The furry fan base is a large and inclusive community that is based on a love for anthropomorphic animals. These are animals that talk, walk on two legs, and behave like humans. If you want to celebrate your fanaticism and express yourself creatively as a furry, welcome! Once you develop a fursona, start interacting with other furries online or in real life, through conventions and local meeting groups. Explore your creative interests and determine how they relate to the furry community, whether it's creating fan art or wearing a furry outfit. Remember that you don't need an expensive suit to be one. Most importantly, you should focus on having fun with your furry fanaticism!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Join the furry community
Step 1. Choose to be part of this community
To become a furry, you don't have to pass an entrance exam or get someone else's permission. The decision to become one is entirely yours! Perhaps you have been interested in aspects of the furry world for a while or maybe you are totally new to this community; in any case, feel free to proclaim yourself as a furry anytime and any way you want.
- If you want to create your own furry-related characters, meet other like-minded people, or attend furry conventions, you probably love being part of this community! However, there is no problem in being part of it without calling yourself a furry.
- If you don't have a strong interest in anthropomorphic animals, but still want to join the community, its members will likely welcome you with open arms.
- People are not automatically furries if they like anthropomorphic animals; they can decide for themselves.
Step 2. Participate in online groups and discussion forums about furries
Since the furry fan base is global, most of its activity occurs on the internet. Try the Furry Amino mobile app or websites like SoFurry and Fur Affinity. Create an account and start commenting, posting, and connecting with other users. You can also go to the furry community on Reddit; r / furry is a very active subreddit and its discussions are easy to join. You can also easily find other furries via Tumblr and deviantART.
- Look for Discord servers, Skype groups and Telegram on this topic to be able to communicate with instant messages.
- Search for furry pages and tags on common social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. In them you will find your community quickly!
Step 3. Make and share fan art and other creative work on furry
Explore your fanaticism for furry or fursonas through a hobby or creative project of your choice. Write a piece of fanfiction, create music, make video animations, make vlogs, illustrate fan art, or play your fursona. Then share your creations on sites like Tumblr, deviantART, FurAffinity, and YouTube.
- There is a place for all interest in the furry fanatic. Artists, musicians, authors, dancers, comedians, actors, and many others celebrate their love of anthropomorphism through creative expression.
- Don't hesitate to share your work! Other furries will be very receptive and supportive no matter how you combine your furry identity with your other interests.
- Consider bringing your creative work to events in person. If you like music, you could work as a DJ at a furry convention.
Step 4. Accept requests, exchanges or commissions to share your creative work
These are great ways to help other furries get to know you and your work. Accept requests if you want other furries to ask you for free art work. Accept trades if you are willing to exchange one free art work for another. If you want to sell your work, accept commissions. Create an information page where you point out conditions, prices, and policies so that others know what to expect. Specify the type and style of work you'd like to create, and then spread the word through the furry community online.
- Other furries might send you a picture or a written description of their fursona for you to draw, or they might give you a premise for writing a story.
- Once you develop your skills and reputation, you can generate good income by selling your work in the furry community.
- If you accept an order, you will be obliged to complete it. If you accept payment and don't finish a project, you may have legal problems.
Step 5. Attend a furry convention to meet other furries in person
Going online can be great, but there's nothing like meeting other furries in real life and seeing some of the content creators you admire. If possible, attend Anthrocon, the largest furry convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You can also search for a local furry convention online. When you're there, check out the artwork, tails, accessories, badges, furry suits, and other merchandise on the subject. Don't miss the furry costume parade! Even if you don't have a suit, you will be able to have a lot of fun looking at all the amazing suits on the go.
- Many furries choose to meet at conventions, since they are safe public spaces and will be able to express themselves and their fursona fully. If you're going to the same event as your furry friends online, arrange a time to meet during the event!
- Special events differ by convention, but you could enjoy a fantastic concert, a furry costume dance competition, or a panel discussion with your favorite entertainers.
- Watch videos of furry convention events online if you're curious to see what they're all about.
Step 6. Join a furry group in your area
Many communities around the world have their own furry groups. Search “furries in [your area]” to find people or gathering groups nearby. Check the global feature in the Furry Amino app to find furries based on your area. Once you find them, start a conversation and coordinate a way to get together. Have fun when you get together! Try role-playing games, play your fursonas, create fan art together, and take pictures of each other in your furry suits (if you have them).
Remember to be careful when meeting people you meet online. Always use common sense and meet in a public place rather than a private, isolated space. Mention to a trusted friend when and where you are meeting, just in case
Step 7. Socialize with other furries to develop new friendships
There are many subgroups in the furry community that focus on diverse interests, from gaming communities to literature clubs, so you won't have a problem finding other furries who have the same interests as you. Once you are a furry, focus on meeting other people, both online and in real life. Start commenting on other furries' posts and replying to those who comment on yours. Over time, start a chat and get to know them even better. Before long, you will begin to develop lasting friendships.
- Going out into the world may seem like a daunting task, especially if you are shy or introverted. Remember, though, that furries can generally be some of the easiest and kindest people to talk to.
- The more active you are in the community, the more friends you will make and the more fun you will have.
Step 8. Be friendly and avoid prejudice around other furries
You will find a lot of creativity in the furry community, so instead of judging and criticizing what others do, accept and support the things and people you come across. Talk to other furries in a kind and respectful way to keep the furry environment positive and inclusive.
The furry community is a place where all types of people can fit in, especially those who generally think they don't fit in
Step 9. Forget the misconceptions and negative ideas about furries
There are many myths and rumors about the furry community circulating in the media that you will have to disprove, for yourself and for the other people in your life. The most important thing is to know that you don't have to have or wear a furry suit to be one. You can participate no matter what you wear. Also, keep in mind that only a small percentage of furries focus on the erotic aspect of the fan base; you don't have to do anything similar to participate in the community.
- Like many other outfit-focused fans (such as cosplayers and sports fans), most furries just enjoy expressing themselves, performing in costume, and connecting with other fans on a social level.
- Most furries don't think they are animals. Some may wish they had animal traits or enjoy exploring them, but most just express their fanaticism for anthropomorphic animals.
- While this is not what defines the furry fanatic, be aware that you may find erotic fan art or other content of a sexual nature. If you are not comfortable with it, update your search settings on different pages and web browsers. There's no problem sticking to furry content with parental controls!
Method 2 of 3: Create a Fursona
Step 1. Choose an animal species on which to base your fursona
Fursonas are characters or avatars that furries use when socializing with other members of the furry community. Many furries start with canines, felines, and dragons when choosing the physical characteristics of their fursona. However, the possibilities are endless; you have the freedom to choose the species you want, create a hybrid or develop a totally invented creature.
- For example, you could start with the big ears and cute face of a desert fox, and give its body bird legs and wings.
- Look for some photos or illustrations of animals to determine what the anatomy of each animal looks like. Then adapt it so that your fursona can stand on two legs.
- You can create more than one fursona if you wish.
Step 2. Choose the colors and brands to make your fursona unique
There are no rules about designing the appearance of your fursona. You can use natural-looking colors and realistic markings, or use bright hues and unusual patterns if you prefer. Consider including spots, stripes, smudge marks, facial details, scales, feathers, and other patterns and textures in your design.
- See photos of animals for inspiration for markings and coloring patterns for a more realistic effect.
- If you're not sure where to start, check out the fursonas of other furries on the internet. Just make sure you don't completely copy someone else's fursona.
Step 3. Give your fursona a personality and a name
Have fun creating your fursona's personality. It doesn't have to be like your own personality, but it can reflect your ideal personality or a specific side of you if you wish. For example, your fursona could represent your wild and outgoing side if you tend to be a shy person. Create a list of personality traits, likes and dislikes, and other fun details about your fursona's identity. Also give it a unique name.
- The level of similarity between you and your fursona will depend entirely on your personal preference. You can use your fursona to show your ideal personality or explore an alter ego. Feel free to modify your fursona over time until it feels right for you.
- If you like to write, write the background of your fursona or create a story about it.
- Get ready to introduce your fursona's personality to other furries.
Step 4. Illustrate your fursona if you want to create your own art
If you like graphic design or drawing, transfer all your ideas to the sheet or screen. Use coloring pencils and tools or a digital design program to sketch the general shape and physical characteristics of your fursona. Then add the colors, markings, and other details. Give her an expressive face that shows something about her personality.
- For example, if your fursona is positive and cheerful, give it wide eyes.
- Sketch out as many details as you can imagine, even if you don't plan on buying a full body suit.
- You can add the name of your fursona and a list of traits and qualities in your illustration.
- Search for “free [animal] base” or “free [animal] line art” on deviantART or FurAffinity for some templates to get started if you're basing your fursona on a widely used animal species.
- If you've used a free template, remember to give credit to the artist who created it when you share or post the image.
- Even if you don't like drawing and would prefer to commission someone else to do the art, try creating a rough sketch so that you can more easily convey your ideas to the artist.
Step 5. Have an artist illustrate your fursona if you prefer
Search furry communities online to find artists who are willing to create art and illustrations for other furries. Send him a message or place the order on his website. Share as much information about your fursona as possible, and provide sketches or reference images whenever you can. Tell him what you love about his past work so he knows what style you are looking for. Prepare to pay him for his work.
- Make sure you agree on all the project specifications, including due date, review process, file type, pose and background, usage considerations, and cost before you start creating the art.
- Don't ask him for a free illustration; artists deserve compensation for their time and energy.
Step 6. Share your fursona with other furries and furry merchandise makers
Regardless of whether you draw your own fursona or commission someone else to draw an illustration, set the image as your profile picture on furry web pages, so that other furries have an idea of your fursona's identity. Consider having it stamped on t-shirts, badges, and pins; or have them create stuffed animals. If you want to make a furry suit, make sure your fursona has at least one reference tile in 3 different views, either drawn by you, colored on a base, or commissioned from a reference tile artist.
- This card should show a profile view of the front, back, and side of your fursona.
- If you like creating art, have fun exploring the different ways you can use your fursona. You could share illustrations of your fursona where you hang out with your friends fursonas or make a comic strip showing what he does.
Method 3 of 3: Get a Furry Suit
Step 1. Save at least $ 1000 if you want to buy a furry suit
Despite the fact that people who wear furry suits are the minority, these outfits are an important component of this fan base. These are fun to wear and can be just as entertaining for viewers and non-furries. These suits are a great investment and a luxury item, so you will have to save more than $ 1000, or a minimum of $ 2000 if you want to get a full body suit. If you want to buy one, find out how you would get them to create it, and then create a savings plan so you have enough money to cover the costs.
- These suits are totally optional. You don't need one at all to be a furry, and the furry community won't look down on you if you don't have one.
- It is best to wait until you and your fursona have stopped growing and changing. You don't want this expensive suit to no longer fit you! In the meantime, keep saving.
Step 2. Choose between a partial, plantigrade, or digitigrade suit
Choose a partial suit if you only want a head, hands, feet, and a tail. Wear these parts with clothing to give the appearance that your fursona is the one wearing the suit. Choose a plantigrade suit if you want something that covers your entire body and shows all the markings and physical features of your fursona. Consider wearing a digitigrade suit if you want to take the full body suit one step further. These costumes have feet similar to the hooves of animals and additional padding on the legs to make them look more similar to the feet of animals.
- If you get too hot easily, wear a partial suit instead of a full-body one.
- Done right, plantigrade and digitigrade suits can really bring the character to life, but partials can be just as fun to wear and behold.
- Consider trying on another furry's suit (as long as it's clean) before purchasing yours.
Step 3. Order from a furry costume maker
There are hundreds of creators of these costumes, and each one has its own style. Search the Makers Database on Tumblr and read the FursuitReview reviews until you have a short list of creators you might like to work with. Make sure the creator is willing to take commissions, then follow their prompts on their website to order your costume from them. The process will differ, but generally you will have to submit your fursona's reference sheet and other details using a form on their website.
- Furry suit creators may only be available to work on a few projects each year. Don't be upset if a creator doesn't accept your proposal. Seek out others if your first choice is not available.
- You can have more than one creator make different parts of your costume, if you prefer.
- Delivery time for a furry suit can be a couple of months, so don't expect yours to be shipped a few days after ordering.
- Review the prices and terms of service of the creators of these suits. Many of them will not accept people under the age of 18, and most will require a 30% down payment.
Step 4. Practice acting and acting in your costume
To be a great furry in a suit, you will have to spend a lot of time and energy bringing your fursonas to life. Remember that you will perform as long as you have the suit on. Watch videos and attend panels to learn the basics of how to act in a furry suit. Do your best to keep a character that matches your furry outfit. Does your suit have a grumpy expression? Trampling and looking cranky in a comical way could go a long way toward helping your performance. Does your suit have very big and cute eyes? Act like a puppy or kitten, and use cuter movements.
- Try not only to stand with your suit on. Make your performance exciting and captivating.
- Children are always excited to see cute animals, so always be friendly to them and kind to young people!
- Make sure you have someone who can stay by your side when you wear your suit. Ask him to help you watch out for rowdy kids, to see that you don't overheat, and to communicate with others as needed. This person will be your eyes and ears, since your senses will be reduced while you are wearing your suit.
Advice
- You don't need to have a fursona, but this will help other furries to recognize you as a member of the community. For example, they will be more likely to talk to you online if they see that you are "one of them." Plus, talking about your fursona can be a great icebreaker!
- Wash your suit as soon as you can after each session you wear it and give it a deep cleaning every now and then. Check out the online tutorials and ask your suit maker for more specific washing instructions.
- Call ahead to ask for permission if you want to wear your suit in a private establishment.
- Take off your hooves while eating or drinking! This will help protect the suit (so nothing will fall off) and save money!
Warnings
- Be aware of the laws on the use of masks in your area, so that you do not get in trouble wearing your suit. Always remove your head from the suit if you are approached by an authority figure, such as a police officer or security guard.
- Furry suits can get very hot, so wear yours with caution. Stay hydrated, take head-off breaks every 15 to 30 minutes to cool off, communicate with your helper, and don't overexert yourself.
- Be careful when interacting in the media. Some journalists seek to illustrate furries as sexual degenerates or inhuman people. Check out Uncle Kage's “Furries and the Media” panel for tips on dealing with the media.