beginner ones would be nice to see for me at least haha, i think it would also be cool to record them and upload them too, so people dont miss out if they cant watch at that moment ^^

i think that this is a great idea and i would totally be interested in participating. this would be super helpful since i am trying to make suits for my art show and it would be great to have any sort of interaction with a professional during the crafting process.

i would also be interested in paying for advanced "classes" if my funds allowed it.

Would you be interested in participating if it were free and geared towards beginners?
Absolutely! I've really been itching to try my hand at building a suit, but to have someone with lots of experience help me every step of the way would be amazing!
What about more advanced classes?
Yes! You don't become a master just by learning the basics.
Would you be interested in participating if you had to pay to 'attend?'
I would say perhaps keep the basic classes free, and the more advanced ones be paid, since there are a lot of resources for the basics out there already. That being said, I would pay to attend, yes.
If you'd be interested, what sort of things would you be most interested in learning?
sculpting to give character, getting the best vision and ventilation possible, and learning how to properly pattern.

Yes yes yes also would like a recorded version for us in different time zones.

Really neat idea!! I'd do it. :)

Sounds good. You can make your own lesson plan. If you have a limited number of people signed up you can do the class via Skype so students can use their voice. Live streaming is good for a larger audience.

If you'd like suggestions for topics let me know. I've had to train a few folks locally.

If you'd like to suggest topics, do feel free. :) And the suggestion of skype for smaller classes seems like a good idea. I've never used it, but yeah, letting the other people talk and interact would be great.

Sure! I've used Skype for smaller scale stuff (usually if the project is for the individual who wants to watch). I'll try to type up something for you. Would you prefer email or a reply here?

I looked into Skype (I've never used it), and apparently you can only do one-to-one video calls on the free service. Otherwise, it's $9.99/month for the premium service, which can allow group video calling up to 10 people (best if under 5 people). Not expensive, but probably not really worth it since I wouldn't use it for anything other than this.

A reply here is fine--this is all still up in the air. :) Thanks!

Sure.

Some topics you can touch on (basic to more advanced):

*Commonly used tools
*Commonly used materials
*Types of glue and their uses
*Character designing / using references
*How to cut out faux fur
*Learning to stitch (hand / machine)
*How to thread and use a sewing machine, types of thread, basic stitches to use
*Types of needles
*Attaching faux fur verses fleece (do not brush fleece)
*Creating a basic tail
*Creating a basic hand pattern
*Layering and attaching soling
*Basic sculpting for feet
*How to create a skin pattern for feet
*Creating pads (vinyl verses molded) and claws (hand sculpted verses molded)
*How to attach pads and claws to hands and feet
*Using a head form for heads, and sizing for heads.
*Basic sculpting for heads
*Patterning skin for heads
*Assembling skin for heads
*How to trim a head
*Detailing heads

Live streaming might be a better way to go. Maybe have a chat moderator to repeat what's being typed.

I would LOVE this!

It would be really interessting id say. and the people uptop have already gone through what i think basicly :) skype calls is a great idea, or using mumble to get a more ordered class, less noise with push to talk and such.

I would!

whoa! i'd be interested, but idk if i'd pay (since my schedule is retarded i wouldnt know if i'd be able to make one)

thanks for offering it to the comm!

Would love that!

I think this is a GREAT idea, but rather then live make it geared to a website in segments. It would be nice to head to a site and see step 1, 2, 3, etc... which will show videos and give details. Just like any learning guide not everyone will follow along quickly, however after many are following the steps and courses maybe you can do live, because those people will have more know-how.

Sounds like a fabulous idea -- a streaming/Skype class that can be captured and loaded for later viewing by those in the class -- and those who couldn't make the class itself. I might love to participate if timing worked out. So, free and for beginners - yes. More advanced -- quite possible, too, when i feel I'm up to that level. Paying? Perhaps that, too, depending on the cost and the apparent value (topic, reviews from other people who attended previous sessions, etc.) As for topics: making a canine/feline/equine/[insert target species] tail to help folks get the shapes right, creating moving jaws, creating follow-me eyes, beginning a head (initial setup/positioning/shaping) ...

That would be awesome! I wouldn't be able to participate until the fall, but that would be so much fun to do between school work!

Would you be interested in participating if it were free and geared towards beginners?
Yeah totally! I have basic sewing skills, but I sort of don't know where to start when it comes to making anything related to a fursuit. I've read tutorials, but I'm so much more a visual learner that having a Skype/stream session would be better for me to learn.

What about more advanced classes?
Depends how quickly I pick up the basics. ^^ But if I did reasonably quickly, then totally.

Would you be interested in participating if you had to pay to 'attend?'
I second what another user suggested and have the basics for free and the more advanced classes have a cost. It seems fair to you since you're almost giving up trade secrets to get something in return! I couldn't tell you how much I would say would be a "fair" price for this. Maybe it depends on what you're teaching or how valuable you view the lesson?

If you'd be interested, what sort of things would you be most interested in learning?
Oh, I dunno... making paws would be number one on my list, then things like casting claws/teeth/eyes, airbrushing or sewing the fine details, making hair or wigs... I hope that helps~

Would you be interested in participating if it were free and geared towards beginners?
Very much so; I've only made one fur suit in the past without tutorial, so I want to take part in something that would help in improving the quality.

What about more advanced classes?
I'll attend if it means I can work on the head.

Would you be interested in participating if you had to pay to 'attend?'
Provided there was support, advice and clear guidance, paying would be no problem.

I think this is a great idea. I have been hoping something like this would pop up in the community for awhile. Why not have hand outs listing what you are doing so folks can foillow along and have instructions for later.

I already am pretty set on beginner stuff but I might be interested in advanced stuff depending on price.
I wish you luck on this project!