How to Commission a Fursuit: A Complete Guide

Commissioning a fursuit is an exciting process, but it involves more than simply sending a message to a maker. This guide will walk you through every step, from checking whether a maker accepts commissions to receiving your finished suit.

This page is designed for people who are new to commissioning fursuits and want a clear, step-by-step understanding of how the process works.

1. What Is a Fursuit Commission?

A fursuit commission is a custom project in which a maker creates a fursuit or individual components based on the specifications and character provided by the client.

Commission projects may include:

  • Head
  • Paws
  • Tail
  • Feetpaws
  • Partial suit
  • Fullsuit
  • Extras and accessories

2. Before You Contact a Maker

This is the most important part of this guide. Before you reach out to a maker, there is one essential rule you should always follow.

First, check whether the maker currently accepts commissions. Most fursuit makers maintain a public profile on X (formerly Twitter) where they will clearly state whether their commissions are open or closed.

If a maker has posted that their commissions are closed, and you message them in their DMs asking for a quote, this can be frustrating and unpleasant for them. Many makers have large follower counts and receive hundreds of DMs per week. A commission-closed message still takes time to read and respond to.

The maker's X profile description usually contains this information. Look for phrases like:

  • "Commissions: CLOSED"
  • "Commissions: OPEN"
  • "Not accepting commissions at this time"
  • "DMs open for quotes"

If the maker does not mention commissions anywhere in their X profile or pinned posts, then it is generally acceptable to send a message in their DMs. When in doubt, you can also look at their most recent posts or stories for any commission announcements.

Before contacting a maker, make sure you also have the following prepared:

  • A clear decision on what you wish to commission (head, partial, fullsuit, etc.)
  • A reference sheet for your character
  • An approximate understanding of your budget
  • A preferred art or construction style
  • A known deadline, if applicable
  • A list of any special features or requirements

A maker requires sufficient information in order to provide an accurate estimate and determine whether they can undertake the project.

3. Prepare Your Reference Sheet

A reference sheet should clearly display the following elements:

  • Front view
  • Back view
  • Side view (when necessary)
  • Color palette
  • Markings
  • Eye design
  • Tail design
  • Hair or mane
  • Special features
  • Details that may be difficult to interpret from a single image

Some makers specifically request reference sheets without shading or additional views for complex designs.

Important note: Do not assume that every maker can work from the same reference sheet. Always verify their specific requirements before commissioning a project.

4. Find the Right Fursuit Maker

When searching for a maker, consider the following factors:

  • Art style and aesthetic
  • Species they specialize in
  • Portfolio of previous work
  • Pricing structure
  • Current availability
  • Geographic location
  • Estimated timelines
  • Preferred methods of contact
  • Terms of service

You can browse available fursuit makers through the Search a Maker page on this website. The directory allows you to search and filter makers by style, species, and other criteria to find the one that best matches your character.

5. Check Their Terms Before Ordering

Before making a payment, ensure you fully understand the following:

  • Refund policy
  • Deposit requirements
  • Remaining payment schedule
  • Deadlines and timelines
  • Revision and change policies
  • Work in Progress (WIP) documentation
  • Shipping procedures
  • Cancellation terms
  • Policies regarding client delays
  • Policies regarding maker delays

Requirements vary significantly between makers. Some require formal acceptance of their terms before production begins, while others operate through deposit or queue-based systems.

6. Contact the Maker and Request a Quote

Your initial message should include the following information:

"Hello. I am interested in commissioning a [partial/fullsuit] based on my character. I have attached my reference sheet. I am looking for a [style] suit and my budget is approximately [amount]. Are your commissions currently open, and could you provide an estimated price and timeline?"

Additionally, include:

  • Commission type
  • Reference sheet
  • Preferred style
  • Special features
  • Budget (if comfortable sharing)
  • Deadline, if applicable
  • Any questions regarding measurements or payment plans

You can find the maker's social media links and contact information on their profile page within the IwantaFursuit directory. This website currently provides the makers' social links (such as X/Twitter, Instagram, etc.) so you can reach them there.

7. Discuss Price and Timeline

The final price may depend on the following factors:

  • Complexity of the design
  • Materials required
  • Type of suit
  • Art style
  • Additional extras
  • The maker's pricing structure

Note that an initial estimate is not necessarily the final price. The maker must review the complete design before confirming the final cost.

Regarding timelines, it is important to distinguish between queue time and production time. A stated timeline of several months may refer to the production period alone, while a separate queue may exist prior to production beginning.

8. Measurements and Duct Tape Dummy

The maker will specify which measurements are required for your project.

Some makers may request a duct tape dummy (DTD) for certain components or fullsuits. Others work exclusively through measurements or alternative methods. The requirement for a DTD is not universal and depends on the specific maker and project.

9. Approve the Design and Make Payment

The typical process follows this sequence:

Quote → Agreement to terms of service → Deposit or payment → Design approval → Production

However, every maker operates under their own process. Some utilize deposits with staged payments, while others employ different payment structures.

10. During Production

Work in Progress (WIP) documentation is a standard feature of the commissioning process. WIPs allow the client to monitor progress and provide feedback.

WIPs may include photographs of:

  • The base structure
  • Foam construction
  • Eye installation
  • Furring application
  • Body assembly
  • Final finishing details

If the maker offers revision opportunities, providing clear and timely feedback can prevent issues during later stages of production.

11. Final Approval and Shipping

Before shipping, the following steps should be completed:

  • Review final photographs
  • Verify all details
  • Confirm fit and sizing
  • Complete any remaining payment
  • Confirm the shipping address
  • Review tracking information and shipping insurance

Upon arrival:

Inspect the suit upon delivery. Document any shipping damage immediately and contact the maker or carrier without delay if issues are identified.

Fursuit Commission Checklist

Before contacting a maker:

  • Reference sheet prepared
  • Commission type selected
  • Budget considered
  • Preferred style identified
  • Special features listed
  • Deadline considered

Before making payment:

  • Terms of Service reviewed
  • Total price understood
  • Payment schedule understood
  • Estimated timeline understood
  • Refund and cancellation policy understood
  • Required measurements identified

During production:

  • Measurements provided
  • DTD provided if required
  • WIPs reviewed
  • Changes communicated clearly
  • Final design approved

Before shipping:

  • Final payment completed
  • Shipping address confirmed
  • Tracking information received
  • Suit inspected upon arrival

Finding Your Maker

Before beginning the commissioning process, you may want to explore the available makers.

Looking for a fursuit maker? Browse the available makers by style, species, and other criteria on IwantaFursuit. The directory provides links to each maker's social media profiles, so you can check their commission status on X and contact them directly.

Browse Fursuit Makers →

Now that you understand the commissioning process, explore the IwantaFursuit directory and identify a maker whose style and requirements align with your project.

Want to learn more?

If you are new to the furry fandom or still building your character concept, the next step is understanding what a furry is and how to create your own fursona.

What Is a Furry? →    Create Your Fursona →