LizardsAreLovely wrote:Are there any good places to look to learn how to make a suit and is there a cheap way to practice? (I'd hate to hundreds of dollars on faux fur and other material I barely can afford just to have a crappy outcome)
Fursuit materals are expensive, even ones for low-quality amature suits (if that's what you're going for).
You could make a basic head out of upholstry foam, and fur it with cheap low-quality fur and or fleece. I would guess it would run you $30-$60 depending on where you get supplies. But at that rate it feels smarter to just save for better materials or to commission someone else.
You could also use clay to make a tiny version of a character if you want to practice animal shapes.
If you want to practice making tails or bodysuits etc then you could use fleece or a cheap fabric but it won't be fluffy.
In my experience and from what I've seen, almost every fursuit maker has to have those first 1 or 2 suits that don't look as good or high-quality before they get the hang of it. Some people are lucky and talented makers from the start. But most have to start somewhere, and learn from mistakes. I'm still learning
Disreputable wrote:I’d say just be very dramatic with your actions! Don’t be afraid to wave at someone or give them a high five! Make sure your arm movements are distinct- unless your character is shy. Then try to really bring the oof out about any awkwardness like shifting weight (still dramatic) side to side, or covering your face. If you want to talk to random suiters just go over and give a wave to them! They can’t see your face so it’ll be easier to be less nervous. Besides they share your passions <3 they’ll do nothing but support you. I’d say general rules are don’t go up and hug someone right away. Make sure they can see you so you don’t startle them lol. Also please ask to touch other suits out of respect to their faux fur and such. You don’t want to deal with someone yelling at you for you pulling a ton of fur out. Talk to other suiters but realise they may not talk back because most suiters remain silent to stay in character. If you’re comfortable breaking silence; cool, but don’t force others to talk.
Dude for the head, ask if there’s a room of any type you can go to. Bathroom may be a bit awkward, so don’t be afraid to just take the head off if you’re in trouble heat or breathing wise. I have glasses and they often fog so unfortunately I need to break a lot. It may ruin the “magic” but you are more important.
Hnnng I don’t know what else to say I’m sorta in a rush. Hope this is okay and feel free to PM me. I love to talk about suits!
Thank you for the advice! I've got glasses as well, and it's so annoying when they fog up. My fursuit head is veryy thick foam as well I recently realised. I don't mind much, but my glasses sure do

not to mention I have thick and bulky digitigrade padding which also makes it hotter. But at least it's winter and cold where am I right now so hopefully it won't be too bad.
I'm excited but nervous cause I'm not sure I know how to act like a proper furry, if that makes sense. But I'm just gonna roll with it and try to have fun.
What do you guys prefer when it comes to talking in-suit? Do you talk, make noises, or just stay silent? Do you do your character's voice if you talk? I'm trying to decide what I want to do. My fursuit head has a moving jaw, so it breaks the magic less to talk, but making noises for that is also an option? My character is not little and squeaky, however, being a wolf. Barking noises sound kinda loud and awkward and not very adorable or approachable in my opinion.