ISSUE 267
Hi everyone! Welcome back to Furry Weekly – your weekly magazine for anything and everything about the furry fandom! Our summer break is finally done and we’re ready to bring you your weekly dose of the fandom! While on break though, we did take the time to prepare a special piece to celebrate the summer season (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), so we want to share that with you all!
This project was a collaboration between several Furry Weekly staff members along with one former staff member! We’re more than happy with how it all turned out and we hope you all enjoy seeing it as well! We wish everyone a fun and safe summer season – or winter for you folks in the south!
If you like what you see, we definitely encourage you to check out all the artists who made a piece for this project! DozuDoggy, Avalon, Lucky, Eevee, Zed, Multifurse, and Seff!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RECRUITING
As usual, we want to start by reminding you about some positions we have open. We need help to keep making this project the best it can be, so take a look at the positions below and see if anything catches your eye:
- Art Corner Host
- Furry of the Week Host
- Radical Raffles Host
- Available Artists Host
- DIY Project of the Week Host
- Front End Website Developer
- Editor
If you’d like to help out or if you want more info, please contact Yeshua, or Carkas. If you want a description of the roles above, visit this document! If you have any suggestions for other roles or things we could bring into Furry Weekly, please reach out as well. We’d love to hear your ideas! We still need lots of help in general, so please do consider joining us or sharing with other friends in the fandom if you can! We’d really appreciate it!
DISCORD SERVER
We’re still on The Furry Social Discord server! It’s a server where artists, commissioners and furries of all kinds can hang out and express themselves! You can find new content and share your own! This is not an official Furry Weekly server, but we do work with folks there! So if you're looking for a furry Discord server to interact in, whether you just want to hang out, show off your work, or browse and find new folks to follow, check out The Furry Social! There are also a couple of Furry Weekly channels where we can chat about the magazine, and you could even submit some of your content there! Nevertheless, be sure to join the server if it interests you! You can join it by clicking the link below! Just make sure you have Discord open!
The Furry Social Discord
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That’s all we have for announcements, so let’s jump into today’s issue! As always, let us know on our social media what you liked the most or if you’d like to see something or someone in a future issue. We’re @FurryWeekly on both Twitter and Instagram!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
[✔] Furry of the Week
[✔] Animal of the Week
[✔] Art Corner
[❌] Writing Showcase
[❌] Art 101
[❌] Species Spotlight
[✔] Writing 101
[✔] Fursuit Fanatics
[✔] Photography 101
[✔] Fursuit Designing Tips
[✔] Radical Raffles
[✔] Available Artists
[✔] Character Interview
[✔] Convention Calendar
[✔] Furry Quote
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FURRY OF THE WEEK
Hello, everyone. My name’s Yeshua, and I’m here to bring you this week’s Furry of the Week segment! This time, we have a special mention.
Furries are back in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for arguably the most well-known furry convention in the world – Anthrocon!
Anthrocon is now underway as of writing this on June 29, but Wednesday, June 28, television station KDKA – also known as CBS Pittsburgh – brought on Anthrocon’s public outreach director, John Cole, and fursuiter, Manick, for an interview!
KDKA’s Heather Abraham conducted the interview asking very engaging questions about Anthrocon including its history, economic impact for Pittsburgh, and even if the event has stuff going on for the public to see! This allowed Cole and Manick to really take the time to explain more about Anthrocon and the fandom as a whole.
The tone of the interview was very attentive and positive, as Abraham, Cole, and Manick all truly helped present the furry fandom in a positive light as a preview to Anthrocon 2023.
So we at Furry Weekly wanted to highlight this because it’s not every day that the fandom is represented on a major television network!
You can check out the video of Manick and Cole’s interview about Anthrocon here.
Also fun fact, according to numbers presented by Cole, Anthrocon was responsible for bringing in $82.2 million to Pittsburgh’s economy in 2022, and is expected to bring in around $13.4 million in 2023! Be sure to check out the full interview linked above to hear this, as well as other neat stuff about Anthrocon and how meaningful it is to the city of Pittsburgh!
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That is all for this edition of Furry of the Week!
We’re always on the lookout for candidates to feature for their amazing contributions to the community. If you have any questions about this segment or would like to send us a recommendation for a future candidate, feel free to contact Fizzy, Peppermint, or Danielle.
Thanks again for stopping by! I will catch you all next time when I return to the Character Interview segment! Until then, this has been Yeshua! Take care!
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ANIMAL OF THE WEEK
Hello everyone! It’s Zed Shirogane and it’s another animal of the week segment!
Animal of the Week is a segment where we highlight an animal that is really cool, cute, creepy, or just plain fascinating. There will be a coloring page illustration for you all to print out and color in at home, as well as an adoptable character inspired by the animal of that week. The best part? All proceeds made by said adopt will be donated to conservation charities!
Whenever possible we do symbolically adopt the animal, but only some animals have the privilege to have that as an option unfortunately; thus we collect extra funds to donate to many different species conservation charities or send funds to scientists so that they can research underappreciated animal species, so we can in turn learn more about the world around us. Join us on this fun adventure!
It’s July, and the animal group for this month is the falcons!
Falcons are birds of prey in the genus Falco, which includes about 40 species. Falcons are widely distributed on all continents of the world except Antarctica, though closely related raptors did occur there in the Eocene. Kestrels are the smallest falcon subspecies that typically sport brown or gray feathers along their backs and feed on small rodents, insects, and reptiles. Hobbies are slightly larger than their Kestrel cousins. The most well-known falcon group is the Peregrine falcon and its close relatives, which are powerful, fast, and truly impressive. The final group, which sometimes falls under the Peregrine group, is the Hierofalcons which have feathers that are red or brown and strong patterns throughout their plumage.
Falconry is the hunting of wild animals in their natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey. Small animals are hunted; squirrels and rabbits often fall prey to these birds. Falconry centers or bird-of-prey centers house these raptors. They are responsible for many aspects of bird-of-prey conservation (through keeping the birds for education and breeding). Many conduct regular flying demonstrations and educational talks, and are popular with visitors worldwide.
The practice of falconry makes a lot of positive contributions to conservation efforts for birds of prey. Disease and predation leave many raptor species with a low chance of survival during the first year of life. Falconers trap these young chicks to use in the field, working to nurse them to optimal health and providing protection from predators. Once they’re done hunting with them, long after this period of vulnerability has passed, they release them back into the wild to thrive. Raptors prey on many of the nuisance birds, rodents, and other animals that ravage crops. Employing falconry as a form of pest control reduces the use of harmful chemicals that negatively impact our health and the environment. Additionally, falconry birds help manage prey populations in the wild to prevent overpopulation and the devastating long-term effects it can have on habitats and the ecosystem as a whole.
This Week’s Species: American kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Characteristics
The American kestrel, also called the sparrow hawk, is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. Physically, American kestrels are leaner and less muscular than larger falcons. American Kestrels are pale when seen from below and warm, rusty brown spotted with black above, with a black band near the tip of the tail. Males have slate-blue wings; females’ wings are reddish brown. Both sexes have pairs of black vertical slashes on the sides of their pale faces, sometimes called a “mustache” and a “sideburn."
Fun Facts
The American kestrel is a common bird used in falconry, especially by beginners. Though not as strong a flier as many other, larger falcons, proper training and weight control by the falconer allows many American kestrels to become effective hunters of birds in the size range of sparrows and starlings, with occasional success against birds up to approximately twice their own weight.
Habitat
American kestrels are found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, deserts and other open to semi-open regions. They can also be found in both urban and suburban areas. A kestrel's habitat must include perches, open space for hunting, and cavities for nesting. The American kestrel is able to live in very diverse conditions, ranging from above the Arctic Circle, to the tropics of Central America, to elevations of over 14,800 ft in the Andes Mountains. The bird is distributed from northern Canada and Alaska to the southernmost tip of South America, Tierra del Fuego. It is the only kestrel found in the Americas, though as mentioned above this classification is genetically inaccurate. It has occurred as a vagrant in the UK, Denmark, Malta and the Azores.
Diet
American kestrels feed largely on small animals such as grasshoppers, crickets, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, beetles, lizards, mice, voles, shrews, frogs, and small birds. The kestrel has also been reported to have killed scorpions, snakes, bats, and squirrels. The kestrel is able to maintain high population densities, at least in part because of the broad scope of its diet. The American kestrel's primary mode of hunting is by perching and waiting for prey to come near.
Life Cycle
American kestrels are sexually mature by their first spring. In migratory populations, the males arrive at the breeding ground before females, then the female selects a mate. Pair bonds are strong, often permanent. Pairs usually use previous nesting sites in consecutive years. This gives birds an advantage over younger or invading individuals, as they would already be familiar with the hunting grounds, neighbors, predators, and other features of the site. Males perform elaborate dive displays to advertise their territory and attract a mate. These displays consist of several climbs and dives, with three or four "klee" calls at their peaks.
Conservation
The American kestrel is likely the most abundant falcon in North America, although its total population is difficult to quantify, as local populations can change quickly due to resource availability. Count data from the USGS Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) indicate that the North American breeding population is experiencing long-term and gradual but sustained declines, with some regions, such as New England and coastal California, exhibiting more rapid declines. The southeastern U.S. subspecies (Falco sparverius paulus) has declined 82% since 1940 due to a decrease in nest site availability. This decline is a result of longleaf pines being cleared for agricultural fields. Despite this, the American kestrel is classed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.
The Peregrine Fund, a leading non-profit organization advancing research and conservation of birds of prey worldwide, launched the American Kestrel Partnership in 2012. The American Kestrel Partnership developed and maintains a web-based network for citizen and professional scientists to enter, manage, and consolidate data from kestrel nest box monitoring programs in the Western Hemisphere. The database is being used by researchers to model and understand relationships between kestrel nesting parameters (e.g., phenology, occupancy, survival, productivity, and nestling weight and exposure to environmental toxins) and environmental factors, such as land use, landscape composition and configuration, climate conditions (e.g., drought), and point sources of environmental toxins. Each breeding season, the American Kestrel Partnership features a live-streaming video feed from the nest box located at The Peregrine Fund's campus in Boise, Idaho.
Here are some links to articles about the conservation of the American Kestrel:
Adopt
All funds from this adopt will go to animal conservation. The goal for this month is to save up to symbolically adopt falcons through a donation to UC Davis’s California Raptor Center to help fund the care of Apollo, Hawk Creek Wildlife Center to help fund for the care of Caspian, and the National Wildlife Federation: which requires a total of $140. This adopt will be one of 5 total created to achieve this goal and hopefully more, extra funds are pooled together to be donated to conservation research programs. It will be available for $30 at Shirogane Studios.
Coloring Page
Enjoy this coloring page made by yours truly, for you! Feel free to print it out at home to color in, or if you enjoy the design feel free to purchase it on a multitude of products.
Animal Ambassadors
Thank you to our Animal Ambassadors: our AOTW supporters, who have helped make the world a little bit better for animals. If you wish to join us, or maybe just really like these character designs so you want to get access to some exclusive adopts, you can find our patreon for this passion project HERE.
References
Most of my information was derived from Wikipedia and supplemented from other websites such as the Cornell Lab and the Audubon Society.
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ART CORNER
Hey you all! Yeshua here! Thanks for joining me for another segment of Art Corner! I’m filling in this week and potentially for the next few weeks as we look for a new Art Corner host. So I do want to mention that if you’re interested in perhaps hosting this segment, just contact me to apply! If you enjoy seeing artwork in the fandom and especially talking about it, this might be for you!
That said, I’ve got some stuff to share with you all, so let’s get into it!
Dragons Draw leads us off with a stunning scene!
Where to even start? I’ll go with the linework. This piece seems to have some areas where the lining is visible while others look lineless. It’s a combination I think the artist pulled off well – although the lineless look does seem to blend in better with the piece as a whole! Next I want to mention the anatomy – it’s spot on! From the ears, to the paws, to the snout, and the tail, all the animal features look great, and the anthro features like the body shape, hair, and hands, also look wonderful. And I can’t end without raving about the colorwork; perhaps the highlight of the piece. The depth of the colors in both the character and the setting along with the lighting effects and shadows are just a sight to behold. The beach shore against the sunset looks incredible, and the character just relaxing on a towel makes for a fantastic summer scene. Keep making lovely art, Dragons! You’re immensely talented!
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Up next is Kovat with an absolutely delightful half body piece!
How cute is this piece? Of course this wonderful green folf is the focus; this chibi style is such a joy to look at. Boasting a near-lineless style, this piece has simple, but well-defined features and details – from the blue kimono, to the sushi and utensils, and back to the character himself! These more simple details, like the fur, hair, and facial features, make for a neat chibi style that honestly feels like it’d fit great for a cartoon! And while the coloring is overall very solid, you can still see some depth and effects on parts like the knife and food, which makes me wonder what a full-blown scene would look like in this style! Still, this piece still presents the character with so much personality; the pose and expression both make it seem like this chef is ready to serve his sushi!
I’d like to point out though – this is a rare piece from Kovat. He was actually challenged to try and draw in a chibi style, and wow did he succeed! It’s not the first time he’s drawn in such a style, but if you take a look at his art pages, you might be surprised to see a semi-realistic style that honestly leans even more toward the realistic side. So it’s impressive how Kovat is able to draw in a style that’s drastically different from his norm, and I think that’s worth highlighting! Keep it up, Kovat – your work is fantastic!
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SuperAthena is next and wow – what a fun piece!
Right off the bat I want to mention just how lively this looks! The expression conveys so much emotion; that’s a real nice smile showing off the character’s chompers! Along with the closed eyes, you can just tell this fox is having an incredible time! I’m convinced this would be a photo that would appear on an album from a trip to Disney World. The Minnie Mouse head accessory and the lanyard with the different Disney pins really sell that idea, hahah. Quick note while mentioning the accessories – I think it’s adorable how the character’s ears are lowered while wearing the Minnie Mouse accessory!
Moving on, I have to mention the colorwork; it’s superb! There is so much depth throughout the piece along with effects like highlights and shadows that really complete it and make it pop! Very appropriate for such a joyful character! Seriously awesome work, Athena; happy to have been able to share this piece!
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And closing us off, CowCrayon brings us a whole sculpture to look at!
It’s not often at all that we get to show off physical crafts here on Art Corner, and while it is indeed a craft, we’re still counting it! First, I gotta say the form of the sculpture is exceptional; the anatomy looks great, from the hand and feet paws, to the tail, the ears, snout, as well as the overall body proportions. This looks like a proper anthro character! It’s marvelous how spot on all the features are. Then there’s the painting which certainly completes the sculpture so well! The precision of the colors patterned the way they are is seriously impressive, and the texture is just so smooth! I actually did a bit of ceramics years ago and while practice can definitely help you improve, it’s a craft that requires a lot of patience, so huge props to the artist! Or sculptor, I should say! It was an absolute pleasure getting to feature and talk about this stitched doggo sculpture!
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And with that, we’ve reached the end of the segment. Thank you all for joining me! I hope you all enjoyed today’s works as much as I did, and if you did, I strongly encourage you to give some love to the artists; they’re all wonderfully skilled! All of them are linked above so go check them out! Right now!
If you’d like to see your art showcased and reviewed here, just use the tags #furryweekly and #artcorner when you post your work on social media, or just reach out to me directly to submit your art!
I’m not sure if it’ll be me next week, but thanks again for stopping by this time! I’ll see you all around! Take care!
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WRITING 101
Halfway around the world, nearly a half-mile away from perfect sandy shores, a hawk and a curious floating camera appear to be walking on the mirror-like surface of the Indian Ocean. But this is no mirage or trick of the eye—a sandbar has emerged from the shallow shores thanks to low tide. The tide gently pulls streams of water towards the horizon, allowing the pair to freely walk amongst the sparse Tanzania locals collecting seaweed by the sack.
“I’m so glad I could come back here,” says Tad. He tilts his bucket hat down a notch and adjusts his long-sleeve shirt, both of which fend off the intense morning sun. “It’s a nice summer break. Hopefully everyone else is enjoying theirs.”
The camera nods. It pans around, capturing this spot of slippery sand caught between the endless tropical trees on the shore and the ocean’s horizon. It’s a fascinating scene, and Tad wonders what it would look like to see people standing out here from the shore.
They keep walking. Tad’s talons splash up the warm salt water with every step. It’s a pleasant sensation in the ever-growing heat. A few drops land on his board shorts, but they evaporate in an instant.
“We’re supposed to be back to work soon. So I went ahead and drafted up the next Writing 101 segment so I don’t have to worry about it.”
The Camera shakes its body, clearly disappointed that the hawk worked on his time off.
“It’s okay, I promise. I was inspired. Want to hear it?”
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Hello friends, and welcome to Furry Weekly’s Writing 101! I’m Bryce Griffin, here to get all you writers out there the inside scoop on literature tips and tricks. Let’s get started!
This week, we’re shifting gears away from tropes in literature to take a look at literary devices. We use literary devices all the time in our writing whether we realize it or not. Rather than focus on the most common ones, as we’ve previously done for Writing 101, we’ll be looking at some tricky, often misunderstood devices.
There is a very important distinction to point out. Dramatic irony must be inherent to the plot, such that a plot point’s meaning in the story does not change with subsequent readings. An audience that has already read the book or seen the performance does not mean that a situation suddenly becomes an example of dramatic irony thanks to this prior knowledge. A situation is dramatic irony where the collective audience has been “shown the cards” and are thus given knowledge that a character in the story does not know. This knowledge cannot be acquired after the fact. It must be during the story, such that a first-time audience member will know what a character doesn’t exactly the same as someone who knows the story by heart.
Oedipus Rex, one of Sophocles’ famous Greek Tragedies, is a widely known and widely studied text, partly for its prolific examples of dramatic irony. In short, Oedipus learns through a prophecy to kill his father and sleep with his mother, so he vows to do everything in his power to avoid such a tragedy. Unbeknownst to him but intimately known by the Ancient Greek audiences, Oedipus’ actions specifically meant to avoid the horrible prophecy instead lead him to fulfill it. His blindness to his past and present lead him to fulfill this prophecy, and, as a result of learning that he has been his own downfall, chooses to gouge out his eyes instead of see all he has caused.
Dramatic irony is an excellent tool for creating a critical plot point called anagnorisis—the moment where a character realizes someone’s true identity or the full weight of one’s own situation. This is typically the crux of a story that relies on dramatic irony, especially a tragedy. It is the moment where everything unravels for the main character and forces them to confront all that has haunted them. The fact that the audience knew this moment would come all along, yet the character still experiences the anagnorisis, is what makes dramatic irony such a powerful tool.
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Want us to take a look at your work? Got a general question for Writing 101? Just shoot me a message on Discord! I’ll be happy to answer any writing questions or even critique your work.
Thanks for joining me in Furry Weekly’s Writing 101. I hope you enjoy the rest of the magazine!
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“See, it wasn’t too much. It’s good to get back in the swing of things.”
Tad unconsciously wipes his brow with his shirt sleeve. “It sure is getting hot....”
He doffs his hat, stoops down to cup up some water, and dumps it over his head’s ruddy, reddish-brown feathers.
“I’d do the same for you,” he says, glancing up at the camera as he continues to drip water over his head, “but I don’t think that would end well.”
A quizzical whirr.
“Sunscreen? Like… did I put any on?”
He looks down at his tough, leathery talons, along with his scale-like shins and calves. He then pulls up his shirt sleeves to reveal copious glossy feathers.
“Putting it on might be a bit tricky, to be honest....”
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FURSUIT FANATICS
Hihi..! I’m tahlmorra and I’m happy to welcome you to this week’s installment of Fursuit Fanatics! We’re back from summer break, raring to go and hotter than ever! Today we’ll be poking about in dumpsters, around late-night campfires and along highway shoulders in the greater Denver, Colorado area (we seem to have had a surplus of furs from that locale, looking back). So, grab some marshmallows and tell a few ghost stories around the fire or take a leisurely walk along the roadside and, sooner or later, you’ll be sure to find our latest guest of the week: Roadkill the raccoon!
Roadkill (she/her), or Roki for short, is a predominately red emo raccoon with black accenting typical of the species, and a set of tire tracks across her midriff. She and her suiter, Jico (she/her, he/him) are both from Denver, Colorado, as previously mentioned. Her eyes sport the “Xs” typical of the deceased beasties in cartoons, and she has ear plugs with smiley faces to match. Roki is done up in an emo/scene fashion that mirrors Jico’s choice of style. She also has nine different piercings, in total, removable eyelids and her eyeliner is based on the makeup look that Jico wears for concerts. She is the seventh of Jico’s suits/partials, but the first and only version of Roki herself. She was received in August of 2022 – her head made by Making the Magic and tail and paws by Jico herself. Ultimately, she says to expect a full suit for Roki. There’s no timetable for this, but she says she’s “going to make it happen.”
When it comes to public suiting, Jico says, “by myself or with some homies it’s always a blast” regardless of where she is. Taking pictures and making TikToks with friends are her favorite activities while in-suit. So far, Roki has only had the opportunity to attend one convention, DenFur 2022, and hasn’t been to any formal meets as of yet.
When asked to describe the reasoning behind becoming a furry, she said it was simply that she thought it to be a fun and inspiring thing to do. She loved seeing the creativity displayed by all the creative minds in the fandom. As far as fursuiting goes, the main reason she got her first suit – a partial, thanks to her parents – was to help her get out of her personal shell. She recounts going to the park with her family and seeing the smiles on other people’s faces and just enjoying herself in-suit. Jico said it was scary at the start but became easier and really fun to “just go out and be a big, silly critter.” As far as Roki is concerned, she owes her existence to a last-minute change of mind as Jico originally commissioned a possum for a partial. She decided that Roki would be such a cute character to have made into a suit, that she would rather have her done up, instead. Jico describes Roki as “pretty much the spitting image” of herself when her hair is red. She says it’s rather simple why she went with a raccoon suit instead of her first choice; they are “super cute” and not a species that you see everyday and, she says, she relates to raccoons the most among the many other choices. Roki’s colors and patterning were based off of a red and black striped sweater she got at a thrift shop (as seen in photos in this article) and she wears it a lot of the time. In fact, Jico says if it wasn’t for getting the sweater she doesn’t think that she would have had the idea for Roki, at all.
Purchasing Roki was really exciting, Jico says. There was good communication with the maker, who she describes as “super friendly.” They helped to nail down some of the designs she had that she was unsure of. Roki and Jico say they definitely recommend Making the Magic to anyone looking to have a new, or another, fursuit made. When I asked the significance of the fursuit design, she said “Me!” continuing that the fashion style, hair, makeup, and personality are all directly related to herself. For the care of Roki, she says she uses a ‘little green machine’ for proper cleaning of the fursuit. She also has a spray she uses on the inside after each wearing and brushes her after every use.
Next, I asked her how she felt about the role she thought fursuits played in the larger furry community, and why she thought they’re so popular. Basically, the overall creativity of it was her reply; the ability to create your own character and then bring it to life in the form of a fursuit. Fursuits give people the opportunity to do something they’ve never done before and, in her opinion, “I think that’s super!”
Roki went on to recount a story from DenFur – which she described as a “wholesome experience.”
“We were in line for the convention photo and a younger kid behind me got really excited that they’re [sic] finally meeting me after being a fan for a while and I gave them one of Roki’s Halloween bow ties for her hair and said, after I gave them it, that we’re gonna be matching with cute little hair bows and they got really happy over it.”
Roki’s favorite things are the color yellow, strawberry and ramen for food, drink is pumpkin spice iced coffee and strawberry whipped RockStar energy drink, Fall is her season, and, rounding it all out, music/attending concerts are favorite activities. Her one main dislike is drama. “We do not like drama, we will avoid [it] at all cost!” Ideal goals were stated to be more productive with her art and possibly one day sell stickers made from it.
Finally, I asked if they had anything they wanted to share about their fursuit or the furry community in general. I’ll let her say it in her own words: “I’m super glad to be a part of the friend groups I’m a part of. My homies are so nice and fun to be around and talk to and I don’t think I would have met any of them if I wasn’t a part of this fandom. I’m amazed nearly daily with the suits I see and the art. I’m so glad I can be a part of a welcoming community!”
If you think you might like to follow Roki, or learn more about her, you can find her on the following platforms:
-x_roadkill_x on TikTok
-Raccoon_Roadkill on Instagram (furry acc’t)
-Jicos_not_here on Instagram (main acc’t)
Come back to visit next week when we’ll have a guest as yet to be determined! If you want to find out who we showcase, you’ll just have to tune in to find out..! If you think you could be featured on Fursuit Fanatics, or know someone you think should, use or encourage others to use the tags #FurryWeekly and #FursuitFanatics on most platforms; you just might be hearing from me to be the next fur featured here at Furry Weekly.
I’m tahlmorra, I’ve been your Fursuit Fanatics host, and I look forward to seeing you all next time around. Stay safe, stay well, stay furry..!
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PHOTOGRAPHY 101
Hello, friends and photografurs! Welcome back to this week's Photography 101! I'm your host, Jaden (Discord @ Jaden711#0663). With the weather finally getting warmer, there's no better time to take some photos in nature. Finding that perfect spot may take some hiking and going across some uneven terrain. And that's why it's more important than ever to pack your camera and equipment into a camera bag!
Finding the Right Bag
If you don't already have a camera bag, the first step is to buy one that's right for you. You’ll want one that's small enough to stay convenient while being large enough to carry your necessary equipment. Some bonuses to look for in a camera bag are:
A waterproof bag is also a major necessity that can't be stressed enough. If you're taking hikes to take photos, you may be pretty far from the nearest shelter. So if the weather takes a turn for the worst, you'll want to make sure that your camera is protected from the heaviest of rain. Thankfully, waterproofing is an industry-standard!
Gathering your Equipment
The next step is to gather all the equipment you'll need. A tripod, lenses, flash, filters, microfiber cloth, film, batteries—anything you think you'll need for your journey! Gathering all your equipment and laying it out in front of you makes organization a lot easier since it allows you to start brainstorming and get a general idea of where everything should go.
Weight Distribution
If you're going to be taking a long hike with your camera bag, you'll want proper weight distribution to prevent pain in your back and/or shoulders. Thankfully, to make this easier, the foam inserts that come with almost all camera bags will make this a lot easier for us. To start, I usually put my camera at the very top of my bag; this is less for weight distribution itself and more to physically protect the camera whenever I'm dropping the bag or putting it down. To follow, I'll usually put my biggest lens in the middle and a small lens at the bottom. For any remaining space, feel free to fill it with any filters or other lens attachments to add a tiny bit of weight to the sides. This is how I've been packing my camera bag for years, and I've never felt the slightest bit of discomfort on hikes that lasted hours and hours.
I wish I had a camera bag I could recommend to all of you. But the one I've been using for years is unfortunately no longer available! But for those who are interested, I use the AmazonBasics Camera Bag. They do sell a newer model, and if it's anything like the one I have, then it would be a great bag to use that I couldn't recommend enough!
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That concludes this week's segment! If you have any questions or would like to share your photos, don't be afraid to shoot me (Discord @ Jaden711#0663) a message!
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FURSUIT DESIGNING TIPS
Hey there, Olivier here with a new segment! Alright, for this summer special I figured what is more fun than fursuiting? Fursuiting safely!
So this will be a special for the handlers among us. Y’all do miracle work and I wanted to put you on a pedestal. So here are some tips for suiters from handlers, and for handlers from suiters! Feel free to read the whole thing through so you can also ask for stuff if the other side is not "giving" that.
Tips for handlers!
☆Stay close to your suiter, you are their eyes after all and in some cases even their mouth!
☆Agree on a "safe word" so your suiter freezes in place, that way they don't accidentally knock over a kid. It happens to the best of us…
☆If you go for a walk, know the way and be aware of the area. You can even do a dry run together out of suit to scout ahead for any potential dangers and fun areas to rest and vibe.
☆Portable (rechargeable) fans are your suiter’s best friend, and you will be the most popular spotter at a con if you have multiple!
☆Ask your suiter if they have business cards, a QR code, an NFC badge or something or a notebook for photographers to write their @s in, so that photos don't become lost but actually find your suiter again!
☆Have some understanding of emergency sewing. Doesn't have to be pretty, does have to do the job.
☆Know how to handle conflict/confrontation without escalating it.
☆Ask your suiter if they want a drink, snack, or break. They might be too into the moment to request those things. And bring drinks and stuff for yourself too!
☆Ask for feedback! Ask your suiter what you did well and what you need to improve on next time. This can vary from suiter to suiter of course, but overall it's always safe to just ask, especially if you think you will help this suiter more often.
☆A backpack with snacks, water, straws, (personal water and snacks) and a powerbank is always a good idea, then you can also hold your suiters belongings on your person
Now for your fluffy friend…
Tips for fursuiters!
☆Listen to your handler. If they tell you to stop right there, don't step ahead and turn around to see what's up. Just freezeframe… You might almost step with your white feet paws into a gunky puddle… Or run against a pole!
☆Know your handler. You might be teamed up with someone for a walk so put some effort into communication.
I see it far too often that suiters think "you are there for me" but... you are a team at that moment, if you are welcoming and inviting to them they will put way more effort into paying attention to you.
☆Don't wander off by yourself either. You might think "yolo I wanna get that thing I just saw," but if your handler doesn't realise you walked into a lane at the Dealers’ Den because they were talking with the audience for you... yep…
☆Know your body. If you feel down and suddenly euphoric, immediately alert your handler! That is a tell-tale sign of your body's last "hooray!" before you go down!
☆Tell them what they need to know, people might ask what species you are, who made your fursuit, your socials, give them your business cards to hand out, etc.
☆Get a backpack that can fit with your character; your handler doesn't have to carry absolutely everything for you in my personal opinion. Plus you will look hella adorable.
☆Let your handler try out your head. That way they know the limitations.
If not possible or you are uncomfortable* doing so, do the "blindspot" test with your arms to show your range of vision.
*Absolutely understandable and valid! no one gets olivier on their head either!
☆Ask for feedback! Ask your handler what they appreciated from you and what you could pay attention to next time. This is especially useful if you are gonna suit outside more often. Then you know what they found working for them and what not!
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Thank you for your time reading this! I hope these tips were useful and that both as fursuiter and as handlers you guys could use these tips.
I hope that when we see eachother again I'll be safely settled in my art studio and store, and that from there I will guide you all through the process of making fursuits and more!
Hope to see you then and feel free to contact me!
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RADICAL RAFFLES
Hello, everyone! My name’s Danielle, and I’m here to bring you the most interesting raffles. We have eight raffles this week! Let’s take a look at them.
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Celebrate with a 5k milestone raffle by Akire!
How to Enter:
-Follow, retweet, and comment. New followers are welcome!
-Mutuals will get a double entry for the raffle.
Prize:
-1st place: flat colored comic with a simple background (four pages)
-2nd place: sketched comic (two pages)
-3rd place: sketch illustration with two characters
Deadline:
-This raffle ends on July 15th. There’s still plenty of time left to enter!
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Celebrate with a 800 followers raffle by Leo!
How to Enter:
-Follow and retweet.
-Optional: Comment a safe for work (SFW) reference.
Prize:
-1st place: shaded full body
-2nd place: shaded half body
-3rd place: complex reference sheet (custom design or pre-existing one)
Deadline:
-This raffle ends on July 1st. There’s a little time left to enter!
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Get into an art raffle by Safiru!
How to Enter:
-Follow, like, and retweet.
-Comment a picture of your character.
Prize:
-Choice between a half body sketch or a symmetrical headshot
Deadline:
-This raffle ends on August 1st. There’s still plenty of time left to enter!
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Celebrate with a 10k custom raffle by user corvidcalling!
How to Enter:
-Follow, like, and retweet.
-Optional: Comment something nice.
-Be sure to take a look at Lucas’s rules in the thread for more details!
Prize:
-Custom designed character
Deadline:
-Ideally, Lucas would like to end the raffle once the 10k follower goal has been reached, but they might end it sooner. If that is the case, Lucas specifies that they’d keep it open for at least the last week of June, so please keep a look-out for that deadline!
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Celebrate with a 15k raffle by user Piper!
How to Enter:
-Follow and retweet.
-Reply with your character’s reference.
Prize:
-Pin-up illustration
Deadline:
-This raffle ends on July 28th. There’s lots of time left to enter!
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Celebrate with a 3k follower giveaway by user FClassMerch!
How to Enter:
-Follow, like, and retweet.
Prize:
-LED neon sign (maw or paw)
Deadline:
-This giveaway ends on July 1st. There’s a little time left to enter!
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Feel colorful with a pastel icon raffle by user CorrieZodori!
How to Enter:
-Favorite the post and comment.
Bonus entries: Tag a friend/mutual (+1) and/or follow CorrieZodori (+1).
-In total, you can earn up to three extra entries!
Prize:
-Pastel icon
Deadline:
-There is no deadline for this raffle, but CorrieZodori specifies that it will end sometime around the end of July unless they feel the need to extend it. There’s lots of time left to enter!
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Last but certainly not least, we have a plush giveaway by user Lairbrew!
How to Enter:
-Follow and retweet.
-Leave a comment.
Prize:
-1st place: a set of both the gnoll and werewolf plush
-2nd and 3rd place: winner’s choice of one plush
Deadline:
-This raffle ends on July 1st. There’s a little time left to enter!
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Those are all the raffles we have for you this week. There's always more out there, and we'll make sure to find them and bring them to you every week!
Make sure you use the tags #RadicalRaffles and #FurryWeekly so we can find your raffle more easily.
Thank you for taking a look at this week’s raffles. Stay tuned because more radical raffles are coming your way!
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AVAILABLE ARTISTS
Hello, everyone! My name’s Danielle, and I’m here to bring you the latest and greatest artists to commission. We have four artists this week! Let’s dive in.
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We start with OSOrioBear, a freelance artist who specializes in furry and human art. He’s new to Twitter, so please feel free to give him a warm welcome there. His art style is unique and cartoon-esque! He offers half bodies, full bodies, and not safe for work (NSFW) as commission options.
You can find OSOrioBear’s prices on his Carrd, but be warned that he displays a NSFW example there. Please do not click on his Carrd link if you are not 18+. If you have any questions and/or are interested in a commission, feel free to message him.
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Next, we have Birdie, a full-time 2D and 3D artist who specializes in character-focused 3D models in different styles. They offer a variety of 3D based art commissions such as Pop Pals (a character in the style of a 3D popsicle), Squish Pals (a character in the style of a 3D Squishmallow plush), Littlest Pet Shop (LPS) 3D models, and rigged 3D full body models.
You can find all of Birdie’s information on their Carrd. Feel free to message them if you are interested in a commission and/or have any questions.
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Dino is next. Dino is a digital furry artist who specializes in icons/headshots of furry characters, especially of Protogens. If you have a Protogen character, I’d recommend this artist to you. His icon art style is really detailed and amazing to look at! Please keep in mind that his icon commissions will be raised from $25 to $30 this month.
Feel free to browse his Twitter for more icon/headshot examples and to message him if you’re interested in one and/or have any questions.
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Last but certainly not least, we have Seri. Seri is a freelance furry artist who specializes in cute anthropomorphic cartoon animals. She offers three tiers and alternate versions of commissions. The tiers consist of waist-up sketches, full body linework, and full body linework with background options. Besides these, she also offers more commission options such as sequences (multiple drawings of a character or characters on the same canvas), sketch pages, and comic pages.
You can find Seri’s commission information and links to her other social media on her Carrd. Feel free to message her if you have any questions and/or are interested in a commission.
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That is all for this edition of Available Artists!
We’re always on the lookout for amazing artists to put on the spotlight. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #AvailableArtists and #FurryWeekly so we can find you. Feel free to message me directly on any of my social media if you have any artists with open commissions you’d like us to feature.
Thank you for reading and checking out these amazing artists!
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CHARACTER INTERVIEW
Hey you all! Yeshua here again with another edition of the Character Interview segment! I’m back to bring you all another great chat with a super cool guest, so let’s not waste any time and just get into it!
YESHUA: This time, I'm happy to be joined by Sudoku, who's got some real neat stuff to share with us! Thanks so much for being here, I'm psyched to get the chance to chat with you! First off, mind telling me a bit about yourself and your relation to the fandom for the folks reading about you for the first time?
SUDOKU: Hey hey! It's good to be here. Thanks for hanging out. I got my start in costume making in 2014 after stumbling across https://Matrices.net through Pinterest. I had never seen a fursuit before and immediately wanted to make one of my own. Through Matrices' old tutorials and Fursuit LiveJournal, I built my first fursuit and wore it to a 4-H Fashion Revue.
I was hooked! Fast forward to 2019 and I was preparing to launch my own fursuit business, Strut Your Fluff Ltd. My goal was to make mascots for high schools and I sent out over one hundred flyers.
But before I opened for commissions, I wanted to build one more "just for fun" costume for myself as a high school graduation present.
In January of 2019, I saw the "Chlorine" music video by the band twenty one pilots. That's when I saw Ned. I absolutely loved his design and so I chose to make him. It was unlike any project I had taken on in the past.
YESHUA: I'm impressed at how quickly and adamantly you jumped into fursuit making after discovering fursuits! I'd love to chat more about your trajectory including launching your business as well as other projects you may have done, but of course, we have to talk about Ned. Tell me more about how it was figuring out that you wanted to make a fursuit with Ned's design and then the process of actually making it.
SUDOKU: Well, Ned was my first cosplay. And his proportions were daunting. But I was concerned about copyright first and foremost, so I set about attempting to contact affiliates of "Chlorine." I emailed supervisors and producers and even tried filing a request with Warner Music Group. Two VFX crew members were willing to speak with me and said that the project should be fine, as I was only planning on performing as Ned for nonprofit events.
So it was all systems go! I figured out in the second dimension what alterations I needed to make to Ned's original design so that it would function better as a costume-- namely, shortening the arms, minimizing the head, and elongating the body-- and then took it to the third dimension with a clay model.
This model was 1 foot tall to scale so I blew up the pattern 5x with a projector so that it would fit me.
This is Ned's original design. Versus mine.
And here's a timeline for the mask showing the start to finish, at least before I refurbished it and dyed the ear hair blue.
It was the most difficult project I have ever worked on. I shared the progress of the entire suit under the hashtag "#NedLives." Almost every #NedLives post has been deleted with my old @punkmarten account, which was my tag in my business days.
I have the memories, however. It was a special time. Two fandoms-- the Skeleton Clique and Furry-- came together and supported #NedLives with so much love and encouragement.
Lots of late nights in my garage and basement. I would work on Ned in the morning until my deli shift started. Got home in the evening with a Monster and resumed my work on Ned until long after midnight.
YESHUA: Wow, sounds like it was an incredibly meaningful project no doubt -- from going as far as sorting out the copyright and making sure you wouldn't get in trouble, to grinding those late nights before work! And holy heck, the quality of the suit and how much it resembles Ned is just insane to see! I definitely have some more questions that just came to mind, but lemme ask you this first: before making Ned, did you ever make any other costume or fursuit?
SUDOKU: Thank you! And yes, definitely. I had four fursuits under my belt by the time #NedLives started. My first suit, Ace the red panda, and then a 2.0 of Ace. My first version of Sudoku the marten (hence the nickname!), and a black wolf named Onyx.
YESHUA: Those are all so good, wow! And it sounds like you essentially got your start with tutorials, so is it accurate to say your experience comes from studying tutorials and then just making suits on your own and learning more along the way?
SUDOKU: That is correct. Matrices.net, Fursuit LiveJournal, Google Images, TaniDaReal, Pinterest, and YouTube. All life savers!
I'm always learning new things. For instance, on my most recent mask, I sewed the eyes in for the first time ever. It worked out great and I wish I had tried it sooner!
YESHUA: That's so awesome! And impressive, to be honest, hahah. Going back to your Ned project, you mentioned that you shared your progress using the tag #NedLives, bringing two fandoms together. Tell me a little more about the reception your project got if you would?
SUDOKU: Sure thing! I love rehashing that time. #NedLives absolutely blew up on Reddit under my old account, @sudoku_punkmarten, in the r/twentyonepilots subreddit. I spread WIP updates to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and that's when furry mixed with the Clique. Everyone keeping up with the project grew the concept of Ned as a character and he started to feel so real. Parents and grandparents would tell me they were getting their kids and grandkids in on it, watching the costume's progress as a family. I met several twenty one pilots fans who also happened to be furry, one of which is now a very close friend of mine. There was the occasional disparaging "ew furries" comment from the Clique, and a furry informed me once that the project was disappointing because of Ned's simple design. But overall, seeing people from both worlds comment on Ned was both interesting and heartwarming.
I definitely would not have built something like Ned without the people who wanted to play along with the character. I believe costumes are meant to be worn for in-person, interactive entertainment and I take this very seriously. Those who delighted in the character's positive, gentle, mischievous disposition made all the hours 100% worth it. People asked questions like "who is Ned's best friend" as if they were genuinely trying to get to know him. It forced me to develop his personality and background, and even though Ned is the band's concept and intellectual (soon to be physical!) property, he very much feels like not mine, but OUR character. Our Ned.
YESHUA: I seriously can't express how cool your experience is! Of course, there will indeed be some people who won't be fond of furries or have some less-than nice comment about your work, but overall, it seems like the positive experiences greatly outweighed the negative ones! I find it particularly interesting that you were in a position where people wanted you to give answers for Ned's background! And, you do mention that Ned will soon be the band's physical property... We gotta hear about this!
SUDOKU: Thank you so much. And yes, there's the kicker. So, first, the reason WHY Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun are getting the Ned costume.
Shortly after Ned was finished, the pandemic hit. Remember how I believe in face-to-face interaction? There was NONE of that in 2020. After enough people had asked in 2019, my new goal was taking Ned to a twenty one pilots show. Not just so the band could see him, but to meet as many people who followed #NedLives as possible. He was real! And it was time to get out into the world. But we had to wait. So we did.
I made videos at home to entertain the #NedLives crowd and opened Strut Your Fluff in 2020. It was a far cry from the fanfare of 2019 for certain. Material costs exploded due to inflation and I had no way of performing for anyone outside of a screen.
Definitely a first-world problem, but I won't lie, keeping up with my part-time job while trying to make enough from commissions to move out was not easy.
I was lucky enough to have good clients and made it through the year, but without hitting the commission goal of reaching high schools. And Ned's first show was still far out of reach.
I was already burnt out and had barely begun. So I cut my losses, began the process of closing my business, and started looking for a new home for Ned as I applied for university. I thought that was the end of my dream.
Few people were in the market for an expensive costume, much less one the size of Ned. He is not only cumbersome to wear, as it took me a YEAR to learn how to properly move in that suit, but he is completely white, making cleaning a massive responsibility.
At this point I had switched from food service to crew work at an arena and production company. I was learning a lot about the music industry and had a better idea of how to properly get a hold of the right people. And the right people, the best place for Ned, was where the concept of Ned came from: twenty one pilots.
I sent out too many emails to count, following up with dead end after dead end. I was so afraid that Ned, whom I had developed such a personal attachment to, would end up at Goodwill.
I see no point in keeping a costume I can't wear often, and even though restrictions have lifted, my options remain limited. Things are not the same as they were.
In 2022, I finally got ahold of tickets to a twenty one pilots show in Kansas City, Missouri. After security refused to let Ned inside despite my efforts to call ahead and encourage a thorough search of the costume, the #NedLives meet and greet was finally held a few blocks away from the T-Mobile Center.
The meet and greet was incredible and seeing people who had kept up since 2019 was surreal. It brought back all the good memories and reminded me of the people rooting for Ned. They wanted him to belong just as much as I did. And then, a few months later, the puzzle pieces fell into place.
I received an email from mtheory. Mtheory is a management corporation that houses twenty one pilot's management, Element1 Music & Management. Twenty one pilots was trying to reach me about Ned, and I had totally forgotten that I'd emailed mtheory before.
They said that they would be happy to have Ned.
I couldn't believe it! Ned was going to a good home. I didn't have to worry anymore. And so, for the next seven months, we discussed how best to get the costume to the band, settling on an in-person exchange in July of 2023. This month, I asked if it would be okay for me to tell people about the adoption. They granted me permission, so I made the big announcement.
Now Ned's goodbye feels more like a celebration than mourning. He made a splash. The water's warm, the sun is shining, and life is good. I can finally let go.
YESHUA: Wow -- just, I'm almost speechless! Hearing about your trajectory after Ned's suit was finished is simply remarkable. You faced several challenges for about three years when it came to what you wanted to do with the suit, and now, you've gotten perhaps the best conclusion possible! Not only that, but the fact you got to interact with the fanbase who still kept up with Ned before getting to the point of agreeing to give him to the band is just so heartwarming to hear! All the pieces really did fall into place! Looking back at all of that, how do you feel? Especially now that you're so close to Ned going to his new home?
SUDOKU: I could not have asked for a better end to #NedLives. That being said, I will miss it all very much. Detaching from the costume and character act will leave a hole in my heart. I would love to write a children's book about Ned, provided I receive permission, to keep a piece of him around. No matter what, though, the connection Ned provided with the community will live on, and that matters more than a tangible item.
I still am excited for July, of course. There is something satisfying about ending the story on such a high note, and the security knowing that Ned will be okay is comforting.
Speaking of ends, I also refuse to let #NedLives be my peak. I am 22 years old and there are more hearts to touch with more fantastical creatures. If anything, Ned has shown me that we all have an imagination waiting to come out and play. Old and young, no matter where we come from.
Hundreds of people made believe that Ned lives. We had such fun! That is why, instead of focusing on what is over, I want to look to what's next.
YESHUA: I can't imagine how it must feel to detach from something that did bring you so much joy and good times, but wow, that plan to do a children's book sounds really cool! I truly hope you're able to see that through. And what? You're only 22 and have already done something so meaningful like this? Honestly, I'm seriously impressed; I gotta say you're very inspirational! Do you have any idea what's next for you at this point?
SUDOKU: You're very kind! Thank you. For now I am operating as a freelance mascot artist and performer. Got a new personal suit for events in the works, Sudoku v2.0. I enjoy parades and festivals and am hoping to open for children's birthday parties. Got a big project for 2024 that is in the talking stages right now. My central focus is finishing undergrad to work with wildlife, as a "catch-all" so I have steady income in a fulfilling career outside of costumes.
That may change someday, but I am not counting on going full-time in entertainment given the post-pandemic climate. But you never know! I was hired as my university's mascot this year, so things are certainly moving forward. I've never touched the NAIA division as a character performer before.
Wherever I end up in 10-20 years, I think I'll still be making things.
YESHUA: Sounds like you have a solid plan where no matter what, you'll be able to continue creating and potentially entertaining! Might need to follow up with ya in the future, especially if you've got a big project coming up next year! Before we shift gears just a tiny bit, is there anything else you'd like to mention about your experience with Ned that I perhaps missed?
SUDOKU: Nope, you're spot on. It's more likely I'm forgetting something but I think this summarized the project well.
YESHUA: Awesome! Well, I am definitely psyched we got to talk about that because, well, I can't say I've ever heard a story quite like yours in the fandom! But that's what I want to talk about now -- the fandom. Is fursuit and costume making what you would consider to be your main connection to it? Or have you taken part in the community in other ways too?
SUDOKU: Oh, yeah, one thing! If, somehow, a Ned v2.0 happens in the future, I'm installing some freaking fans. It's hot enough to cook an egg in that suit! Even with heat training. To prepare for the show, I would put on a 1-hour recording of a past twenty one pilots concert and try dancing to each song in Ned for as long as I could. Made it 30 minutes as a record, tops. Ain't no way I'm going out again in Kansas City, MO, in 80-degree Fahrenheit heat without a cooling system.
Okay, NOW switching gears.
Fursuits are my one connection to Furry. I have always enjoyed what is considered "furry" media such as The Lion King and Zootopia. Stories told with animals are special because they are not exactly like us. Likewise, putting on a live act as an animal character is uniquely fun. For instance, if I am performing as Sudoku, who is a speaking character, I can tell a joke to the audience about shedding. I can trip over my tail.
Nonspeaking characters like Ned give way for pantomime. People get a kick out of how he communicates excitement-- clapping his hands together. It looks funny because he has to reach past his chubby belly.
You don't get the same assets for comedy and connection with strictly human characters. It's not that one is superior over the other when it comes to entertainment. It's simply that they come with different tools, and my favorite tools are fur, tails, claws, and teeth!
Back to Furry, labels are whatever. I think most people enjoy "furry" movies like The Bad Guys and stories like Aesop's Fables.
I used to call myself a furry. I don't anymore because of some less-than-positive experiences in the fandom, but I don't mind if people consider me one.
Some of my closest friends are furries and I still enjoy the bright spots of the community to this day.
YESHUA: I don't blame you for wanting to make that addition to a future Ned suit! Ventilation's super important! As for acting as an animal character, you're pretty much spot on! The way you described speaking and nonspeaking characters is pretty much how I've seen fursuiters handle themselves in suit, although I know some are really trying to push the boundaries for creativity when it comes to acting in suit.
The Bad Guys is a great movie by the way, just wanted to point that out.
I am sorry to hear you've had some not-so pleasant experiences in the fandom, but happy that you still find some good things about it that you can enjoy!
SUDOKU: The scene has changed a lot since 2014 but there are still good people in the world.
Also, ditto on The Bad Guys. I live for Mr. Shark's disguises.
Doubling down on your point about creativity in acting, I certainly stand with the action and hope we will continue to see dynamic character development. Technology is amazing and there is so much more information available than when I first started. It's important that we don't lose sight of the person behind the mask. Because that's what a great act boils down to. Your costume could have magnetic, swappable facial expressions, retractable claws, and light up like a Christmas tree, but if YOU can't put on a show, you won't get through to the audience.
Not that everyone will or should focus on an "act." But for those who treat this like a job, we gotta act like it. We're in this for a good time so let's show the people a good time!
YESHUA: I can't say I've been here for that long, but having been in the fandom since 2016, even since then it has changed quite a bit, yes. But there are indeed good people in the world still, and I'm fortunate to say I've come across many!
Honestly, I think Mr. Shark is super underrated, he made me laugh and smile soooo much! But I – just like the majority of the fandom – really like Diane! Oh, Diane my beloved..
As for acting, you've got that so right. I'm not saying the technology that we see in fursuits isn't impressive or anything, but I've seen some "regular" fursuiters for a lack of a better term -- who are so good at being in suit, whether they're acting seriously or just to have fun! This community is full of talented and creative people though, so I'm personally quite excited for what we may see in the future!
SUDOKU: I as well. Fancy or plain, fursuiters and cosplayers and mascots have the most fun.
And WE STAN DIANE!
I think creature characters should have a bigger presence in live entertainment as a whole, not just in fandom spaces. Of course, my bias lies in music, having worked minor roles in stage handling and management the past few years. Judging by the reception to Ned from twenty one pilot's music video alone, we have a relatively untapped connection here. Tour and music video mascots are something I would very much like to specialize in. Granted, that's niche, but I want to try. It's worth a shot.
YESHUA: Agreed! I myself would love to join in on that fun honestly! Maybe soon!
AND HEEECK YEAH FELLOW DIANE ENJOYER!
Hahah, getting back on track, I want to say I've seen maybe very few other creature characters, but I can't quite remember them at this very moment. While it may be a niche area, do you have other creature characters in mind at all?
SUDOKU: Preexisting characters utilized by bands? Well, true, there's not many. I know Fall Out Boy had their Llama puppets, Panic! At the Disco had Beebo (God help us), and twenty one pilots brought a lobster mascot and a guy dressed up as Santa Claus onstage at a show once. It was weird, but it worked.
Heavysaurus, now there's an anomaly. They all dress up as dinosaurs onstage. Love them.
There's Deadmau5 and Marshmello, who wear masks. Daft Punk, MF Doom, Slipknot, too, and everyone knows Ghost loves to play dress-up.
Not many like Ned, though. Fully separate creatures from the band members who have their own story.
I welcome bands and artists who are interested in taking their stage presence or lore to the next level. Let's see what happens!
YESHUA: I'll be honest, I'm kinda uncultured but I have heard of all of those artists except for Heavysaurus, which I'm sad I haven't heard of ‘em cause dressing up as dinosaurs on stage sounds too good! Still, I didn't know some of these artists had some sort of costumes or disguises!
And you just answered the question I was about to ask, hahah. It was going to be about what exactly you meant when you said you wanted to specialize in tour and music video mascots, but I understand now! Not only do you have the talent, but you have the drive and the attitude to do this, so I really wish you the absolute best with this endeavor. It's very exciting for sure!
SUDOKU: Thank you very much! Everyone has a "work face," and for some artists, it's an alter ego like Beyonce's Sasha Fierce or David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust or Tyler Joseph's Blurryface. Whether it's there as part of the act or a way to overcome stage fright, masks tell stories and I want to help artists tell theirs. Plus, how many people get to say that they get paid to dress up like a dog and act a fool? I like my job and the people I've met. Whether the story ends tomorrow or in 40 years, I am glad it happened at all. And I'm glad we got to talk today!
I would love to chat another time and catch up further down the road. You ask good questions!
YESHUA: Seriously, your attitude is just so incredibly uplifting, and I just get happy hearing about what you've done and how you're looking at the future! I'm super grateful for you coming on and sharing your journey with me and our readers at Furry Weekly. And I'd love to do that, yes! Thank you kindly as well, I definitely try, aha. Before we wrap up, got any closing remarks at all for those reading?
SUDOKU: Look outside yourself for purpose. Make art for your neighbor. If you've made one person's day better with what you created, it means something. Servitude is where real joy lies.
Thank you again for the lovely conversation! Have a good night.
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And with that, another Character Interview segment has come to an end. Thank you all for stopping by! I hope this was as intriguing as it was for me; I seriously had a fantastic time chatting with Sudoku and getting to learn more about their incredible story!
I know that this stepped a little outside the furry fandom, but it was still a story that no doubt involves the community, and I’d even say that it’s one of the coolest! Probably even more so for twenty one pilots fans!
I highly recommend following Sudoku if you enjoyed their work, because as they said, there’s much more coming!
I’m always looking for other folks in the fandom to sit down with and chat, so if you have any suggestions, just lemmino on one of my socials!
Thanks again for joining us! I’ll be back next week with another interview, but until then, take care!
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CONVENTION CALENDAR
Greetings and salutations, readers! I’m Shetani, your Convention Calendar segment host for this issue. I hope our canine readers are keeping cool during the dog days of summer, though if you live in the southern hemisphere, it’s quite the opposite! Whether it’s warm or cold where you are, Furry Weekly HQ is always the coziest place to be - after all, there’s no weather in cyberspace. In any case, let’s dive into all the July furry conventions and events happening online, around the world, and in your neck of the woods.
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Anthrocon is in full swing through Sunday July 2 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Anthrocon has decided on the theme “Anthropolis - Our Furry City” for this year, celebrating the unique partnership this furry convention shares with its host city of Pittsburgh. In keeping with this theme, Anthrocon forgoes choosing a 2023 guest of honor, to underline how everybody contributes to making the furry community great. Anthrocon will, however, spotlight a charity: Rabbit Wranglers, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that helps abused, neglected, and abandoned rabbits and educates the public to improve the lives of these companion animals. A charity auction and poker tournament are being held to benefit the organization.
As the current third-largest furcon worldwide, there’s plenty to do and see at Anthrocon. In addition to classic con staples like a Dealer’s Den and Artist Alley, masquerade, games room, fursuit parade, nighttime dances with DJs, and photobooth, Anthrocon 2023 will feature multiple fursuit friendly sightseeing cruises, and more panels, meetups, and events than you can brandish a branch at. Even that doesn’t fully encompass the fun-filled schedule that awaits attendees, so be sure to check out Anthrocon’s website to get the full scope of events! Anthrocon requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test, and masking in specified areas of con space.
Website | Twitter | Discord | Telegram | Mastodon | Facebook | Instagram
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Lakeside Furs will be held Saturday July 1 - Saturday July 8 at the Chalet Bergerblick in Salzburg, Austria. Solarpunk was chosen as this year’s theme, celebrating the harmonious union of nature and technology. Whether you prefer outdoor activities such as mountain hikes to appreciate nature’s beauty, or comfy indoor activities like gaming and panels, Lakeside Furs offers programming all are sure to enjoy. The Lakeside Furs website offers more details about scheduled events, which include special interest groups, a Dealer’s Den, board- and video gaming, and a chillout lounge with mixed drinks and music. On the outdoor program are swimming, hiking, sauna, and water-related sport activities. Attendees must be at least 16 years old.
Website | Twitter | Discord | Telegram
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The Skalský Dvůr Hotel in Czech Republic is preparing for ČeSFuR’s next edition, Sunday July 2 - Thursday July 6. Representatives from the 2023 charity Česká krajina, a non-profit dedicated to biodiversity conservation, animal preservation, and climate change mitigation, will host a panel in addition to collecting donations throughout the con. Guest of Honor Revaiwra – known for their comic “Weredad” as well as art and fursuits – will also have a meet & greet. ČeSFuR veterans will be happy to know that traditional activities and events like the art show, fursuit game show, dance competition, dealer’s den, and bonfire barbecue are on the docket once again. Special events this year include various meet and greets, a hiking trip, a NERF gun battle, and a Lockpicking for Dummies panel. Speaking of which, check out ČeSFuR’s website for fun details about their espionage theme, “No More Secrets.” Though the language of live panels and events will depend on each host, all printed materials are available in both Czech and English versions. You must be 18 years of age to attend ČeSFuR.
Website | Twitter | Telegram | Facebook
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During those very same dates, Sunday July 2 - Thursday July 6, Furtastic takes place at the Fjeldholmlejren in Grenå, Denmark. This marks the first time the con’s programming extends to five full days of fun and excitement. This year's theme is Valhalla, quite an apt choice for a Danish convention! Part of Furtastic’s mission statement is to keep with the tradition of hygge, defined as a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality. Attendees can expect board gaming, fursuiting, an art auction on the last day of the con, and plenty of inexpensive drinks. The minimum age requirement to attend Furtastic is 16. Furtastic has an attendee limit of 80, which at the time of writing, has already been reached. If you missed your chance to buy tickets, there’s always next year!
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Are you looking for the Great White Way up in the Great White North? Come to Fur-Eh! 2023, proudly presenting Broadway Tails! The Edmonton Inn & Conference Center in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is the place to be from Thursday July 6 - Sunday July 9. The Guest of Honor is Apoxon, a costume designer and part-time teacher best known in the furry community for their custom-made fursuit props, kigurumi, and hoodies (which this writer can personally recommend). Comic and fiber artist Temperance and performer Tarin Rudders will share the spotlight too. Once again, Fur-Eh! has partnered with GEARS (Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society), which helps injured, abandoned, unwanted, and homeless animals in the Edmonton area.
You absolutely won’t want to miss Fur-Eh!: The Musical, a full-length live stage musical featuring 13 furry parodies of well-known Broadway numbers. Classic events like the dance competition, fursuit parade, floor wars, nightly dances with DJs, and more add to the exciting programming. Fur-Eh’s jam-packed schedule really must be seen to be believed, so hurry over to their website and begin planning your weekend of furry fun. Pre-registration closed on June 25, but a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
Website | Twitter | Discord | Telegram | Facebook
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South Afrifur is back in business starting Sunday July 7 through Monday July 10. The venue is the beautiful Valverde Eco Hotel in Gauteng, South Africa, featuring a garden and three event spaces. Wizardry, wandplay, and witchcraft are sure to abound with a theme like Magic Unleashed. South Afrifur attendees can expect panels,a Dealer’s Den and Artist Alley, fursuit activities, and streamer events. A charity raffle is being held for Imagine Animal Dreams, a small shelter taking in animals from the surrounding areas, giving them a safe place to stay, and helping them find their forever homes. South Afrifur offers traditional convention tickets and camping spots, though both types are all full up for 2023. Weekend and day passes will still be available at con.
Website | Twitter | Discord | Telegram
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FurryEST will take place from Thursday July 13 - Sunday July 16. This unique furry con is held at the Barge House near Kabala, Estonia. Attendees staying overnight can choose to bring a tent and camp out on the grounds, or sleep in a bedroom on the barges themselves. Free transport is available from the nearby Rapla train station to FurryEST and back. For the first time, FurryEST has chosen a theme - Waves and Flames - wherein attendees will be able to take part in various events during the weekend to show support for their chosen element, fire or water.
Unfortunately, FurryEST didn’t receive enough interest to host a Dealer’s Den this year, but artists will still be allowed to sell their wares informally at the con. Past iterations have included water-bike rides, outdoor sports, canoe racing, tabletop games, DJs, a bonfire, and fursuiting, of course. If you hope to attend FurryEST, bring a photo ID and make sure you’re at least 18 years old on the first day of the con.
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The Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah, USA is preparing to welcome back the furries for Anthro Weekend Utah, from Friday July 14 - Sunday July 16. If you fancy yourself a secret agent man or Bond babe, you’ll fit in nicely with the theme “Double Awu Seven.” Guests of Honor include animator couple Ribbontini and VulpesVant, illustrator and character designer Nicholas Kole of Spyro and Crash Bandicoot fame, and featured artists Hazel and Soyyemilk. AWU’s charity is Wild Wonders, a non-profit animal rescue and education facility providing homes for injured, displaced, non-releasable, and geriatric animals.
A special night of casino games is being held to benefit the charity, and every single person who signs up has a chance to win a prize. All the furry con programming you’ve come to know and love, from fursuit dancing to panels to the Dealer’s Den, awaits you at AWU. If you’re looking to diversify your experience, AWU offers a special discounted trip to the Lagoon amusement park, featuring thrill rides, a midway, and water park, but be aware that fursuits and costumes aren’t permitted. Don’t forget a photo ID, as you’ll need that to pick up your registration.
Website | Twitter | Telegram | Facebook | Instagram
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Are you ready to graduate with high hon-fur? Come on down to the Hotel Sheraton Santos in Santos, Brazil from Friday July 14 - Sunday July 16 for Brasil FurFest! Class is in session and the syllabus is ready for attendees to experience the fun theme of Furry University. Furry filmmaker and YouTuber Ash Coyote is celebrated as BrFF’s Guest of Honor. BrFF’s schedule includes a VR meet and greet, storytelling workshop, animal welfare panel, comic development and publishing talks, and much much more. The Dealer’s Den, fursuit games, dance competition, and nightly dances await attendees too. BrFF’s video gaming room and RPG room are sure to tantalize furry gamers no matter the medium. SOS Vida Pet Litoral, this year’s charity of choice, will fundraise over the weekend with the help of a charity auction. Those who didn’t pre-register online can still buy tickets at the door.
Website | Twitter | Discord | Telegram | Facebook | Instagram
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Furway takes place Friday July 14 - Sunday July 16 at Åstjern hyttetun in Brandbu, Norway. This furry event bills itself as a hybrid event combining a camping con with indoor sleeping and modern conveniences. Inside and outside tickets are available, depending on whether you choose to sleep rough or avail yourself of traditional comforts. Furway provides staff-cooked meals each day and caters to dietary needs. If you’re intrigued by the sound of programming like a Hi Ha Ho Competition, Drunk Drawing, Bootleg Dealer’s Den, and Chili-Eating, make your way over to Furway’s website to read about these events and more. Attendees of all ages are allowed, though minors cannot stay the night at Furway.
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Dutch Furcon’s eighth iteration is being held Friday July 14 - Monday July 17. Big Hill in Groesbeek in Groesbeek, Netherlands is the place to be for all the fun and excitement. Halloween isn’t too far off, and Dutch Furcon’s theme Season of the Witch might bring it a little closer than you think. Attendees can take part in panels and workshops, put up advertisements on the Offers Board, and spectate or participate in dance competitions for fursuiters and non-suiters alike. Excitingly, this is the first time Dutch Furcon will host a Dealer’s Den, where attendees can browse and shop for goods and commissions. You need to be at least 21 years of age to attend Dutch Furcon.
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Fur-Day offers not one, but three unforgettable days of furry fun in the sun. 2023’s event will be held Friday July 21 - Sunday July 23 at Salle de la Mer in Bernières-sur-Mer, Normandie, France. This three-day yearly furmeet coincides with the anniversary of the NormandiFurs association, which hosts lots of furry events in France. Among the festivities are fursuiting, dancing with DJs, karaoke, beach activities, quizzes, board games and video games, and furwalks. Attendees can come for the day or choose accommodation of their own from the surrounding area. Fur-Day is free to attend.
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Fur Out West’s next annual event is Friday July 21 - Sunday July 23, at the Atrium Hotel Mandurah in Mandurah, Western Australia. Candyland is the name of the game - er, theme - this year, so don’t forget your sweet tooth! FOW’s two Guests of Honor are digital artist and fursuiter TwilightSaint and artist Snarlingcanine. FOW is proud to work with Friends of the Western Ground Parrot, an organization raising funds and awareness to fight the threat of extinction facing the parrots, as its charity partner. Coming to FOW for the first time, Show Us Your Moves is a panel spotlighting original dance choreography. Keep an eye on FOW’s official online channels for more information about events, programming, and the Dealer’s Den. As with all Australian furry conventions, you must be at least 18 years old to join in the fun.
Website | Twitter | Telegram | Facebook
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Rounding out July’s events is a fresh face to the furry convention scene! Eufuria Mini-Con will take place Saturday July 22 at Cafe Euphoria in Troy, New York, USA. This intrepid event aims to bring a furry convention back to the Upstate NY region for the first time since 2016. Eufuria attendees can expect vendors, gaming, panels and workshops, dancing, a fursuit parade, and lots of tasty food - including a special exclusive furry-themed menu for the convention! On the schedule are panels about at-home fursuiting, voice acting, furry badges, and disability in the fandom. General admission to Eufuria is free, with supporter and sponsor tiers available for those who desire extras, and pre-registered attendees can add on a dinner voucher for a complimentary meal. Attendees must be 18 years old, and provide photo ID as well as proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Website | Twitter | Telegram | Mastodon
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This month’s calendar graphic is drawn by Sunni/The_Real_Wolf_Artist and features our Fursuit Design Tips segment host Olivier, representing his home country with Dutch Furcon.
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be present at Eufuria Mini-Con in July, and I hope to see so many other furry faces there! Don’t hesitate to come along and say hi, and let me know you’re a Furry Weekly reader. Remember to keep up-to-date on vaxx boosters and wear your face mask when meeting up with any furs in person.
Got questions or suggestions for Convention Calendar? Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter and the Fediverse, or hit me up at any of the other platforms linked on my website. If there’s an upcoming con you want to ensure we cover here on Furry Weekly, don’t hesitate to let me know. Have fun and stay safe out there!
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FURRY QUOTE
This week, we’re talking about:
Finding Our Joy
It's safe to say we all live in a fairly dark and depressing time period. Every time we turn on the news, we hear stories of terrible things happening all over the world, and very rarely do we hear a story that just makes us smile. These circumstances make it easy for us to sit back and be complacent in the darkness, succumbing to the sort of depression that comes along with it. We become complacent to living in the shadows.
There's always sunshine somewhere, friends, we just have to find it. Find the tiny spark of happiness and joy in everything. Search for it relentlessly, don't let it get away, and when you find it, keep it in your sight always. Let this little piece of happiness, whatever blessing it may be - friends, family, a passion of yours, some little success - light your life and keep it close. Keep an eye on it always and let it help you through the darkness.
Don't be complacent. Find your happiness and hold on to it. Don't give it up. Keep your face towards the sunshine.
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That’s all for this week! Thank you for joining me to talk about finding our joy! If you have a topic you’d like me to cover or a quote you’d like them to share, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or DeviantArt.
See you next time!
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