Commissioning a fursuit or custom artwork is one of the most exciting milestones in the furry fandom. It turns your character concept into reality! However, with thousands of makers and artists out there, finding the right one and ensuring they are trustworthy can be daunting. If you are new to the fandom and still figuring out the basics, our first con survival guide covers the essentials before you start spending.
This guide walks you through the commission process step by step so you can avoid scams, set clear expectations, and get a result you love.
Disclaimer: A verified creator directory is coming soon to FurryGuides. Please be cautious of fake artists and scammers. Always verify reputations on sites like Artist Beware before commissioning.
Best for: Auctions and pre-made items. The Dealers Den is essentially the "eBay of the furry fandom." It's great for buying pre-made suits or bidding on commission slots. Secure payments are standard here.
Best for: Portfolios and community reputation. FurAffinity remains the largest archive of furry art. While the interface is older, it's the best place to see a maker's long-term history. Bluesky has become a major hub for current updates and opening announcements. Follow tags like #FursuitMaker and #CommissionsOpen.
Best for: Checking queues and status. Professional makers almost always use Trello to track their work publicly. Never commission a maker who refuses to show you their current queue. A public Trello board is a sign of transparency.
Before you send a single dollar, do your homework.
If you see these warning signs, walk away immediately:
Fursuits take time.
Be patient, but expect regular updates (e.g., once a month or at major milestones like "foam complete").
Understanding the typical stages of a fursuit commission helps you know what to expect and when to provide feedback.
The process starts with a conversation. You share your character reference sheet, describe any specific requirements (digitigrade padding, moving jaw, LED eyes), and discuss your budget. The maker will tell you whether your vision is feasible within your price range and may suggest alternatives if certain features are cost-prohibitive. This stage usually takes 1-3 back-and-forth messages.
After the consultation, the maker provides a detailed quote breaking down costs by component (head, body, hands, feet, tail) and any add-ons. Once you agree on the price, both parties sign a Terms of Service or commission contract. This document should specify the payment schedule, estimated completion date, revision policy, and cancellation terms. Read every line before signing. If anything is unclear, ask. A professional maker will explain without hesitation.
Most makers use a milestone-based payment structure. A common split is 50% deposit to begin work and 50% upon completion before shipping. Some makers break it into thirds: deposit, mid-point (after foam or base is complete), and final payment. Never pay 100% upfront unless the maker has an established, verifiable track record spanning years and hundreds of completed suits. Building a commission budget alongside your convention costs is smart planning, and our convention budgeting guide can help you map out the full picture.
For fursuit commissions, you will need to provide precise body measurements. Makers typically send a measurement guide with instructions. Follow it exactly. Measure in the clothing you plan to wear under the suit. Provide your reference sheet in the highest resolution available, and include notes about details that matter to you (specific shade of fur color, eye shape, expression).
During construction, your maker should send Work-In-Progress photos at key milestones: foam carving complete, furring in progress, eyes installed, body suit test-fit. When you receive a WIP, respond promptly with clear feedback. "Looks great" is fine if you are happy. If something needs adjustment, be specific: "The ears seem wider than the reference. Could they be narrowed by about half an inch?" Changes are far easier at the WIP stage than after completion.
Before shipping, the maker sends final photos from multiple angles, often including fit photos on a mannequin or dress form. Review these carefully against your reference sheet. Once you approve and make the final payment, the suit ships. Most makers use insured shipping with tracking. Inspect the suit immediately upon arrival and report any shipping damage to both the maker and the carrier.
Even with careful vetting, disputes can arise. Knowing your options helps you handle them calmly and effectively.
Most issues stem from miscommunication rather than malice. If the finished product does not match your expectations, contact the maker directly with specific, documented concerns. Reference your original agreement and include comparison photos (your reference sheet next to the finished piece). Many makers will offer adjustments, partial refunds, or repairs for legitimate concerns.
If direct communication fails, Artist Beware is the furry fandom's primary consumer protection resource. Submit a detailed report with screenshots of all communication, payment receipts, the original agreement, and photos documenting the issue. Artist Beware reviews submissions for accuracy before publishing, and a posted beware can motivate unresponsive makers to resolve the situation. Be factual and avoid emotional language. Documented evidence is what matters.
If you paid via PayPal Goods & Services and the maker has failed to deliver or delivered something materially different from what was agreed upon, you can open a PayPal dispute within 180 days of payment. Provide your contract, communication records, and evidence of non-delivery or misrepresentation. PayPal will mediate and can issue a refund if your claim is valid. This is why paying through protected methods is non-negotiable.
For high-value commissions ($3,000+) where other resolution methods have failed, small claims court is an option. Filing fees are typically $30-75, and you do not need a lawyer. You will need the maker's legal name and address, your contract, payment records, and evidence of the breach. Small claims limits vary by jurisdiction ($5,000-$10,000 in most US states). This is a last resort, but it exists and makers are subject to the same consumer protection laws as any other business.
Some furry community groups offer informal mediation services for commission disputes. A neutral third party reviews the situation and proposes a resolution. While not legally binding, mediation often resolves disputes faster than formal channels and preserves the possibility of an ongoing professional relationship.
Commissioning is a partnership. You are paying for a professional service, but you are also collaborating with an artist. Mutual respect, clear contracts, and safe payment methods are the foundation of every great commission experience.
Browse our complete calendar with dates, locations, and details for every upcoming furry convention.
View Full CalendarCheck their social media presence, look for reviews on community forums, ask for references from previous buyers, and verify their business registration if applicable. Red flags include: no portfolio, refusing contracts, only accepting untraceable payments, and pressure tactics.
PayPal Goods & Services offers buyer protection. Some artists accept crypto but this provides no protection. Never pay entirely upfront - typical structure is 50% deposit, 50% upon completion. Avoid Western Union, gift cards, or cash.
Fursuit commissions typically take 6-18 months depending on the maker's queue and complexity. Simple partial suits may take 3-6 months, while full suits with complex characters can take over a year. Always ask about current waitlists.
Your contract should include: full character description, specific deliverables, payment schedule with amounts, revision limits, timeline with milestones, cancellation policy, and what happens if either party can't fulfill the agreement.
Budget ranges vary widely: partial suits $800-2,500, full suits $3,000-8,000+, heads $500-2,000, and commissions vary by artist. Premium makers and complex designs cost more. Always factor in alterations and accessories.
First, send a polite follow-up message referencing your contract's communication terms. Wait the timeframe specified in your agreement (usually 1-2 weeks). If there is still no response, send a formal written notice stating your intent to request a refund if communication is not re-established within a specific deadline. Document everything. If the maker remains unresponsive, file a PayPal dispute (if applicable) and submit a report to Artist Beware.
Many makers offer post-delivery adjustments for fit issues, especially within the first few weeks. Minor tweaks (tightening elastic, adjusting padding) are often included in the original price. Larger modifications (repainting eyes, altering body proportions) are typically billed separately. Some makers prefer that only they work on their suits to maintain warranty coverage, so check before taking it to a different maker for alterations.
Provide a high-resolution reference sheet showing front, back, and side views of your character. Include specific notes about fur colors (with hex codes or Pantone references if possible), eye style and color, expression, and any special features. List your measurements using the maker's measurement guide. State your budget range, preferred timeline, and any dealbreakers. The more specific and visual your brief, the closer the result will match your vision.
Once your commission arrives, you will want to keep it in top shape. Our guide to must-have fursuit accessories covers cleaning supplies, cooling gear, and carrying cases that protect your investment.
Sources & Tools
Don't just survive, thrive. The essential guide to your first furry con, featuring the golden 6-2-1 rule, dealing with Post-Con Depression, and staying safe.
Your complete guide to furry conventions in Asia for 2026. Dates, costs, travel tips, and cultural advice for JMoF, Infurnity, Winter Furry Fusion, and more.
A realistic 2026 budget guide for furry conventions. Three spending tiers from $400 to $3,150+, covering hotels, food, dealers den, and hidden costs.