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Why the concept of "designer fursuits" bothers me: a thread.
Something my professor used to tell us is that "a high tide raises all boats". In my experience, this is how the artistic side of the furry community operates. We're not competitors, we're peers.
Something my professor used to tell us is that "a high tide raises all boats". In my experience, this is how the artistic side of the furry community operates. We're not competitors, we're peers.
1: "designer fursuits" are intentionally divisive. Many have mentioned the tailor comment: in an attempt to elevate, this concept puts its peers in a bargain bin and diminishes the hard work of other makers.
We are NOT here for that.
We are NOT here for that.
2: Design is prized over function, which suffers. It's marketed as a gain, but what do you sacrifice? And for what?
No mention of ventilation. The eyes have an uncanny 1000-yard stare and are painted over. Where is the wearer's vision? The jaw doesn't move.
No mention of ventilation. The eyes have an uncanny 1000-yard stare and are painted over. Where is the wearer's vision? The jaw doesn't move.
3: Identity. When you buy anything designer, your identity is inseparable from the identity of the brand. I would caution anyone considering purchasing to think about this.
Their logo is literally branded on the face. It will be visible in most photos. Very intentional.
Their logo is literally branded on the face. It will be visible in most photos. Very intentional.
For regular clothing, fine. It's a thing. Branding makes a statement, I get that. But for something literally called your "second self"--for a persona--is that what you want? It seems a little too hive-mindy to me personally.
4: "designer made" suits completely miss the mark on not only why, but how we fursuit, and pick our identities.
Fursuit culture is about fantasy, exploration and expression of self. It's a celebration of what we consider our true selves and hinges on sharing that with others.
Fursuit culture is about fantasy, exploration and expression of self. It's a celebration of what we consider our true selves and hinges on sharing that with others.
To clarify, I know we are not the target audience, this was clear to me within the first few seconds of exposure.
But then I'm left wondering: who is? Why use furry culture terms to describe your costumes and market to us if we're not your audience?
But then I'm left wondering: who is? Why use furry culture terms to describe your costumes and market to us if we're not your audience?
Imo these costumes are mascots, not fursuits. Their function serves to elevate a brand, and their identity is permanently affixed to it. There is little sense of self identity. It feels like seeing Geoffrey from Toys R Us at a con. I can't separate him from the corporate ID.
Update from the maker:
Sounds like there was a marketing company involved, which is the root of the problem here. This sort of branding doesn't work in such an art-positive, tightly knit community. Research your demographic.
Sounds like there was a marketing company involved, which is the root of the problem here. This sort of branding doesn't work in such an art-positive, tightly knit community. Research your demographic.
