If you want to create your own furry-related characters, meet other like minded people, and/or visit furry conventions, you’ll probably love being a part of the furry community! But it’s also totally okay to be a part of the community without calling yourself a furry. If you don’t have a strong interest in anthropomorphic animals but you still want to join the community, the people within it will likely welcome you with open arms. People aren’t automatically furries if they happen to like anthropomorphic animals; they get to choose for themselves.
Look for furry Discord servers, Skype groups, and Telegram groups for instant messaging. Search through furry pages and tags on regular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. You’ll quickly find your community there![4] X Research source
There’s a place for every interest in the furry fandom – artists, musicians, authors, dancers, comedians, actors, and many others celebrate their love of anthropomorphism through creative expression. Don’t be afraid to share your work! Other furries will be very welcoming and supportive of however you combine your furry identity with your other interests. Consider taking your creative work to in-person events, too. If you like music, you may be able to DJ at a furry convention. [5] X Research source
Other furries might send you an image or written description of their fursona for you to draw, or they might give you a premise for a story to write. Once you develop your skills and reputation, you can potentially make a good income by selling your work within the furry community. If you accept a commission, you’re obliged to complete it. By accepting payment and not finishing a project, you can get into legal trouble.
Many furries opt to meet up at conventions since they’re safe, public spaces and you’ll be free to fully express yourself and your fursona. If you’re going to be at the same event as your online furry friends, set up a time to meet up during the event! Special events differ from convention to convention but you might be able to catch a great concert, fursuit dance competition, or discussion panel featuring your favorite animator. Watch videos of furry convention events online if you’re curious to see what they’re all about.
Remember to be careful when meeting up with people you met online. Always use common sense, and meet in a public place rather than a secluded, private space. Let a trusted friend know when and where you’re going, too, just in case.
Putting yourself out there might sound like a daunting task, especially if you’re shy or introverted. But remember that furries can often be some of the easiest and nicest people to talk to. The more active you are in the community, the more friends you’ll make, and the more fun you’ll have.
The furry community is a place where all kinds of people can really fit in – especially those who don’t often feel like they fit in
As with many other dress-oriented fandoms, like cosplayers and sports fans, most furries simply enjoy expressing themselves, performing in a costume, and connecting with other fans on a social level. [11] X Research source The majority of furries don’t actually believe they’re animals. Some might wish for animal traits or enjoy exploring them, but most furries are just expressing their fanship of anthropomorphic animals. While it’s not what defines the furry fandom, be aware that you’ll probably encounter some erotic fan art and other content of a sexual nature. If you’re not comfortable with that, try updating your search settings on different sites and web browsers. Sticking with PG-rated furry content only is entirely acceptable!
For example, you might start with the huge ears and cute face of a fennec fox and give its body bird-like legs and wings. Do some research into animal photographs or illustrations to see how each animal’s anatomy works. Then adapt it so your fursona can stand up on 2 legs. Feel free to create more than 1 fursona if you’d like.
Refer to animal photos as inspiration for markings and coloration patterns if you want a more realistic effect. If you’re not sure where to start, check out other furries’ fursonas online. Just make sure you aren’t totally copying another person’s fursona.
The level of similarity between you and your fursona is entirely a matter of personal preference. Try using your fursona to show off your idealized self or explore an alter ego. Don’t be afraid to modify your fursona over time until it’s just right. [15] X Research source If you like writing, try writing out your fursona’s backstory or creating a narrative about them. Be prepared to introduce your fursona’s personality to other furries.
For example, if your fursona is bright and peppy, give them a wide-eyed appearance. Try to sketch out as many details as you can imagine even if you don’t plan to buy a full-body fursuit. Feel free to add your fursona’s name and a list of traits and qualities in your illustration, too. Look up “free [animal] base” or “free [animal] line art” on deviantART or FurAffinity for some templates to get you started if you’re basing your fursona on a widely-used animal species. If you’ve used a free template, remember to credit the artist who created it when you share or post the image. Even if you don’t like drawing and would prefer to commission artwork, try making a rough sketch so you can more easily convey your ideas to the artist.
Make sure you agree on all of the specifications of the project, including the deadline, revision process, file type, pose and background, usage considerations, and fee before they start creating the artwork. Don’t ask for an illustration for free; artists deserve compensation for their time and energy.
A 3-view reference sheet should show a front, back, and side profile view of your fursona. If you like creating artwork, have fun exploring different ways to use your fursona. You could share illustrations of your fursona hanging out with your friends’ fursonas or make a comic strip to show what your fursona gets up to.
Fursuits are completely 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 a fursuit. It’s best to wait until both you and your fursona have stopped growing and changing. You wouldn’t want to grow out of such an expensive costume! In the meantime, save your pennies. [20] X Research source
If you overheat easily, try a partial suit rather than a full-coverage suit. When done well, plantigrade and digitigrade suits can really make the character really come to life, but partial suits can be just as fun to wear and see. Consider trying on another furry’s fursuit, as long as it’s clean, before you invest in your own.
Fursuit makers may only be available to work on a handful of projects each year. Don’t be upset if a maker doesn’t accept your proposal. Find a few other makers in case your first choice isn’t possible. You can have more than 1 maker create different parts of your fursuit, if you’d like. [21] X Research source The turnaround time for a fursuit can be a few months, so don’t expect your fursuit to be shipped to you within a few days of ordering it. Carefully review the makers’ rates and terms of service. Many fursuit makers don’t accept people under the age of 18, and most require a 30% down payment upfront.
Try not to just stand around in your fursuit. Make your performance exciting and engaging. Kids are always excited to see a cute animal, so always be child-friendly and nice to the youngsters! Make sure you have a handler who can stay by your side when you’re fursuiting. Ask them to help you watch out for rowdy kids, see that you don’t overheat, and communicate with other people as needed. They’ll be your eyes and ears, since your senses will be obscured while you’re in your fursuit.
