Fursuit Etiquette

Cyanni's picture
""Very cute... But shouldn't you be wearing pants?""

Location: VA, USA

Website: [Link]

So, I plan to fursuit at Anthrocon for at least one-two of the days. I've heard there are a lot of unwritten rules about acting in the suit, but I cant seem to find anything definitive. Anyone?

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RB's picture
Location: Kansas

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Really about the only rules I've heard are:
1) Have fun!
2) Know you're own limits.
3) Be safe.
4) See number 1.

Which pretty much means it's up to you how to act in when you're in costume. You should be aware of the written convention rules, but they're the same rules that apply to all attendees. For some other tips for general and specific fursuit performance, you may want to check this page from fursuit.org.

The reason you don't see anything definitive is because every costumer has different opinions of what the rules should be. Some fursuiters talk in costume, most don't. Some costumers prefer to have a spotter, some don't. Most of it is up to personal preference.

Unclekage's picture
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Actually there is one that I will add that is very important, especially in the USA these days:

#38: NEVER approach a child. You can crouch and wave, but let the kids come to you if they want to. Likewise, you can reach out for a high-five or a handshake, but these must be done at arms-length. Kids might offer a hug, which you can return, but just with the hands on the child's back. There must be nothing to even remotely evoke The Tigger Syndrome.

InsaneKangaroo's picture

To think I thought a mob of kids wanting to tackle a fursuiter was scary...

ledgema's picture
Location: Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Oh yes, very good point.

johnnyblanco's picture
Location: West Sacramento, CA

First things first.

Pittsburgh is HOT during the day. Even the Convention Center does not have the AC cranked up all the way (If Kage could look into that please? we were DYING while waiting for the Fursuit Parade to start and it felt like the Con Center was at least 10 degrees hotter than the westin!)So if you're going to fursuit for an extended amount of time do the following.

1) Get a sweatband, headband or something to keep the sweat out of your eyes
2) Know where the headless lounges are and use them... lots.
3) Make sure to stay hydrated
4) do NOT wear regular clothes under the fursuit
5) Plan a route ahead of time and if you get really tired and can't make it to your room, head up to a headless lounge, relax and then make it back the rest of the way.

And lastly

DO NOT SUIT IF YOU'RE NOT FEELING WELL.

Truuuust me on this.. I made a few of these mistakes and I learned firsthand not to do or to do these in suit.. heck I almost went into shock from dehydration.. because I wore a tshirt and jeans when I suited.. not good. Eye-wink

Volknochi's picture
Location: Northern VA

So, what would you suggest to wear, clothing wise, while in suit if we cannot afford that ever expensive UnderArmour?

K.P.'s picture
"Anthrocon Programming Director"

Location: Orlando, FL

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You can actually get off brand under armor at Wal Mart, Target, and other similar retailers. If you son't have that, wearing a 100% plain cotton t-shirt and a pair of shorts is the standard fare for many who work in amusement parks and worked well for me for many many years. Smiling

I do recommend that you get a headband and/or headwrap. (Something to put between your suit head and your hair.) It'll help keep down some moisture absorbtion problems within the costume head.

Volknochi's picture
Location: Northern VA

Thankfully, my spotter is in the US Army, and he's going to be taking me on base to the PX to pick up some Under Armour for a huge discount. Like half off compared to retailers. Smiling

Giza's picture
"100% usynlig - som en ninja!"

Location: Ardmore, PA

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The air conditioner in the convention center was set at the same level that it is normally set to in the summer.

Sure, we can ask them to set it lower, but that extra cooling costs money. Just keeping the fursuiter lounge in the DLCC extra cool cost us $1,000 per day. How much do you think it would cost us to keep the entire DLCC at that temperature?

 
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Unclekage's picture
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Not to mention that 85% of the people at the convention are not wearing fursuits, and would be complaining about how cold the DLCC would be.

InsaneKangaroo's picture

Ah, we can snack on humancicles *nom* *nom* *nom* *nom*! I don't mind the DLCC being like Antarctica, not at all.

Cyanni's picture
""Very cute... But shouldn't you be wearing pants?""

Location: VA, USA

Website: [Link]

The heat problem won't be as severe for me, since the suit is really only a head and tail - the rest is a military uniform.

RappyRaptor's picture
Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

I suggest wearing shorts and an a-shirt if you dont have under armor.

ledgema's picture
Location: Oakville, Ontario, Canada

I normally wear regular clothes which is usually a cotton t-shirt and cotton pants when in suit along with a sweatband. I can tolerate it just fine. Everyones' body is different so everyone will have a different level of tolerance. Also that may vary with how your body has adapted to wearing the suit.

InsaneKangaroo's picture

Agreed. Even in the hotest nights, I wrap myself in a sleeping bag suited for below zero conditions. Smiling Yes I sweat, I like to sweat... my sweat doesn't stink. Smiling Insane Kangaroo has secrets Sticking out tongue

Volknochi's picture
Location: Northern VA

Well, for the past few years, I've been in trucks that had no A/C whatsoever during the middle of summer and were regular saunas on wheels. Hopefully, if I can withstand such heat, I can withstand a suit. Altho, turns out my creator will be doing my suit delivery AT the con, so looks like I won't have much time to get used to it. *L* Just my luck, huh? Smiling

Shot King's picture
Location: Laredo, TX

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I guess teasing all the fursuiters while marching in the fursuit parade with a pitcher of ice cold, refreshing, soothing, wonderful, feel good, relaxing water is out of the question... XD

Volknochi's picture
Location: Northern VA

Nah. But, I'm sure their spotters will already be properly trained in the term "Fetch water!" Eye-wink At least, mine will be. ^_^

The Sonic God's picture
"What is this "logic" you speak of?"

Location: New Brighton, MN, USA

Website: [Link]

I second on the "Have Fun" rule.

1. Have fun (that's the point, right?)
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water is your friend.
3. Keep moving your head back and forth, and put a lot of motion in your walking. This not only makes your character appear more "alive," but also allows you to see your surroundings better. Your vision is severely limited, so you must act to compensate!
4. If you're uncertain of an area that you will be heading into, ask for someone to "spot" you, a person with eyes and ears that can help you avoid things like puddles, hazards which can damage your suit, or prevent you from bumping into people.
5. Do not overexert yourself. The moment you start feeling too hot or dizzy, get out of costume and get to a headless lounge.
6. Keep interactions with people short and sweet. Pose for cameras, perform acts, do what makes you happy and will entertain people.
7. Even though people can't see it, smile anyway! If you're smiling, you're happy, and you will perform better. People can "sense" positive emotions.
8. Avoid walking into areas that are cramped, dim, very bright, et cetera.
9. Avoid performing outside if weather is expected to be inclement. (I think that this is a given, though.)
10. Learning pantomime can be extremely beneficial. Study from other performers on their version of pantomime. After all, when you need to let people know that you need to use the bathroom, or are feeling sick, there needs to be some way to let people know what you need! (Crouch and point, hold your muzzle, et cetera.)

There are many other rules, but these are 10 that I can think of. Smiling

*edit* Uncle Kagé's mention of not approaching children should be paramount. There are many reasons, but I don't want to be on the receiving end of a parent's tremendous anger...

K.P.'s picture
"Anthrocon Programming Director"

Location: Orlando, FL

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You may want to attend some of the "Fursuiting for beginner" type panels at the con. These are great places to learn from folks who have been fursuiting for a VERY long time, and can offer you lots of helpful tips.

InsaneKangaroo's picture

Learning how to cool off? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8Clrg6fSIc
Helping others cool off? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-2EuUKAhS0

Don't mind me, my name says it all.

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