All About Reference Sheets
What makes a good reference sheet? A reference sheet is the visual guide fursuit makers use to bring your character to life. The clearer and more readable the reference is, the better your suit will turn out. As kemono-exclusive makers, it can be hard to visualize what you as a client want to see in your suit if we are provided with a reference of a different style. While we have no bias towards kemono style reference sheets, providing us with an accurate stylized reference will benefit YOU the most!
To prepare for a commission application, consider drawing or purchasing a fursuit-specific reference sheet.
What should you include in this reference?
To prepare for a commission application, consider drawing or purchasing a fursuit-specific reference sheet.
What should you include in this reference?
- Minimum two character view with NO SHADING
- Include the inside of the mouth with tongue visible
- Include the bottoms of the feet if they are not visible in the two views
- Include additional views of any very complicated markings or designs
- Do not include accessories unless you want them included in the quote and made
- Try not to include NSFW elements, as we do not make these. You can censor NSFW content in existing references.
- If you have a feature marked "optional" then we will include the optional element. Please decide what you want before applying
- Consider simplifying multiple spots and stripes. If you have 100 small spots, consider removing them or replacing them with fewer larger spots. We will quote with what we see! We will accept projects with complicated spot or stripe patterns, but the cost will be higher and maintenance may be more frequent.
Optional beneficial elements to include in your reference:
- Pre-selected furs and materials. You may decide to visit the websites of our main fur sources and choose your furs in advance. It is easy to order fur samples and shipping is often free within the USA, this is a great way to ensure that your character's colours can be found in fur form. If your colour cannot be found, samples will help you re-colour your character into a fursuit friendly design. Please keep in mind fur length (1 inch is typically better for bodies, and 1.5-4 inch for hair or long fur parts). This is NOT REQUIRED. We are happy to select furs for you. We order from: Howl Fabric, Big Z Fabric, and occasionally Fursuit Supplies.
- Label parts of your suit with materials you prefer. For example, if you 100% want plush teeth, indicate this on your reference sheet. You can also leave this up to us. If we do not use the proposed material, we will inform you and quote you with our default material instead.
- If you have a fat/chubby/uniquely shaped character and want large padding elements, indicate that you want that area padded. Areas such as bellies, breasts, and hips are the most common. We will make this decision based on your reference if you do not specify, and quote you appropriately. We do not do "inflated" elements or features.
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Shown above is an example of a recoloured reference with a material selection guide added to adapt the character into a fursuit. The original artist is credited and the recolour artist and owner is indicated!
You may not submit the following as reference images:
- 3D models or avatars
- Traced artwork. If you use a free base, please indicate the origins on the reference sheet
- Full image galleries. You should only have ONE reference image
- Toyhouse folder links
- Images of suits by other makers, or traced images of other suits (you may indicate suits we have made that you like the appearance of if you wish)
- Single view reference sheets (such as a front view only)
Please include ALL elements you wish to see in your suit in ONE image. Do NOT submit multiple reference images.
Examples of references and artists YOU can commission!
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Art by Strider. Follow here and watch for reference openings! *These examples are not explicitly fursuit reference sheets, but the style is very good
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Art by Azrael. Follow here and watch for reference openings!
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Art by Masvino. Follow here and watch for reference openings! *These examples are not explicitly fursuit reference sheets, but the style is very good
Purchasing a reference sheet from these artists is NOT required. They are just examples, you can commission any artist of your choice and send them this page to reference what you need.
Want to take a look at more options? We have a big thread here with many different styles! Find the artist that is right for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about your reference sheet, you can email us at kemonokapi@gmail.com.
Want to take a look at more options? We have a big thread here with many different styles! Find the artist that is right for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about your reference sheet, you can email us at kemonokapi@gmail.com.
