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Frequently Asked Questions and Care |
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Can you give me a quote?
I can give a ballpark idea, but do not give out detailed quotes until I am close to opening for commissions. This will be announced on social media.
Are you open for commissions?
I am always open for small parts such as resin bases and paws through my online store. Social Media is the best place to watch for updates on upcoming projects and openings. You can also check our Commissions page for when we will open next, or sign up for our mailing list for advance notice of openings (commission openings only).
Do you accept commissions from minors?
I only work with individuals aged 18+, as minors can not legally sign a contract in the US. I may ask for proof of age, usually a driver's license or legal photo ID. For privacy you may black out license numbers, but the name, photo, and address must be clear and match the shipping address.
What payment methods do you accept?
I take all payments through Square, a secure payment platform that does not require clients to have an account. It is the same platform that many artists plug into their smartphone/tablet at conventions and requires only a payment card - credit, debit, or gift. I may accept PayPal on occasion for smaller commissions, but only if I advertise that it is an option.
What about a down payment?
All partial and fullsuit commissions require a 30% down payment to purchase starting materials. This deposit is NOT refundable unless the commission is cancelled by the artist. Please be sure you are positive and financially able to commit to a commission before ordering.
Do you accept payment plans?
I no longer offer direct payment plans, as I am not a financial institution and this can be risky for both
parties. Instead I now offer installments through Square Installments, which allows me to receive full payment and ship immediately while the client repays Square. I may allow direct plans for premade suits as an exception under a strict no-cancellation contract, and only if I advertise the option.
More information can be found at squareinstallments.com/us/en/faqs
I don't have a lot of money. Will you give me a discount? / Why so expensive?
Every single costume is hand made from scratch, including molding and casting parts, sculpting foam, drafting unique customized patterns, and lots of time. We spend hundreds of hours bringing every character to life, and only use high quality materials. Faux Fur itself ranges from $40-$70 a yard plus everything else used. Due to this immense time, effort, skill, and material cost, we do not offer discounts.
Can you use parts I already have?
I MAY be willing to use existing parts and materials on a case by case basis. Any fur or bases will have to be of the same quality that I would have chosen myself, in terms of both look and durability. This will likely not change the price of your commission much, if at all
Do I need a DTD? Ref sheet?
Any commission requiring bodysuit will require a Duct Tape Dummy (DTD). Instructions will be provided. You do not need a ref sheet, however, the less information is available the more artistic freedom you must allow. You will receive a rough concept sketch if needed to put us both on the same page.
Do you use real fur or bone?
No! All costumes are made of 100% synthetic material. Real feathers or leather may be used with permission and at the artist's discretion. No real fur or bone is ever used, as real fur is hot, difficult to work with, and hard to clean between uses.
How should I care for my fursuits?
Heads: Spot clean neck with a gentle detergent such as Woolite and water. You can spray the inside with an isopropyl alcohol/water mix to kill bacteria and odors, being very careful to keep this mixture away from the eyes and any paint.
**A note on machine carpet cleaners** All faux fur and foam contain harmless dust and residues from the factory, which will make your first washes appear filthy. This also applies for using machines and carpet cleaners. FOAM heads are generally durable enough to withstand this type of cleaning, as long as extra care is taken around the eyes and paint is avoided completely, but I do not recommend it as necessary for a good clean.
Instead I recommend buying a few Coolskin HOT WEATHER (not fleece) Balaclavas, as they can be switched out over a convention weekend and keep sweat out of your head in the first place.
Paws and Tails : machine wash on COLD gentle cycle only or spot clean. Let the machine spin out most of the moisture. Hang to dry, point a fan at it, and brush hourly.
Bodysuit: Fill a bathtub with cold water and some woolite or other gentle detergent. Use your fingers to gently work the soapy water through the fur, taking extra special attention to the armpits, neck, and crotch. Empty the tub and refill with clean water to rinse. Squeeze out most of the water, then transfer it down to the washing machine. Run a rinse and spin cycle to rinse the rest of the detergent out and spin out most of the moisture. Hang to dry, point a fan at it, and brush hourly to ensure that the fur dries well.
I can give a ballpark idea, but do not give out detailed quotes until I am close to opening for commissions. This will be announced on social media.
Are you open for commissions?
I am always open for small parts such as resin bases and paws through my online store. Social Media is the best place to watch for updates on upcoming projects and openings. You can also check our Commissions page for when we will open next, or sign up for our mailing list for advance notice of openings (commission openings only).
Do you accept commissions from minors?
I only work with individuals aged 18+, as minors can not legally sign a contract in the US. I may ask for proof of age, usually a driver's license or legal photo ID. For privacy you may black out license numbers, but the name, photo, and address must be clear and match the shipping address.
What payment methods do you accept?
I take all payments through Square, a secure payment platform that does not require clients to have an account. It is the same platform that many artists plug into their smartphone/tablet at conventions and requires only a payment card - credit, debit, or gift. I may accept PayPal on occasion for smaller commissions, but only if I advertise that it is an option.
What about a down payment?
All partial and fullsuit commissions require a 30% down payment to purchase starting materials. This deposit is NOT refundable unless the commission is cancelled by the artist. Please be sure you are positive and financially able to commit to a commission before ordering.
Do you accept payment plans?
I no longer offer direct payment plans, as I am not a financial institution and this can be risky for both
parties. Instead I now offer installments through Square Installments, which allows me to receive full payment and ship immediately while the client repays Square. I may allow direct plans for premade suits as an exception under a strict no-cancellation contract, and only if I advertise the option.
More information can be found at squareinstallments.com/us/en/faqs
I don't have a lot of money. Will you give me a discount? / Why so expensive?
Every single costume is hand made from scratch, including molding and casting parts, sculpting foam, drafting unique customized patterns, and lots of time. We spend hundreds of hours bringing every character to life, and only use high quality materials. Faux Fur itself ranges from $40-$70 a yard plus everything else used. Due to this immense time, effort, skill, and material cost, we do not offer discounts.
Can you use parts I already have?
I MAY be willing to use existing parts and materials on a case by case basis. Any fur or bases will have to be of the same quality that I would have chosen myself, in terms of both look and durability. This will likely not change the price of your commission much, if at all
Do I need a DTD? Ref sheet?
Any commission requiring bodysuit will require a Duct Tape Dummy (DTD). Instructions will be provided. You do not need a ref sheet, however, the less information is available the more artistic freedom you must allow. You will receive a rough concept sketch if needed to put us both on the same page.
Do you use real fur or bone?
No! All costumes are made of 100% synthetic material. Real feathers or leather may be used with permission and at the artist's discretion. No real fur or bone is ever used, as real fur is hot, difficult to work with, and hard to clean between uses.
How should I care for my fursuits?
Heads: Spot clean neck with a gentle detergent such as Woolite and water. You can spray the inside with an isopropyl alcohol/water mix to kill bacteria and odors, being very careful to keep this mixture away from the eyes and any paint.
**A note on machine carpet cleaners** All faux fur and foam contain harmless dust and residues from the factory, which will make your first washes appear filthy. This also applies for using machines and carpet cleaners. FOAM heads are generally durable enough to withstand this type of cleaning, as long as extra care is taken around the eyes and paint is avoided completely, but I do not recommend it as necessary for a good clean.
Instead I recommend buying a few Coolskin HOT WEATHER (not fleece) Balaclavas, as they can be switched out over a convention weekend and keep sweat out of your head in the first place.
Paws and Tails : machine wash on COLD gentle cycle only or spot clean. Let the machine spin out most of the moisture. Hang to dry, point a fan at it, and brush hourly.
Bodysuit: Fill a bathtub with cold water and some woolite or other gentle detergent. Use your fingers to gently work the soapy water through the fur, taking extra special attention to the armpits, neck, and crotch. Empty the tub and refill with clean water to rinse. Squeeze out most of the water, then transfer it down to the washing machine. Run a rinse and spin cycle to rinse the rest of the detergent out and spin out most of the moisture. Hang to dry, point a fan at it, and brush hourly to ensure that the fur dries well.