I love transformations into things that are superior to the previous form. More than any other thing, I like the physical enhancement of it~

Interesting! I actually enjoy the opposite. I like it when a transformation takes something away, possibly even something fundamental. :)

Like, intelligence~? l3

Especially intelligence :3 Is there anything in particular you like to gain from a transformation? Or perhaps your favorite thing to lose?

Gaining overall mass, limbs, new parts like tails, wings, horns, etc.. Losing opposable thumbs is pretty fun~ >l3

So you enjoy feeling large and monstrous at the sacrifice of dexterity. The lack of thumbs often quoted as a separation between man and beast. Power in exchange for humanity? Is that correct?

Ohh yeesss~ Humanity is overrated to me, although I suppose I'd like to remain myself, but I believe a sense of self isn't necessarily a Human quality. l3

Certainly not. :) Would you say you're unsatisfied with your apparent humanity, then? Is transformation something of an escape from it?

Definitely dissatisfied. I am a trans-Humanist, after all. I dream of a world like in Deus Ex... only going much further than just the typical Humanoid mechanical limbs~

Oh that's interesting. :) Would you say your philosophy speaks to your appreciation of transformation or the other way around?

I've always been very intrigued by transformation, probably started when I watched shows like Animorphs when I was about six. I've only been thinking trans-Humanisticall fairly recently, perhaps since I was about sixteen.

So I'd say, maybe if I hadn't acquired such an interest in transformation, I might not be wanting to become something superior through technology so badly. But who knows~

I'm with you on the Transhumanism, but I feel more like both my philosophical leanings that way and my TF leanings are derived from a similar source, not that one follows from the other, if that makes sense. Transhumanism is about being more than I simply am, and breaking out of a purely biological destiny; TF is definitely a fantasy, though sharing enough similar themes that I don't doubt a common underlying root.

Battlestar Galactica is my favourite sci-fi series for one quote:

“I don’t want to be human. I want to see gamma rays, I want to hear X-rays, and I want to smell dark matter. Do you see the absurdity of what I am? I can’t even express these things properly, because I have to—I have to conceptualize complex ideas in this stupid, limiting spoken language, but I know I want to reach out with something other than these prehensile paws, and feel the solar wind of a supernova flowing over me. I’m a machine, and I can know much more.

— Brother Cavil, Cylon

That does make sense I think. And I've never seen Battlestar Galactica, but that's a really interesting quote, too~

I like when the new body is much different from the old one and there needs to be some time to 'calibrate' oneself. Like having differing numbers of limbs, or growing wings, or something like that.

A new form is definitely an interesting appeal for the concept. I find if it's too out there it's difficult to empathize with it though. Is that ever a problem for you?

Hmm, can't say it is. Then again I'm not usually too adventurous on transforming. (I tend to stick to Pokemon.)

There are some pretty out there pokemon to be fair :P But that's alright, I'm trying to gather data on all sorts of different perspectives. What drew you to transformation initially?

Altering someone's form to make them into something more..interesting than usual, or as punishment for something, like transforming a hero instead of killing them.

Interesting. So you enjoy it when it's causing someone distress? Maybe as retribution for something? Does that apply to yourself or are you more into other peoples' experiences?

The punishment theme is very interesting to me as well! "Hunter becoming the hunted!" :p

A TF appropriate to the subject has a certain narrative appeal to it :)

Literally the process of. Envisioning parts of the body shifting and changing into something alien and unique.

I'm very much into the physicality of it myself. Are there particular physical themes that you find yourself drawn to?

I suppose the incredibly alien nature of certain changes. Such as with that fursuit transformation I posted a bit ago. Course this all tends to get muddied up with my sexuality it feels. Hence why I especially adore any sort of changes playing around with the character's sexual characteristics. Whether primary or secondary, they're already erogenous zones then the thought of having them twisted and reshaped into something else is really appealing to me. I'd imagine it'd be a very visceral feeling!

Do you find transformation to be a form of sexual exploration? Would you say it helps you understand yourself in ways that reality might make difficult?

I suppose in a way you could say that. It allows sexual thoughts to become manifest on one's body. In a sense you can literally become said thoughts. Could consider it the ultimate power over one's body. Since you can literally shape and mold it into whatever form you see fit. Even unconventional ones that defy physiology and anatomy. Since IF WE WERE GONNA BE REAL. Some of the weird stuff might just make you end up like Edward's mother from Full Metal Alchemist.

It also in a way might make things weird for said sexuality, since I tend to heavily gravitate towards TF. In such a way that "normal" methods of sexual expression with others (plain ol' sex or other such vanilla things). Tend to leave a sense of longing. Suppose that's just the downside to being interested in such a fantastical kink.

The relative impossibility is somewhat a downside to the kink, yes. I also find myself having trouble with attraction to humans in general. To the point where prior to finding a boyfriend I would have identified as asexual. But tf has and probably always will be a source of fulfillment and stimulation. On the other hand, I also think the fantastic qualities of the kink allow it to go into certain depths that are kinky but I'm rather glad are impossible.

I definitely know that one! It's very rare when a person strikes me as "attractive" irl. I suppose being able to explore the sexuality of the imagination makes up for it. Pretty much humans are almost likes pawns in the grand scheme of things to me at this rate. Merely an origin point to travel down the path of transformation.

ideas like impossible experiences made possible,
change of reality , becoming something verry difrent to how you where before.
transfoming into something that fits/compliments other kinks.
picturing how it could feal and what it woudl be like after.
empowerment that a new form can bring
the 'in between' states and a shapes transformation can have
seeing the reactions and post tf actions of someone who is transformed.
and enjoying yourself while and after transforming.

What sort of reactions and transitions are most appealing to you? And how do you feel becoming something different affect you? Is it a purely sexual appeal or do you find comfort in the idea as well?

Hmm , i do like ones who are content and willing, like if they are know what is happening and are ok and or ready for it, but it is still a strong and intense experience, i do also like the acting then reacting to a empowering transformation (becoming something greater) in a way that they a re left dazed and drunk int he sensations. and also reacting to sexualised transformation in a appropriately sexual way i do find appealing as well.

unwillign transformations are still ok, but that is my preference.

and the idea of me changing, i welcome the idea, the experience of begin changed, even if it is painful. i would love to experience it, and experience life in a new form a while after, possibly also in a sexual matter. and i am intrieged about the experience as well.

i do like transformations that make then massively different to their original species. and i also like transformation where there is another character or entity that is conducting the transformation.

and on another thought, i an quite fond of 'merging' style transformations as well.

The enjoyment or lack thereof of the subject. I dislike blank faces!

But in a more general sense, just exploring what the new body can do is cool, though not always necessary.

So you enjoy there being a reaction to the change. What sort of impact do you expect a TF to have in a person?

Depends, but I do like-not negativity. Not nessecarily happy, maybe even a little dark, but complete despair doesn't-feel good to look at, unless it's the point of the piece.

I think that a sapient, human mind combined with the body of a beast could bring new perspectives on how the world works. It's the idea of being more than you thought you could be that's appealing to me.

A theme that I very much enjoy writing about! What sort of themes or ideas would you find a new perspective would help bring to light?

There's the physical aspects like "How can I use an extra appendage to help me in my day-to-day life?" or "I'm now two feet tall and four pounds light; my laptop is now a big screen TV and I can be easily carried around". There's also some of the mental and social themes I like to think about, like being welcomed into a new community or wondering "What would society be like if we could breathe fire or run at 60 mph?"

You seem to find a lot of cognitive attraction in transformation. :) Do you find these aspects to be more stimulating than the more fetishy side of the concept?

I think so. I'm not real big into stuff like humiliation or pet play, but that doesn't mean I don't fantasize about using a new body in certain situations, heh heh.

Bursting out of clothes, but that ties in with my weight gain and inflation interests too .

A TF is a TF. If it's a rapid transition from one state to another, I'd call it the same thing. :) Do you think the ripping of clothing is meant a symbolic representation of something? Going beyond your bounds, perhaps?

Maybe breaking free from personal constraints / societal norms? Becoming free?

For me I really like the idea of exploring a new form or perspective (either voluntarily or accidentally)

I think if I had the chance to be a shapeshifter, I'd be trying out new forms all the time :P

Most of those times would be accidental XD

Shapeshifters are kind of not my thing, interestingly enough. I think I'd prefer to remain out of control of my form. I find it's a little more fun to rely on someone else. X3

Would you say new forms and perspectives help you see the world differently? Or is it more helpful in finding yourself?

To be fair to Kree, half the time he has no control over what happens to him XD

Which raises an interesting point. You mention someone else being in control being more fun for you, but what if it's your own body doing the changing, against your conscious will?

Oh I totally get what you mean, I usually like to mix in some restrictions to shapeshifting, some rules to anchor the absurdity in some reality. It's no accident that a lot of my stuff tends to be about Kree getting "stuck" in a TF… XD

My internal logic about shapeshifting (or at least, my own flavour of it), is that the more malleable one's body is, the more susceptible they are to getting influenced by or unintentionally-TFed by other things :P

I would definitely say new forms would be about exploring other perspectives. In the same way someone might see a mountain and want to climb it, I'm often wondering what it would be like to be a certain form just because it exists.

I'm not sure about "finding" myself though, since I've always had a vague notion of who "I" am. I wouldn't phrase it as "finding", more like… uncovering…? developing oneself?

I've been trying to figure out what draws me to TF for quite some time. I'm not entirely sure, as it seems to vary based on artist/style/content to some degree.

For the most part, in general, I think the reason I enjoy it is because I like the idea of being able to change and become something else. Even if the TF is "permanent", that doesn't alter the fact that you were able to be changed in the first place.

Overall this probably has to do with a feeling of being "trapped" in my body - that I'm not comfortable with who/what I am.

You're attracted to the ability to change yourself? Does this trapped feeling often make you feel unable to improve yourself in general? And, if so, do these fantasies help mitigate that feeling of discomfort/dysphoria with yourself?

(Back from class)
I've given this some thought over the day - there's definitely some issues with body image, sexual identity, etc. at work. I'll definitely say yes though, being able to change, even if it's not of my own free will (in the fantasy setting) feels like some amount of relief or escapism from my own feelings of being unable to change myself both in the physical and metaphorical sense.

I also feel greatly drawn to things that are in a cutesy/toony style, and less so to things that are more realistic - the more I can distance something from my real self/the real world, the better perhaps?

I'm no psychologist, but that's possible. Transformation as a form of escapism isn't an uncommon concept. Many people in the age of sexual exploration tend to be dissatisfied with themselves or their surroundings in some way and I think furrydom and, to a lesser extend, transformation is an outlet.

To be honest, I don't think there one single thing that attracts me to a TF. It often depends on my mood and I've too many likes and kinks to narrow it down. X3

Hmmmm...

A TF should be...unusual...dynamic...and sexy! X3 I mean, it's all well and good to draw...I dunno, a Wolf TF say. That's pretty simple though; so add in a little Anthroness, start out with a human guy and end with a wolfy girl, and maybe make it a pool toy and you're onto something! X3

If you get my meaning...

I get rather wacky with my interests as well. I've spent a long time reflecting one what I like about it and I've come up with some theories but nothing definitive yet. X3 Asking everyone else about their positions is helping me consider alternate perspectives.

Well, bottom line I think is that TF turns me on. As for the exact why of that, I can't answer you. Just a chemical trigger in my brain. X3

Being able to improve oneself. That's part of the reason I like most of the things I like, really--I like the idea of becoming something better, for whatever better might mean to the individual in question.

Would you say you need improvement? Are you unsatisfied with yourself?

I don't know. Part of it is just adaptation to the environment, which may change--I go more for shapeshifting as an ability, rather than one-time tfs, so things like growing another pair of arms to hold more things (having two hands on the keyboard and one on the mouse sounds really useful >.>), rather than changing species all the time--though I do change species all the time too, and sometimes just turn into weird things for fun.

Though, you could also say that anyone is always capable of being improved.

And, well, humans are boring and not what I would ideally be!

I could and I do. :) Do you think your disillusionment with humans is caused by an overexposure to them? Or is it a dissatisfaction with the ones around you? Would you consider it a motivator to improve yourself irl, as well?

I've heard it's common for autistic people (of which I am one) to have an easier time relating to nonhumans than to humans. So, that might be some of it?

It's understandable. Humans have a lot of built up societal rules and procedures that they think are natural just because they don't really have to think about them. When in reality it can be extremely difficult to navigate even if you know what you're doing.

What sorts of things do you feel like you relate to the most?

Canines, mustelids, and draconic/reptilian shapes tend to suit me best, I've found. Often with various oddities to them like extra limbs or headless or whatever... varies a lot with my mood and also just seemingly at random.

I guess there's kind of an appeal to becoming something more primal. Something stronger, something faster, something with interesting new abilities, or maybe something just stranger. Thinking about the process itself it's interesting and kind of visceral having the person's body and perspective change before them, especially if instincts are involved.

I feel like a desire for a more primal existence would imply trouble feeling connected to society. Would you say you have trouble dealing with typically human responsibilities?

I wouldn't say so. To use an analogy I may enjoy spending my afternoons walking through the woods but I still like my house. I like the idea of that more primal shift as an experience but I don't see it as an escape. Every form has its own responsibilities when you get down to it.

Alright cool :) That's a pretty nice answer. So you'd like to experience what it's like to be something else, but you're not particularly dissatisfied with yourself, correct? Is it purely curiosity, then or something more?

Mhmm, I think so. Not that I wouldn't necessarily complain about a form that improved some aspects of my life, there's definitely potential for some wish fulfillment every now then. Of course even a fantastic form is going to have its own quirks and issues which is something I also find interesting to think about. How a person might adjust.

yeah, I like the idea of a person being forced to adjust to a transformation, too. It's interesting to think of a fantastic creature trying to make itself mundane again. A different set of physical limitations and abilities while still trying to maintain normalcy.

That's a very good way to put it. There's a lot things we take for granted as "normal" day to day. Imagine having to do it suddenly covered in scales or fur with a muzzle and a tail. Even just getting up in the morning could take some getting used to.

I think I like the punishment aspect of it. Transformation against their will. It doesn't even need to be justified a random witch could change some one just because she didn't like their face or the person could bring it upon themselves like a bargain with a demon that goes horribly wrong. Some mind control and alteration are ok but only so much as the core personality still understands what is happening to them. Last but not least is a carrot on a stick option. Either an illusion or an actual escape from their plight but are unable or at that point unwilling to do what is required to put and end to the transformation.

You want the subject to be deserving of the change in some way, and to always be aware of it, with salvation just out of reach. Is this something you enjoy seeing exclusively in other people, or are you equally happy if they apply when you're the victim as well?

always other people. if involved at all i would only be a witness to events happening

I like the growth aspect of transformations, especially when it is continuous. But that's just me; I like limited growth, too but also when the person affected... enjoys.... said growth. If you get my meaning.

Neat :) What about an unstoppable expansion do you find appealing?

power trips xD basic as that, lmao Heck, some of the roleplays I did with people from this website were mostly based on powertrip growth stoofs. Some of them, anyway. I still have one I'm doing with a friend that's still on-going on Steam. :P

Interesting ^^ Do you enjoy power because things are often out of your control? Or are you the kind of person who makes sure everything is as you want it to be?

The latter, and also enjoy absorption for more growth x3 absorbing stars, clusters, galaxies, galactic clusters, universes, multiverses, dimensions, etc etc.

just changing from one form to another is what I like.

Could you be more specific about why? ^^

That's really as specific as I can get. I'm sorry, I don't really know how to explain it

Fair enough :) Thanks for your input.

When people are TFd for a reason. Either punishment or for self benefit. I love watching people trying to deal with a new body. There's so much more to TF that I adore though.

You enjoy when a TF is thematically appropriate. Do you like TFs for their narrative potential, do you think?

I do love it! But I maily fixate on the physicality behind it, especially when it happens in stages body part by body part. Also I've discovered that I enjoyed a predator/prey relationship involved.

I've asked myself that many time. the best I can explain it is that it's a unique way of seeing, experiencing, and being seen by the world. It always has my mind curious to think what it would be like to have wings, or to be a quadruped. Or to have a tail. Sometimes mental changes are a part of that - more often when kink is involved. I consider that a form of bondage almost - knowing something is off on some level, but not being able to do anything about it. It's hard to explain.

It is hard to explain. I intend to do just that though, eventually. X3

So TFs are a way of satisfying your curiosity towards other creatures? Do you experiment with a lot of different forms? What mental changes intrigue you the most?

The answer to both of the first two questions is yes. As for the third question, it kind of depends on the context of the story. My favorites list has a series of mental changes, from the mundane to the really outlandish. I think I like seeing something unexpected at times, both in terms of form and effect. And sometimes I see a cute creature myself and think "That would make a really cool TF." =)

Transformation... it's always been something I've truly enjoyed. Whether it's regression into a primal beast, or aspects of yourself being magnified, or something being added to what you already are changing your core... I enjoy it all.

Of course, I have differing trends as to what to transform into. I'm weird. ;P

We're all weird here, let's be honest :)

Is there any kind of transformation that you don't particularly enjoy?

Honestly... not really. Hell, some of the more out there transformations are appealing. I love the basics, and i like anything that challenges the viewer. How do you respond when you have appendages you never could have from your anatomy? What about becoming a species so foreign from your own the mind can't take it? What about something even alive; where does the consciousness go? Does it fade? Sleep? Or does the perception of the 'victim' change so much that even if they're returned to normal they're fundamentally altered on a psychological level?

(Yeah... I do like the psychological change too :p)

I don't quite find the process of TF as appealing as most here, most of the time, though the thought of trying out new forms is always fun! I'm sure many of us leaving comments here would enjoy being our characters on occasion :D

Merge TFs are really appealing to me though! The idea of sharing sensations with someone else, and said sensations being rewired to feel like different things to each individual is a very fun concept to think about~ And not just with things like CTF either XD I just wish it wasn't so hard to find commission-able (not-busy) artists that drew them lol.

Merging with other people is kind of like being a part of something bigger, being forced to work together towards a common goal. Sharing in experience is also a common human desire. Do you think your interest helps you to feel a little more purposeful?

also my friend here likes drawing certain mergy pictures now and then: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/the-b3ing/ he's SFW only though.

Well most of the time merging is more of a sexual kink than one I consider applying to more normal scenarios XD Those are the kinds of experiences I'd wanna share the most~ But I have discussed what a long-term merge would be like sometimes, usually with  kree, who most of my merges tend to involve (still mostly sexual though) I'm usually more dominant in the merges, so it's more like others become a part of me. Even here I'm a bit more dommy, cause I'm enjoying it more than he is XD Though there have been times where I end up on the more submissive side of things.

Just the fact that you can become something new and different entices me. Especially if it's a fictional character, tbh I blame my video game addiction for that.

Would you say you envy certain fictional characters? ^^

In some cases yes or I envy their bodies but dislike their personalities. Honestly fictional characters seem to always look so cool you know?

The objectification and helplessness of the victim. ~w~

The physical alteration itself is a big part. The concept of parts of the body becoming something else, either with some degree of control or as an uncontrolled event, interests me in its exploration.
If involuntary then it is a kind of bondage that effectively restricts the subject during the transformation, only to leave them at the end free from the change but different in ability.
It can still have that aspect with a voluntary change should the control be merely to switch between forms. However a fully voluntary change would be more like what is seen with liquidshifters or the like where the exact form at a given time is fluid and can change, and is in its own way restricting as being stable as one thing or another is a result of control rather than simply the natural state of being.

Becoming something that is not normal is another draw for me. Changing into inanimate objects, food, or body parts is an interesting way of becoming a thing rather than a creature. While becoming a living suit, plush, or similar is a way of being something totally alien, a thing that is not naturally alive.


Now those are the primal parts of TF that interest me, the things that form the base interest in the subject and I go out of the way for. The part that sticks with me is the aftermath. How the subject is after the fact, how they could adapt to the situation, what kind of society exists in that world and how they deal with it. These are the kinds of things I think of after the fact on my own for the most part, and the stuff that I absolutely love to find done well.

the process of becoming something more, more than human, more powerful. feeling every little part of the physical change that happens, and loving it. i just love that whole process, whether there's a mental aspect to the change or not. its all about breaking free of this human prison and becoming something more. but i'm weird, i dont think i'd be happy with just a single transformation and a permanent new form. i'd relish having the opportunity to transform again and again, becoming human again after ive had my fun with one form just to try something else. different forms, different species, even different genders as i am massively curious as to what it must feel like on the other side in that sense. so basically, empowerment and satisfying curiosities is what TF is all about to me.

Figuring out what to do afterward

At least a part of it is the exploration of the TF's aftermath.

So you've been turned into something. Alright, now what? How do you adapt to the quirks of your new body? Any new limitations you may have to cope with? Loss of height, speech, thumbs, bipedalism?

What's new about the way you now view the world? What's new about the way the world views you? Are you seen as amazing, majestic? Or as a freak, a monster, an animal, an object?

Do you plan to go on living your life the way you used to? Are you even able to anymore? Or does your new body mean a new way of life, whether it be better, worse, or just totally different?

And can you ever go back to your old self? What circumstances or challenges might there be standing in the way of that? Do you even want to go back? Or are you better off the way you are now?

Oh, and on that note, I am reminded of something that touches on a bunch of this stuff, there's this one webcomic about Pokemon, quite good, albeit a bit obscure... though perhaps you've heard of it? ;)

I can't say I have heard of anything remotely like that at all. Whoever wrote it must be a giant nerd :P

The look of the shift most interests me. The sight of being partially one thing here and another thing there is quite one to behold!

I suppose the most fundamental part would be the "excuse" a TF presents to escape what feels like a life already plotted out for you?

Which is probably why I most like werewolves, kitsune/Zoroark with illusion abilities, and other TFs that allow you a "double life" in their aftermath; it doesn't feel like you're just abandoning your responsibilities, but you do get a fresh new identity to make your own way.

And why inanimate transformations or loss of self don't work as much for me. You either can't do anything, or the new form can't appreciate themselves as being any different.

I also like groups of friends/lovers changing together, which seems to complement or contrast that point somehow. I guess keeping one piece of the old life but rebuilding the rest around it?

The change itself is fun too, of course.

Humiliation or demeanment, being brought to a baser instinct or state along the way, is a big thing for me. Not necessarily to the transformed's disadvantage or nonacceptance; I love seeing such sorts fit into their new role in life happily too. :3

TF has a personal note in my life, too. I have mental issues; not diagnosed, but there's clearly things wrong with my head. One of those things is the lack of a mental filter; if I'm in a loud or busy environment, my brain doesn't know how to block or filter things out, and I tend to get overloaded. Even without that, I often think too much without control of that thinking, leading to worrying, nervousness, paranoia... It all just becomes such a load.

So then, it's nice to contemplate becoming a simpler creature, transforming and losing some or most of those human thoughts and simply having a clearer, happier head. It's like a mental vacation. (And thanks to the virtue of some awesome people irl who enjoy role-playing, I've basically 'become' a dog on the mental spectrum before irl for a time! It really rejuvenates me, it's like meditation or something for me.)