are like how people stand and walk. 

 

Plantigrade fursuits are easy to move around in. Because the legs are human-like, it’s easier to walk and sit. This is why they are a popular choice for extended periods of use. People like to wear them at events and meet-ups.

 

These suits are also great for different designs. They can be used for many characters, from real animals to fantasy creatures. The human-like legs give more space for creative designs.

 

Full Digitigrade Fursuits

Full digitigrade fursuits have a unique design for the legs. These suits make it look like the wearer is walking on their toes, as many animals do. This gives the suits an animal-like shape, especially in the legs. It creates a realistic look for creatures like dogs, cats, and other mammals.

 

The materials used in these suits are essential. They often use fake fur that looks real and lasts long. The materials need to be light and flexible. This is so the person wearing the suit can move easily. Despite the extra padding, the suit needs to allow movement. 

 

Wearing a full digitigrade fursuit is a unique experience. It makes them look more like the animal they are portraying. These suits might limit movement a bit more than other types. Full digitigrade fursuits are popular because they bring imaginary characters to life. They are often chosen by people who want to show certain animal characters accurately.

Example Of A Full Digitigrade Fursuit

Image via MoreFurLess

Quad Fursuits

Quad fursuits are a very special kind of fursuit. They are made to look like four-legged animals. This type of suit is distinctive because it makes the wearer look and move like an animal on all fours. This design is a mix of costume-making and acting.

The construction of a quad suit is both intricate and ingenious. Generally, it comprises a framework that alters the wearer’s arms and legs, giving them a more feral appearance. The framework is then covered with padding and fur, blending seamlessly with the suit. The designer has to think about how the wearer can stay comfortable and move around.

The head of a quad suit is placed at shoulder level. This helps make the animal look real. The head is made with a lot of care. It looks at things like where the eyes are, how the mouth moves, and the fur patterns. The head needs to look good but also be practical. It should let the wearer see and breathe while staying in character.

The suit also has a body part and a tail. This covers the wearer from head to toe. The body part is made to fit the structure and let the wearer move.

Quad suits show the creativity and skill in the fursuit community. They are often used in shows or parades. This is where their amazing design and the skill to move in them can be fully seen. Wearing a quad suit takes a lot of effort. But it makes an impressive four-legged animal.

Common Fursuit Styles

Fursuiting is full of different styles that spark the imagination. Some styles look very real, and others are more like cartoons. In this part, we’ll look at these popular styles. Each one shows creativity and skill in fursuit making.

 

Toony Style Fursuit Head

Image via X

Toony Fursuit Style

The Toony Fursuit Style is all about fun and cartoon-like features. It’s inspired by animated characters. These fursuits have big eyes, oversized heads, and bright colours. It makes them look like they’ve stepped out of a comic.

 

A key feature of Toony fursuits is their facial expressions. The heads usually have large, expressive eyes and wide smiles. This makes them stand out and look joyful. They often have exaggerated features like big paws or ears, adding to their playful cartoon style.

 

When making Toony fursuits, the focus is on creating a fun look. The materials are bright and soft. Padding is used to make some parts of the suit look bigger. It adds to the cartoon feel. Even with these big features, the suits are made to be comfortable. They allow the wearer to move and express easily.

 

Toony fursuits are popular with those who want to show a playful character. They are often seen at events and conventions. Their bright colours and friendly look make them loved, especially by kids. They show the fun side of fursuits. They are great for playful acting and meeting people.

 

Kemono Fursuit Style

The Kemono Fursuit Style comes from Japan. It’s special because it looks like anime and manga. These fursuits have a mix of real and anime styles. They’re known for their soft lines and simple yet expressive faces. This is like the style in Japanese animations.

 

A big part of the Kemono style is the eyes. The eyes are large and look more human. They have detailed irises and a shiny look. This makes the fursuits seem enchanting. The heads are smaller than in other fursuit styles. They are more in proportion with the human body. This makes the suits look more like anime characters, friendly and relatable.

 

Making a Kemono fursuit is all about sleekness. The fur used is short and fine. This gives the suit a smooth feel. The colours used can be both natural and bright. It allows for many different character designs. These can be realistic animals or fantasy creatures. The suits fit closely to the body. This highlights a more human shape while still showing the character’s features.

 

Kemono fursuits are popular with anime and manga fans. They’re also loved by people who enjoy Japanese culture. These suits have become known worldwide. They mix traditional fursuit-making with Japanese animation styles. People wearing Kemono suits often show characters that are youthful and full of energy.

Kemono Style Fursuit Head

Image via Etsy

Kigurumi Fursuit Style

The Kigurumi Fursuit Style also comes from Japan. It mixes costumes and comfy loungewear. These are different from other fursuits. It’s more about looking cute and simple rather than realistic or cartoon-like.

 

Kigurumi suits are known for being loose and comfy, like pyjamas. They are big and baggy. This is different from other fursuit styles that are tight-fitting. The heads on Kigurumi suits are simpler. They focus on the main features of the character without too much detail.

 

The fabric used in Kigurumi is essential. These suits are often made from soft materials like fleece. This makes them comfortable and cuddly. The colours can be natural or very bright. This lets people create all kinds of characters.

 

Many people like Kigurumi suits. It includes those new to fursuits and those who have worn them for a long time. They are great for indoor events where you want to be comfortable.

Realistic Fursuit Style

The Realistic Fursuit Style is all about looking like real animals. It tries to copy the look and body of animals accurately. This style is perfect for those who want to look exactly like a real animal. It could be any animal, like a pet or a wild one.

 

Making these suits focuses on lifelike details. The heads are made very carefully. They have realistic noses, eyes, and ears. The eyes are usually made from glass or resin. This makes them look like real animal eyes. The fur is chosen and used to match real animal fur. This includes the right length, colours, and patterns.

 

The body of the suit is made to match the animal’s shape and movement. This might need special padding or joints. It makes the suit move like a real animal. The suit also needs to be comfortable to wear. It should allow the person inside to move easily.

 

Realistic fursuits need more care than other types. They have a lot of detail and are made from unique materials. These suits are often used in professional settings. It includes teaching about wildlife in plays or movies. The real look is critical in these situations.

 

Example Of A Realistic Fursuit

Image via Beetlecat Originals

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Click the button below and join the Fursonafy discord today! Join our Discord Choosing the Right Type of Fursuit for You

Picking the right fursuit is about what you like, need, and want to do in the suit. There are a few things to consider to ensure you get a suit that’s right for you.

Understanding Your Character

First, think about your character. What’s its personality? What kind of animal is it? Does it look real or more like a cartoon? Your answers will help you decide the suit that fits your character best. Realistic characters might need full suits, while cartoon-like ones could work well with partial suits.

 

Consider Your Activities

Consider what you’ll do in your suit. If you’re going to events and moving a lot, you need a suit that’s comfortable and easy to move in. Partial or three-quarter suits are good for this. A full or quad suit might be better if you want to perform or stand out.

 

Budget and Maintenance

Think about how much you can spend. Full suits, especially custom ones, can cost more. They need more materials and work to make. Partial suits are usually cheaper. Also, think about taking care of your suit. Full suits need more cleaning and storage space. Partial suits are easier to look after.

 

Personal Comfort and Practicality

Your comfort is essential. If you’re new to fursuits, maybe start with a smaller suit. This can help you get used to wearing one. Also, think about storing and moving your suit. Bigger suits need more space and effort to transport.

 

Customization Options

Lastly, think about how unique your suit needs to be. If your character is very special, you might need a suit made just for you. This can take more time and money. Ready-made suits are quicker to get and can cost less, but they won’t be as unique.

Are you just starting with fursuits and not sure where to get them made? Look no further than Fursonofy. We’re a group of skilled furry artists and fursuit creators who’ve come together to bring your fursonas to life. Commission your fursuit with us in just four easy steps. Start your fursuit journey with Fursonofy today!

Takeaway

When picking a fursuit, remember to think about your character, how comfortable you want to be, your budget, and how much effort you can put into caring for it. Fursuits are a way to express yourself and become your furry alter ego in a style that suits you best.

 

In the world of fursuiting, there’s a wide variety of styles to explore. Some fursuits aim to look very real, while others are all about being playful and fun. You can even find suits inspired by anime and ones that prioritise comfort.

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Author

Xege Kheiru

Jennifer is an ex-costume designer turned fursuit maker, better known by her fursona's name Xege Kheiru. Under this alias she has written extensively for the Fursonafy blog and many others on the topic of fursuit making and general information about the furry fandom.

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The post How Many Types of Fursuits Are There? appeared first on Fursonafy.

Creator Mac Smith has been getting attention in circles both furry and non-furry for their on-line comic Scurry. Various in-print compilations have been offered over the years, but now Image Comics have brought us the most complete collection yet with the Scurry Graphic Novel. “Enter a world where humanity is gone and only animals have survived. Wix, a brave scout from a colony of house mice, must embark on a perilous journey into parts unknown, where he’ll face dangerous threats, fantastic new creatures, and a destiny he never expected.” It’s available now in trade paperback.

image c. 2024 Image Comics

Dear Papabear:

I'm in school as of typing this so BEAR WITH ME if I don't make any sense, but if I were to make a fursuit head, would I have to wait to be older? I'm currently 15, and I'm not sure if my head would get bigger in size or not. 

I'm concerned about color schemes as well! I don't know much about color theory, so most of my fursonas stay uncolored in my notebook pages :,)

Also, are there any furmeets that you know of near me? Sorry if this is asking a bit too much, but I don't know of many furries near me, especially ones that are trans :(

Dove the Kittydog (age 15, Buffalo area, NY)

* * *

Dear Dove,

I ask people who write to me to limit each letter to one question, so keep that in mind if you write again. But here we go with some answers:

People's heads continue to grow through puberty and beyond a bit, usually being pretty well formed by the age of 18 to 20. However, bones keep shifting and fusing etc. even up to age 40 or so (also, cartilage such as in the nose and ears will grow pretty much until our deaths). However, these changes are pretty minor when it comes to fitting hats or fursuit heads, and by your age you should be fine. One thing you can do to make sure is to get the head made slightly larger than your head is now, and then you can add a bit of foam or other padding as needed. Here is a quick tutorial on that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSoah9h59Mo.

As for colors, go for whatever you like. This isn't art class where you get criticized for not knowing about color theory. What are your favorite colors? Hey, maybe add some metallic color or pastels or neon. Have fun with it! Nobody is going to get on your case if you think neon orange and gold foil look cool together. The fursuit is for you, not other people. Please yourself. Be true to yourself.

As for furry groups, I would suggest you join the Buffalo & WNY Furs. They have a Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BuffaloFurs/

I hope that helps!

Happy Fursuiting!

Papabear

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In this off the rails from the start episode Bearly, Taebyn, Rayne, and Cheetaro are coming live to you from Get Out The Float 2024 in Seaside! We have jokes, news, guests, math, and so much more in this episode that was recorded live at the con. 

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This podcast contains adult language and adult topics. It is rated M for Mature. Listener discretion is advised.

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This podcast contains adult language and adult topics. It is rated M for Mature. Listener discretion is advised.

Support the show

Thanks to all our listeners and to our staff: Bearly Normal, Rayne Raccoon, Taebyn, Cheetaro, TickTock, and Ziggy the Meme Weasel.

You can send us a message on Telegram at BFFT Chat, or via email at: bearlyfurcasting@gmail.com

Bearly Furcasting S4E41-LIVE from Get Out The Float 2024

More from that article at Cartoon Brew. This time it’s a new “hybrid” (live action / CGI) feature called Woody Woodpecker Goes To Camp. “Netflix hasn’t released many details about the film yet, but the streamer did say that accomplished kids and family TV director Johnathan Rosenbaum (Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour) is helming from a screenplay by Cory Edwards, Jim Martin, and Stephen Mazu… A brief logline reads: ‘After getting kicked out of the forest, Woody thinks he’s found a forever home at Camp Woo Hoo — until an inspector threatens to shut down the camp’. The only casting details shared so far indicate that Eric Bauza is involved, presumably as Woody’s voice.” We can all find out more when the film arrives on April 12th.

image c. 2024 Netflix

Thanks to Cartoon Brew, we found out about several interesting new animated films coming soon to Netflix. Among them is Thelma the Unicorn. “Thelma is a small-time pony who dreams of becoming a glamorous music star. In a pink and glitter-filled moment of fate, Thelma is transformed into a unicorn and instantly rises to global stardom. But this new life of fame comes at a cost.” Don’t know much about this one otherwise, but it’s directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) and Lynn Wang (Unikitty!), and it’s due on May 17th.

image c. 2024 Netflix

We stumbled across this announcement in Variety recently: “Germany’s Studio 100 Media and Spain’s 3Doubles Producciones have teamed to develop animated adventure comedy Flamingo Flamenco. The script has been written by Rob Sprackling, whose credits include Shaun the Sheep Movie, Gnomeo & Juliet, and The Queen’s Corgi. Flamingo Flamenco follows the journey of Rosie, a young and exuberant flamingo, as she navigates personal loss and seeks to rediscover the joy of dance. The action is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Fuente de Piedra lagoon in Andalucía, Spain… The family-friendly entertainment feature ‘promises an enchanting and passionate blend of adventure, comedy and heartwarming moments’, according to a statement from Studio 100 Film, adding that the film ‘…emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-discovery and the power of determination’. ” No word yet about any possible distribution in North America, but the film’s not scheduled to be completed until the fall of 2026. In the meantime, check out that poster! (Girl!)

image 2024 Studio 100 Media

What future fursuits are in store for Jhelisa? ---- Social Media: Official FABP Twitter: https://twitter.com/foxandburger Michael: https://twitter.com/foxnakh https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9xoFQrxFTNPMjmXfUg2cg Burger: https://twitter.com/L1ghtningRunner