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OMG, I AM OPEN FOR COMMISSIONS!
14 years ago
General
The time has come. today if the sun stays out (and I have not gained too much weight from long hours, and bad eating habits) we will be showing off all the new suits FWA bound. 3 in total!
It really is a lot of stress off of all of us. as at one point due to the fur shortage we had 6 or 7 suits being made at the same time, all waiting one stupid thing. so, getting these suits out the door, and done on time was really good place to get the shop cleared, and allowed us to get focused. It was a very frustrating time being unable to finish things. I am so happy that everything is just coming together day after day again.
That is good news for more than a few reasons. Most importantly we are now able to take on a few more commissions. Only 2 or 3 right now. I still would like to see a faster turnover before I open for a large batch.
The time frame for these is about 9 months to a year, depending of course on the slot you get. It is first come first serve.
I do tend to get lots of questions. and seeing that getting me on the phone has been harder lately due to the rush, I will do a quick FAQ right here. So, simple questions can be answered without having to contact me.
FAQ
What do I need to do to get a quote?
-I will need an email from you containing these things. (email address is at the bottom)
--Your real name, and number. Emailing back and forth can be time consuming, and be very frustrating if you have questions that are hard to put into written word. Simply leave me your name, and number, and when I can call you. I will email you back first if you wish. If you would like a direct phone call I can do that as well. I like to be on a good talking relationship with people I make suits for. Please, don't be shy.
--Art, lots and lots of art. I do not need a "ref sheet". I do need to get a feel for the character more than have a technical data sheet. Favorite badges, or favorite artist pieces work far better most of the time for style. ref sheets are more for patterning, and coloration. I am making a character in the style of your choice. Think of me as a 3d printer of sorts if you are going for a certain look. If you do want something made in my style, make sure you notate that in your email. If you are in love with one badge of your character I would prefer to go off of that badge than to use my default fursuit style.
--Suit expectations. If you want good visibility and need to have glasses fit in the head, are allergic to cotton, hate the look of DF fur, need to dance with lots of padding, or need a suit designed to withstand 300 bratty 4 year olds at a charity event I would like to know. Feel free to tell me whatever comes to mind. If you have been dreaming of getting a suit for years, and have something perfect envisioned you do not see on other costume, I want you to put it in words. this will allow us to better suit your needs, and I can make you aware of any changes or compromises that we have to consider with materials, and techniques available currently.
--Time. If you do not wish to call me, quotes can take a few days up to a week to get together. This is because I do have to sit down, look up the materials, and answer any questions without easy answers. Finding time to sit and devote a few hours to emails during production work is nearly impossible. Saying that, feel free to give me a poke if I have not responded in a reasonable time frame.
What is the average cost of a full fursuit?
-Depending on your needs, a suit can be as low as $2,000.00 or up to $4,000.00. Price could go even higher depending on what you ask for. We try not to have a one size fits all price, and take each project as it's own. To answer the question, most of our suits in the past have been around $2,500.00.
How do I know what the suit will cost?
-We take a slightly different approach to pricing a suit. So, there is no easy answer. Each quote is discussed with you, and we go over your needs for the suit. Most of the time we look at the character art, and see if it reflects what you would want to see in a costume. If the art is good we figure out the best options for you to achieve that look. The price is based off of projected labor, and materials cost.
Do you offer partial, or head commissions?
-Short answer is no, the long answer is yes.
We do not really offer head or partial commissions off the bat unless people insist. Mainly because we are too expensive for most parts alone. We have crunched the numbers a few times and found that the labor that goes into the head alone can be as much as 80% of the labor on a full suit. Not to mention the cost of materials for the head alone dwarf the cost of fur for the rest of the body. To be frank, other makers offer their heads, and partials at prices we cannot compete with. We stay competitive with full suit pricing, as we have the most room for savings when we can spread our cost. A head alone can be $1,700.00, but a full suit can be as low as $2,000.00 dollars. Of course we will do or best ot meet your needs within our means to do so. Please feel free to inquire if you would like to find solutions if you only need a head.
Can I get this in time for (fill in the blank) con?
-After making suits long enough I have learned to not to promise exact date deadlines. Rest assured, if you need your suit, and you ask me to try, I do my best to fulfill that need. However, we no longer offer con deadlines because we repeatedly have fallen prey to circumstances beyond our control. This is especially true of suits of experimental nature (electronics, exotic animals) . We often discount experimental suits due to the likelihood of delay. If you need a suit in time for a con, be sure to order early. If you are considering asking for something requiring fabrication (moving parts, electronics, quad suits, odd padding) please keep this topic in mind.
Do you offer moving jaws/ follow me eyes? How much extra dose that cost?
-It is interesting that these three questions are almost always asked together. Lets break it apart, and start with moving jaws.
----Moving jaws are offered, but they come at a compromise. You can have a jaw that moves very well, and that has a huge range on motion, but the fur on hinge cannot connect. With that you see an unsightly line on the face, that will look worse over time. Sometimes the line is a huge cut going into the cheeks (we call it "Joker mouth"), The other line goes from the back of the bottom jaw to the bottom of the head. On the other hand if you do not want to compromise a clean look on the head you must keep the fur continuous over that hinge point, thus limiting motion to a marginal amount of movement on the jaw. I have tired several methods to eliminate this issue with some success. Though, the problem still is something worth mention.
Follow me eyes are also available. These also come at a compromise. I have offered this style of eye for a very long time. If you want to get technical I have offered it longer than the toony eyes you see on almost all my suits. As my very first commission was "Tank" the Rottweiler, that featured following eyes. From my point of view they look great from a distance. When you get close to the suit the effect of the eye is lost, and with me at least I cannot un-see the shadowbox used for the effect. So, it is really up to you. I do tend to shy from it, as we offer other styles of eyes with a similar effect. You can still order it if you like.
Extra cost for these options depends more on how much you are willing to sacrifice for effect rather than a flat cost. If you want to "eat you cake, and have it too" on ether of these options you will pay more for the added fabrication, and advanced materials to clear the technical hurdles. If you would like a more generic implementation, these are typically factored in without additional cost.
Do you offer payment plans/what is your down payment?
-Yes, we offer a fairly loose payment plan that allows you to set your own rate. You are given a quote, and it is your responsibility to pay the quoted amount in full for your suit to start on time. If you do not make your payments in full at the time your suit starts you can be bumped to the back of the line. If you are bumped, you will be assigned a new time table for estimated completion, and if you fail to make full payment within the allotted time, we reserve the right to reevaluate your original quoted price. There is also a cancellation fee if you want to cancel your commission. The initial down payment is typically 25% of the total cost. Arrangements can be made. Please bare in mind that you are entering a binding contract, and you should carefully review our TOS before you commit.
Can I get WIP pics, and offer critique?
-Yes. yes you can. I also allow you to pick your fur, and materials. The only issue with this is the fact that many people I make costumes for do not fully understand the fursuit making process. A level of trust is advised when working with me on your project. In some stages of the suit the eye can be tricked, and the progress pictures can lead to unnecessary edits that can effect the end product adversely. I often have to "see what is not there". I will note that micromanaging a project can greatly add to time spent on a suit. There is only a narrow window for edits in some stages, and it will be up to you to make choices quickly, sometimes within minutes, So, I do offer some blunt feedback to insure that the project keeps forward momentum. It is your money, and I do think you should have a say.
Can I change my commission after I make my down payment?
-Yes. However, this dose not guarantee you will pay the same price for the commission. One the suit is started you have far less flexibility in this. If your suit is in construction, and depending on the stage your suit is in, you may not be able to change at all. So, please take your character seriously enough to avoid fickle last minute changes. I will double check with your art before I get started. As changing things on a suit that is done can lead to a less clean looking product, and can ruin a suit if the change is too drastic.
Can you help me with my Duck tape dummy?
-Yes. If you know you are going to a convention, drop me a line, and we can get your duck tape dummy right there in the hotel. I am happy to make the dummy for you, and have done it often enough to make a full dummy in less than 30 minutes. If you are in the Greater Orlando area you can alos stop by the shop, and we can get you all taped up there as well.
Can I visit your shop?
-Yes, but only if you make arrangements with me first. I am more than happy to give you a tour of the shop, and give you a live update of what is happening with your suit. However, if you drop in unexpectedly I reserve the right to not allow you in. We do try to operate a transparent, and open environment, but do not have the luxury of entertaining every whim of a commissioner.
I think that is about it.
If you do have any further questions, or would like to submit a quote, contact me at
tcfquotes[at]gmail.com
Thanks!
-Jeff
It really is a lot of stress off of all of us. as at one point due to the fur shortage we had 6 or 7 suits being made at the same time, all waiting one stupid thing. so, getting these suits out the door, and done on time was really good place to get the shop cleared, and allowed us to get focused. It was a very frustrating time being unable to finish things. I am so happy that everything is just coming together day after day again.
That is good news for more than a few reasons. Most importantly we are now able to take on a few more commissions. Only 2 or 3 right now. I still would like to see a faster turnover before I open for a large batch.
The time frame for these is about 9 months to a year, depending of course on the slot you get. It is first come first serve.
I do tend to get lots of questions. and seeing that getting me on the phone has been harder lately due to the rush, I will do a quick FAQ right here. So, simple questions can be answered without having to contact me.
FAQ
What do I need to do to get a quote?
-I will need an email from you containing these things. (email address is at the bottom)
--Your real name, and number. Emailing back and forth can be time consuming, and be very frustrating if you have questions that are hard to put into written word. Simply leave me your name, and number, and when I can call you. I will email you back first if you wish. If you would like a direct phone call I can do that as well. I like to be on a good talking relationship with people I make suits for. Please, don't be shy.
--Art, lots and lots of art. I do not need a "ref sheet". I do need to get a feel for the character more than have a technical data sheet. Favorite badges, or favorite artist pieces work far better most of the time for style. ref sheets are more for patterning, and coloration. I am making a character in the style of your choice. Think of me as a 3d printer of sorts if you are going for a certain look. If you do want something made in my style, make sure you notate that in your email. If you are in love with one badge of your character I would prefer to go off of that badge than to use my default fursuit style.
--Suit expectations. If you want good visibility and need to have glasses fit in the head, are allergic to cotton, hate the look of DF fur, need to dance with lots of padding, or need a suit designed to withstand 300 bratty 4 year olds at a charity event I would like to know. Feel free to tell me whatever comes to mind. If you have been dreaming of getting a suit for years, and have something perfect envisioned you do not see on other costume, I want you to put it in words. this will allow us to better suit your needs, and I can make you aware of any changes or compromises that we have to consider with materials, and techniques available currently.
--Time. If you do not wish to call me, quotes can take a few days up to a week to get together. This is because I do have to sit down, look up the materials, and answer any questions without easy answers. Finding time to sit and devote a few hours to emails during production work is nearly impossible. Saying that, feel free to give me a poke if I have not responded in a reasonable time frame.
What is the average cost of a full fursuit?
-Depending on your needs, a suit can be as low as $2,000.00 or up to $4,000.00. Price could go even higher depending on what you ask for. We try not to have a one size fits all price, and take each project as it's own. To answer the question, most of our suits in the past have been around $2,500.00.
How do I know what the suit will cost?
-We take a slightly different approach to pricing a suit. So, there is no easy answer. Each quote is discussed with you, and we go over your needs for the suit. Most of the time we look at the character art, and see if it reflects what you would want to see in a costume. If the art is good we figure out the best options for you to achieve that look. The price is based off of projected labor, and materials cost.
Do you offer partial, or head commissions?
-Short answer is no, the long answer is yes.
We do not really offer head or partial commissions off the bat unless people insist. Mainly because we are too expensive for most parts alone. We have crunched the numbers a few times and found that the labor that goes into the head alone can be as much as 80% of the labor on a full suit. Not to mention the cost of materials for the head alone dwarf the cost of fur for the rest of the body. To be frank, other makers offer their heads, and partials at prices we cannot compete with. We stay competitive with full suit pricing, as we have the most room for savings when we can spread our cost. A head alone can be $1,700.00, but a full suit can be as low as $2,000.00 dollars. Of course we will do or best ot meet your needs within our means to do so. Please feel free to inquire if you would like to find solutions if you only need a head.
Can I get this in time for (fill in the blank) con?
-After making suits long enough I have learned to not to promise exact date deadlines. Rest assured, if you need your suit, and you ask me to try, I do my best to fulfill that need. However, we no longer offer con deadlines because we repeatedly have fallen prey to circumstances beyond our control. This is especially true of suits of experimental nature (electronics, exotic animals) . We often discount experimental suits due to the likelihood of delay. If you need a suit in time for a con, be sure to order early. If you are considering asking for something requiring fabrication (moving parts, electronics, quad suits, odd padding) please keep this topic in mind.
Do you offer moving jaws/ follow me eyes? How much extra dose that cost?
-It is interesting that these three questions are almost always asked together. Lets break it apart, and start with moving jaws.
----Moving jaws are offered, but they come at a compromise. You can have a jaw that moves very well, and that has a huge range on motion, but the fur on hinge cannot connect. With that you see an unsightly line on the face, that will look worse over time. Sometimes the line is a huge cut going into the cheeks (we call it "Joker mouth"), The other line goes from the back of the bottom jaw to the bottom of the head. On the other hand if you do not want to compromise a clean look on the head you must keep the fur continuous over that hinge point, thus limiting motion to a marginal amount of movement on the jaw. I have tired several methods to eliminate this issue with some success. Though, the problem still is something worth mention.
Follow me eyes are also available. These also come at a compromise. I have offered this style of eye for a very long time. If you want to get technical I have offered it longer than the toony eyes you see on almost all my suits. As my very first commission was "Tank" the Rottweiler, that featured following eyes. From my point of view they look great from a distance. When you get close to the suit the effect of the eye is lost, and with me at least I cannot un-see the shadowbox used for the effect. So, it is really up to you. I do tend to shy from it, as we offer other styles of eyes with a similar effect. You can still order it if you like.
Extra cost for these options depends more on how much you are willing to sacrifice for effect rather than a flat cost. If you want to "eat you cake, and have it too" on ether of these options you will pay more for the added fabrication, and advanced materials to clear the technical hurdles. If you would like a more generic implementation, these are typically factored in without additional cost.
Do you offer payment plans/what is your down payment?
-Yes, we offer a fairly loose payment plan that allows you to set your own rate. You are given a quote, and it is your responsibility to pay the quoted amount in full for your suit to start on time. If you do not make your payments in full at the time your suit starts you can be bumped to the back of the line. If you are bumped, you will be assigned a new time table for estimated completion, and if you fail to make full payment within the allotted time, we reserve the right to reevaluate your original quoted price. There is also a cancellation fee if you want to cancel your commission. The initial down payment is typically 25% of the total cost. Arrangements can be made. Please bare in mind that you are entering a binding contract, and you should carefully review our TOS before you commit.
Can I get WIP pics, and offer critique?
-Yes. yes you can. I also allow you to pick your fur, and materials. The only issue with this is the fact that many people I make costumes for do not fully understand the fursuit making process. A level of trust is advised when working with me on your project. In some stages of the suit the eye can be tricked, and the progress pictures can lead to unnecessary edits that can effect the end product adversely. I often have to "see what is not there". I will note that micromanaging a project can greatly add to time spent on a suit. There is only a narrow window for edits in some stages, and it will be up to you to make choices quickly, sometimes within minutes, So, I do offer some blunt feedback to insure that the project keeps forward momentum. It is your money, and I do think you should have a say.
Can I change my commission after I make my down payment?
-Yes. However, this dose not guarantee you will pay the same price for the commission. One the suit is started you have far less flexibility in this. If your suit is in construction, and depending on the stage your suit is in, you may not be able to change at all. So, please take your character seriously enough to avoid fickle last minute changes. I will double check with your art before I get started. As changing things on a suit that is done can lead to a less clean looking product, and can ruin a suit if the change is too drastic.
Can you help me with my Duck tape dummy?
-Yes. If you know you are going to a convention, drop me a line, and we can get your duck tape dummy right there in the hotel. I am happy to make the dummy for you, and have done it often enough to make a full dummy in less than 30 minutes. If you are in the Greater Orlando area you can alos stop by the shop, and we can get you all taped up there as well.
Can I visit your shop?
-Yes, but only if you make arrangements with me first. I am more than happy to give you a tour of the shop, and give you a live update of what is happening with your suit. However, if you drop in unexpectedly I reserve the right to not allow you in. We do try to operate a transparent, and open environment, but do not have the luxury of entertaining every whim of a commissioner.
I think that is about it.
If you do have any further questions, or would like to submit a quote, contact me at
tcfquotes[at]gmail.com
Thanks!
-Jeff
Fuzzy_Toaster
~fuzzytoaster
OO!-oo!-OO!! I still wanna get a quote from you!! *jumps in the air*
Tymid
~tymid
You know I've got a slot, bro. I'll be emailin' you shortly with first payment goodies. 8D
Icelyon
~icelyon
Wooo :) You'll fill that slot with ease
IvoryTigress
~ivorytigress
Sent you an email!
Aikenwolf
~aikenwolf
I hope we're still in with the other thing?
Dinobutts
~dinobutts
Awesome.
