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I just thought I would give a little advice.
Fursuit builders are popping up everywhere with all kinds of prices and products and want your business. Sadly many of these new builders are not what they promise to be. To avoid getting a product you are unhappy with or getting ripped off all together here are some tips.
MINORS: If you are looking to commission a minor keep in mind, a commission is a contract. Minors can not enter into a contract and thus by commissioning them your are handing them money and hoping they give you a product. If they do not there is nothing you can do about it because legally they never entered a contract.
A MINOR CAN SCREW YOU OVER See if there is any parental consent at all.
History: So you found someone with a price you like and you want to commission them. Look up their history, there are communities out there that are meant to keep track of flaky people or scams. artist beware is a great one they can be found here. http://artists-beware.livejournal.com/
There is also one that is for keeping track here on FA
fursuitmakerreviews
If you find that they have no history at all look through their galleries for work they have done for other people, check to see if it is consistent and hell contact the owner if they are listed. Most people are happy to tell you about their experience.
Price: GOOD MATERIALS DO NOT = A GOOD SUIT. So many people will try and say that the price reflects the quality and materials used for their suits. This is not always true, anyone can buy high quality materials, if they can make it into something worth it is another matter. No matter how much those materials are worth, if the end product is not good then the end product is not worth the money spent on materials. The end product is what you want to look at, don't be suckered in by the materials.
Shopping around: So you don't have your heart set on any builder you just want a suit. This probably means you will have an easy time finding a builder. However it also means you are open to getting scammed. Get quotes and shop around. Look at the style and prices then move on. In that time you should be saving up and looking for something that fits you.
Saving: So you want a suit but can't afford one. Save your money, get a job etc. The world is not fair and no one should have to go down to your price level just because you can't afford something. You wouldn't want to be paid less for working hard just because someone can't pay you. You would move on and find someone who can.
Settling: This is a big one! So you need that fursuit NOW NOW NOW! You can't quite afford something nice so you are going to drop down to a new builder with little experience. BAD! Bad fury! I have met so many people who have done just that and gotten something they are ashamed to wear at a con once they saunter out in their new suit to see the dozens of quality suits around them. You get what you pay for, how about instead of buying now now now, you wait save your money and get something you will be happy with. Because in the end if you get something you are not happy with in time for that event you are wasting your money and you can only spend money once, there is no getting it back.
Try building it yourself: because quite frankly there are so many tutorials out there you will likely make something just as nice as that brand new builder you where looking at commissioning for a couple hundred bucks but making it at a much more affordable price. Most of these new builders are working from those tutorials anyway. If you are not confident enough to make it on your own but want to give it a shot anyway. head over to this community , post your work in progress shots and they will help you through the process. http://fursuit.livejournal.com/profile
I hope this helps a few people. I understand the temptation to get a super cheap suit but keep in mind, the operative word there is CHEAP. So do your best to make sure you know exactly what you are getting into.
NEW BUILDERS ARE NOT BAD! They are often a great way to get a new suit at a cheap price. However I do feel the need to warn people how to spot a bad apple in the bunch.
Next pages:
Designing your suit
Commission process
You are welcome to your opinions but please be respectful of mine. This is not an attack merely some advice from someone who has been at this a while and seen too many people get screwed.
Fursuit builders are popping up everywhere with all kinds of prices and products and want your business. Sadly many of these new builders are not what they promise to be. To avoid getting a product you are unhappy with or getting ripped off all together here are some tips.
MINORS: If you are looking to commission a minor keep in mind, a commission is a contract. Minors can not enter into a contract and thus by commissioning them your are handing them money and hoping they give you a product. If they do not there is nothing you can do about it because legally they never entered a contract.
A MINOR CAN SCREW YOU OVER See if there is any parental consent at all.
History: So you found someone with a price you like and you want to commission them. Look up their history, there are communities out there that are meant to keep track of flaky people or scams. artist beware is a great one they can be found here. http://artists-beware.livejournal.com/
There is also one that is for keeping track here on FA
fursuitmakerreviewsIf you find that they have no history at all look through their galleries for work they have done for other people, check to see if it is consistent and hell contact the owner if they are listed. Most people are happy to tell you about their experience.
Price: GOOD MATERIALS DO NOT = A GOOD SUIT. So many people will try and say that the price reflects the quality and materials used for their suits. This is not always true, anyone can buy high quality materials, if they can make it into something worth it is another matter. No matter how much those materials are worth, if the end product is not good then the end product is not worth the money spent on materials. The end product is what you want to look at, don't be suckered in by the materials.
Shopping around: So you don't have your heart set on any builder you just want a suit. This probably means you will have an easy time finding a builder. However it also means you are open to getting scammed. Get quotes and shop around. Look at the style and prices then move on. In that time you should be saving up and looking for something that fits you.
Saving: So you want a suit but can't afford one. Save your money, get a job etc. The world is not fair and no one should have to go down to your price level just because you can't afford something. You wouldn't want to be paid less for working hard just because someone can't pay you. You would move on and find someone who can.
Settling: This is a big one! So you need that fursuit NOW NOW NOW! You can't quite afford something nice so you are going to drop down to a new builder with little experience. BAD! Bad fury! I have met so many people who have done just that and gotten something they are ashamed to wear at a con once they saunter out in their new suit to see the dozens of quality suits around them. You get what you pay for, how about instead of buying now now now, you wait save your money and get something you will be happy with. Because in the end if you get something you are not happy with in time for that event you are wasting your money and you can only spend money once, there is no getting it back.
Try building it yourself: because quite frankly there are so many tutorials out there you will likely make something just as nice as that brand new builder you where looking at commissioning for a couple hundred bucks but making it at a much more affordable price. Most of these new builders are working from those tutorials anyway. If you are not confident enough to make it on your own but want to give it a shot anyway. head over to this community , post your work in progress shots and they will help you through the process. http://fursuit.livejournal.com/profile
I hope this helps a few people. I understand the temptation to get a super cheap suit but keep in mind, the operative word there is CHEAP. So do your best to make sure you know exactly what you are getting into.
NEW BUILDERS ARE NOT BAD! They are often a great way to get a new suit at a cheap price. However I do feel the need to warn people how to spot a bad apple in the bunch.
Next pages:
Designing your suit
Commission process
You are welcome to your opinions but please be respectful of mine. This is not an attack merely some advice from someone who has been at this a while and seen too many people get screwed.
Category All / Fursuit
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 600 x 600px
File Size 97.8 kB
Yes but an individual trying to make a list of trusted builders makes little sense especially when I have not commissioned them and can't give an informed opinion. There are communities for this reason where many people with said experiences make reviews. Thus why I linked them in my post.
I would defer to those two links in the journal (for the LJ and fursuitmakerreviews) if you're looking for a listing, and judge from there. I'm sure that those who posted info about their suits would more than likely expand on their points that they post if you're looking for particulars.
fursuitmakerreviews) if you're looking for a listing, and judge from there. I'm sure that those who posted info about their suits would more than likely expand on their points that they post if you're looking for particulars. 
Research is always imporant.
When I saw one maker's work I knew I absolutely had to have something made by her if it killed me, especially since I saw she was going to open for some small commissions soon at that point. But even seeing the quality of her work, I quickly dug through her gallery and tracked down all of her past commissions, to see if the person who had commissioned it had actually ever got it and if the pieces in their photos of it lined up with the quality I was seeing in her gallery. Thankfully everything was in order and I dared put my trust in her still being a bit nervous, but it paid off in the end, and it didn't disappoint (and now I won't hesitate to reccomend the maker [Fenrir's Child] to people, because it was absolutely a best first experience for me as a fursuit buyer).
And in case anyone else does what I did (goes and hunts through a maker's gallery and then finds their past commissioners to see if everything matches up), I store reviews of things I've got in the past in my journal. :>
But seriously research pays off, and it would never hurt to dig through every backalley of the internet you can find to make 100% sure you're not gonna get ripped off, because fursuits are expensive, even the "cheaper" ones are still gonna cost a good deal of money.
When I saw one maker's work I knew I absolutely had to have something made by her if it killed me, especially since I saw she was going to open for some small commissions soon at that point. But even seeing the quality of her work, I quickly dug through her gallery and tracked down all of her past commissions, to see if the person who had commissioned it had actually ever got it and if the pieces in their photos of it lined up with the quality I was seeing in her gallery. Thankfully everything was in order and I dared put my trust in her still being a bit nervous, but it paid off in the end, and it didn't disappoint (and now I won't hesitate to reccomend the maker [Fenrir's Child] to people, because it was absolutely a best first experience for me as a fursuit buyer).
And in case anyone else does what I did (goes and hunts through a maker's gallery and then finds their past commissioners to see if everything matches up), I store reviews of things I've got in the past in my journal. :>
But seriously research pays off, and it would never hurt to dig through every backalley of the internet you can find to make 100% sure you're not gonna get ripped off, because fursuits are expensive, even the "cheaper" ones are still gonna cost a good deal of money.
i made the mistake of picking a young, inexperienced builder based on low-price, in my country, and the quality of two suits she'd made.(which are both very nice) While her previous work is fantastic, i've been waiting over two years for her to finish. as she is no longer a not-busy 16 year old. and is now a very busy 18 year old.
Big mistake on my part. and i with i'd just gone with a more recoginised and professional builder at this point.
DONT DO WHAT I DID, for the love of god. Its been the hugest waste of my time. Granted she's given me a massive discount at this point which is nice i guess but the EXCITEMENT of "ohgosh i'm getting a suit soon" is long long gone and now its just "eh.... i'll get to suit eventually.." :/
She's already said i'll be her last fursuit customer as she does'nt like making suits anymore which has also put her off of finishing mine (oh joy) and wants to move on to theatrical costumes. blah.
This whole thing was also made worse by the fact, that while waitifg for her to get to me in her Que i became good friendw tih her and then let my friendship with her overpower my business relationship with her. and did'nt have the balls to contront her because i did'nt want to hurt her feelings.
I did confront her a couple weeks ago and she gave me another deadline she'll try to meet. and i guess if she does'nt meet it i'm just going to walk away and take the rest of my money and just, not have a fursuit, as everytime she gave me a discount, i spent the saved money on little treats for myself so i'm stuck in the situation of.. i HAVE to see this through now.
Dont end up in my situation, whatever you do.
Big mistake on my part. and i with i'd just gone with a more recoginised and professional builder at this point.
DONT DO WHAT I DID, for the love of god. Its been the hugest waste of my time. Granted she's given me a massive discount at this point which is nice i guess but the EXCITEMENT of "ohgosh i'm getting a suit soon" is long long gone and now its just "eh.... i'll get to suit eventually.." :/
She's already said i'll be her last fursuit customer as she does'nt like making suits anymore which has also put her off of finishing mine (oh joy) and wants to move on to theatrical costumes. blah.
This whole thing was also made worse by the fact, that while waitifg for her to get to me in her Que i became good friendw tih her and then let my friendship with her overpower my business relationship with her. and did'nt have the balls to contront her because i did'nt want to hurt her feelings.
I did confront her a couple weeks ago and she gave me another deadline she'll try to meet. and i guess if she does'nt meet it i'm just going to walk away and take the rest of my money and just, not have a fursuit, as everytime she gave me a discount, i spent the saved money on little treats for myself so i'm stuck in the situation of.. i HAVE to see this through now.
Dont end up in my situation, whatever you do.
This, this, a million times all of this. x___x I hope people will actually read this and listen to the advice inside of it. I see so many people doing no research whatsoever on suits, and just settling for a maker because they're open, cheap, new, etc. So many people getting into fursuiting now are just settling for the sake of settling -- if you like someone's style and their price is in your budget, that's great! But choosing someone just because you aren't patient enough to save up the money for the person you really want to commission... it's sad, to me. I dunno. :x
And I'm really glad you pointed out that good materials =/= a good product. You can buy the most expensive and durable fur in the world, but if you don't have the skills to use it, it's still going to look like a piece of furry poop, whether your fur is high quality or ratty quality. :v It'll be an expensive and durable piece of furry poop, but one nonetheless!
And I'm really glad you pointed out that good materials =/= a good product. You can buy the most expensive and durable fur in the world, but if you don't have the skills to use it, it's still going to look like a piece of furry poop, whether your fur is high quality or ratty quality. :v It'll be an expensive and durable piece of furry poop, but one nonetheless!
Exactly, and honestly it's not fair to the builder you commission if you really wanted one from someone else. It kind of sets up a bias against them and you will never be as happy with what they make as you would have been with the builder you wanted. Even if you are happy with it over all there will still be some part of you that is not.
Yeah I have seen a lot of that lately. Just today I found two "open for commissions" posts with kinds opening for fursuit commissions, asking more than I do because of the materials when their work is lacking because they have maybe 2 finished examples or none at all.
Yeah I have seen a lot of that lately. Just today I found two "open for commissions" posts with kinds opening for fursuit commissions, asking more than I do because of the materials when their work is lacking because they have maybe 2 finished examples or none at all.
o: Thanks a ton for posting this! You made a lot of good point I haven't even though about. xD I have actually been researching around lately for a fursuit and I had considered commissioning a couple newbies after looking at some of there work, talking to people that have already commissioned them, ect and was impressed by what I heard, nothing bad I assure you ^.^
Though, I'm one of those furs that has that money issue. Originally I was just buy one of those newbie suits and try and be happy with it, but I couldn't fully convince myself to go through with it, for the main reason I want something durable, and as much as I love cheap things, I didn't want to end up wasting $300 when I could put it toward something more expansive.
Like.. A week or so ago, I did finally decide on a suitmaker that I do trust after they sent me a kiriban prize I won about.. Three months ago (A tail of my sona) and that I love the quality on. I'm current;y waiting on another tail I bought from the same maker and as soon as I finish school I'm going to commission them for a suit! :3
Though, I'm one of those furs that has that money issue. Originally I was just buy one of those newbie suits and try and be happy with it, but I couldn't fully convince myself to go through with it, for the main reason I want something durable, and as much as I love cheap things, I didn't want to end up wasting $300 when I could put it toward something more expansive.
Like.. A week or so ago, I did finally decide on a suitmaker that I do trust after they sent me a kiriban prize I won about.. Three months ago (A tail of my sona) and that I love the quality on. I'm current;y waiting on another tail I bought from the same maker and as soon as I finish school I'm going to commission them for a suit! :3
I'm a pretty new suit builder (by that I mean I'm building my own suit), but I'll be completely honest.
There is no way, I'm going to jump into the spotlight purely to get customers just for the want of it.
I'm going to keep myself to one side for a while and work on some suits for myself, get practice over different methods and designs then showcase them, get critique and rework the suits or methods that need them.
Time + Experience = Quality in my book. The longer you take on your own perfecting and honing your skills the better the end result.
I'd be completely honest in saying, if I didn't/don't think I could produce a suit of excellent quality to the specification they desire then I would decline the commission, purely on the basis I would not want to to hype up the customer with a "promise" only to drop them like a stone.
Sure I'd like the opportunity to create all kinds of suits for people, but I first want to practice and get things right.
No harm in that, right?
There is no way, I'm going to jump into the spotlight purely to get customers just for the want of it.
I'm going to keep myself to one side for a while and work on some suits for myself, get practice over different methods and designs then showcase them, get critique and rework the suits or methods that need them.
Time + Experience = Quality in my book. The longer you take on your own perfecting and honing your skills the better the end result.
I'd be completely honest in saying, if I didn't/don't think I could produce a suit of excellent quality to the specification they desire then I would decline the commission, purely on the basis I would not want to to hype up the customer with a "promise" only to drop them like a stone.
Sure I'd like the opportunity to create all kinds of suits for people, but I first want to practice and get things right.
No harm in that, right?
Yup, new builders are the fall back builders for people. If someone can't afford a more expensive suit they will come to you and you will have a bias against you because nothing you make will be as good( at least to them) as what they could have gotten from their choice builder. However that does not mean that in all cases that the builder is without blame. A new builder can easily make mistakes that would leave the commissioner rightfully disappointed. It's a balancing act and anyone getting a cheaper suit should not expect all the bells and whistles of a suit from an experienced maker but the new builders should always strive to better their work despite the price, it is the only way to get a name for yourself.
Wow great advice and article and i know plenty of people that had done both sides of that - bought after doing there work / research and others that hadn't... i really is important to take the time and do some research and sometimes new suit makers are work helping out especially if there charging fair rate for being new you can get some decent stuff for a cheap price but then again theres the opposite side to that coin too ~.~ I really hope people do actually spend the time to read this whole thing ^^
Sorry you feel that way but I nor most of the people who have commented see this as being negative towards new builders. It lists several good ways to check up on a builder you want to commission, check their history, materials vrs quality and more. If this does not prove a good resource for you that is a shame but please do not accuse me in saying that I am only trying to hurt people for my business sake, after all I was a new builder at one point and still consider myself to be pretty green still. It's quite rude.
Eh, actually, I have to second 'Zoo'; You do seem to be giving the message of 'Don't buy from new builders, it's not worth it'
It's only when confronted that you start talking about 'yes, there might be some decent new people... But still, be careful, it's usually not worth it.'
Unlike Zoo, I don't think you're defending your own business, I think you just don't realize/care about the negative effect it has on the industry.
New builders need to get someone to sponsor their fumbling attempts - unless they're rich, but if they were rich most of them probably would stick to just building suits for themselves. I find a lot of creative talent aren't actually interested in spreading their art around, it's just a necessity due to a lack of funds.
So, there needs to be people 'settling' for the guy who never made any suits before and has just barely figured out how to thread a needle, because otherwise he wouldn't be able to afford to get better.
It sucks for the customer, but that's not your problem, you should be more concerned with the overall 'community'
It's only when confronted that you start talking about 'yes, there might be some decent new people... But still, be careful, it's usually not worth it.'
Unlike Zoo, I don't think you're defending your own business, I think you just don't realize/care about the negative effect it has on the industry.
New builders need to get someone to sponsor their fumbling attempts - unless they're rich, but if they were rich most of them probably would stick to just building suits for themselves. I find a lot of creative talent aren't actually interested in spreading their art around, it's just a necessity due to a lack of funds.
So, there needs to be people 'settling' for the guy who never made any suits before and has just barely figured out how to thread a needle, because otherwise he wouldn't be able to afford to get better.
It sucks for the customer, but that's not your problem, you should be more concerned with the overall 'community'
I'm not trying to discourage people from purchasing from new builders, everyone starts somewhere and practice is the only way to get better however I can not agree with you on this post.
No one is entitled to anyone paying for their "fumbling attempts" especially someone who is paying for something as personal as a fursuit. That buyer is a person who worked hard to earn their money to buy that suit and if they chose to purchase from a smaller builder then it is because they felt they would get a suit that makes them happy. I believe the happiness of the customer is the most important thing and anyone who wants to be a professional builder should feel the same!
As someone who has never been rich or had anything handed to me, I appreciate how hard it is to start up but that start up fee was mine to pay. I did not expect anyone to pay for my materials, I built several suits before I started accepting commissions and the materials for those suits were paid for with a job. As a responsible person I accepted the fact that if I was to break into this market that I would need to work hard and pay my own way and be grateful for any commission I received. I have worked up to 3 jobs at once trying to make it by while working hard to get my name out there as a builder because at the end of the day no one is responsible for helping me just because I'm "Talented."
"It sucks for the customer." NEVER shall I ever put the customer so low, never should anyone who wants to be a professional think like that! It's thinking like that that hurts a community! This thinking right here is what makes people not trust artists, it makes people think that we are all selfish and self entitled. You are happy to say screw the little guy who paid for that art, you should only care about the artistic community and making sure your fellow artists have their frivolous hobby paid for!
Not my problem indeed. I will look out for that customer who you are happy to dismiss because it's caring about everyone that makes a community stronger. Even if it does not benefit you.
All your post says is "No artist wants to be a professional it's just necessary and the poor sucker who pays for it is none of your concern so long as that artist gets someone to pay for their mistakes."
In short; I'm not telling people not to buy from new builders, I'm simply giving advice on how to purchase safely and with confidence.
No one is entitled to anyone paying for their "fumbling attempts" especially someone who is paying for something as personal as a fursuit. That buyer is a person who worked hard to earn their money to buy that suit and if they chose to purchase from a smaller builder then it is because they felt they would get a suit that makes them happy. I believe the happiness of the customer is the most important thing and anyone who wants to be a professional builder should feel the same!
As someone who has never been rich or had anything handed to me, I appreciate how hard it is to start up but that start up fee was mine to pay. I did not expect anyone to pay for my materials, I built several suits before I started accepting commissions and the materials for those suits were paid for with a job. As a responsible person I accepted the fact that if I was to break into this market that I would need to work hard and pay my own way and be grateful for any commission I received. I have worked up to 3 jobs at once trying to make it by while working hard to get my name out there as a builder because at the end of the day no one is responsible for helping me just because I'm "Talented."
"It sucks for the customer." NEVER shall I ever put the customer so low, never should anyone who wants to be a professional think like that! It's thinking like that that hurts a community! This thinking right here is what makes people not trust artists, it makes people think that we are all selfish and self entitled. You are happy to say screw the little guy who paid for that art, you should only care about the artistic community and making sure your fellow artists have their frivolous hobby paid for!
Not my problem indeed. I will look out for that customer who you are happy to dismiss because it's caring about everyone that makes a community stronger. Even if it does not benefit you.
All your post says is "No artist wants to be a professional it's just necessary and the poor sucker who pays for it is none of your concern so long as that artist gets someone to pay for their mistakes."
In short; I'm not telling people not to buy from new builders, I'm simply giving advice on how to purchase safely and with confidence.
im thinking a bout going into the fursuit making business but i will not offer something i have not made yet or feel that im not ready to make. Like a full suit.
Also i think another problem is with new builders, they bite off more than they can chew, saying they can get something done in a week (which they probably could) but they took on too many orders to be able to meet the needs they set for that buyer. In turn pissing them off >.>
i've seen new people take on as many as 10 projects! i dont think even pro fursuit makers do that unless they have a team of people working for them, but thats cause they know what they are doing at that point.
When im ready to make suits im personally only going to take a MAX of 2 people at a time. And thats only when i think i can make fullsuits, partials are nice but most people want the fulsuits.
I was thinking about making the fursuit feet for you in that journal you posted a while back but then i got a good look at them and didnt feel they would reach your expectations. they were very newb... ^_^"
Also i think another problem is with new builders, they bite off more than they can chew, saying they can get something done in a week (which they probably could) but they took on too many orders to be able to meet the needs they set for that buyer. In turn pissing them off >.>
i've seen new people take on as many as 10 projects! i dont think even pro fursuit makers do that unless they have a team of people working for them, but thats cause they know what they are doing at that point.
When im ready to make suits im personally only going to take a MAX of 2 people at a time. And thats only when i think i can make fullsuits, partials are nice but most people want the fulsuits.
I was thinking about making the fursuit feet for you in that journal you posted a while back but then i got a good look at them and didnt feel they would reach your expectations. they were very newb... ^_^"
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