Hi! First time ever using livejournal, sorry if I'm doing anything silly or if this post has been made before -- couldn't find anything similar.
I'm a Dutch furry fan since about, uh, a long time, yep. I've made two suits so far -- the first one was a failed attempt, and the second one I'm proud of but has room for improvement. Anyhow! I decided to tackle a new project, and after many hours of pondering decided on a kiwi bird. (I like the more outlandish animals -- plus the kiwi's feathers kinda look like fur to begin with! I know they barely have wings, but I have a little idea up my sleeve already for the hands.)
I'm pondering what to do with the jaw. I really want to try making my first moving jaw but am unsure how to go with it. A kiwi has a very long, thin beak. I fear if I use elastic bands or anything it might lose form and be floppy after extended use... kinda like a Nintendo 64 controller joystick.
I'm making the head out of foam. I have no idea if hinges and foam work together -- I can't quite see it. I could try combining the foam with a base of mesh. I would like to hear what would be the best idea to go with for the best result! I really wanna go the extra mile on this one.
Some digital sculpts I quickly made to illustrate the head shape I want to go with.
https://i.gyazo.com/5b9c3b9cbd61ef9d034bb268c22f5447.png
No lower jaw or eyes here yet.
An additional question, what kind of fabric is my best chance for the beak fabric? I only know I want it to be soft to avoid breaking. I've looked at fleece, which seems the best one so far, but I have no idea if the colour comes close (the character will have realistic colouring but be toony otherwise.) I've been thinking about minky or faux leather, but any ideas are welcome! Thanks in advance, and I love all the helpful tips on this site!
I'm a Dutch furry fan since about, uh, a long time, yep. I've made two suits so far -- the first one was a failed attempt, and the second one I'm proud of but has room for improvement. Anyhow! I decided to tackle a new project, and after many hours of pondering decided on a kiwi bird. (I like the more outlandish animals -- plus the kiwi's feathers kinda look like fur to begin with! I know they barely have wings, but I have a little idea up my sleeve already for the hands.)
I'm pondering what to do with the jaw. I really want to try making my first moving jaw but am unsure how to go with it. A kiwi has a very long, thin beak. I fear if I use elastic bands or anything it might lose form and be floppy after extended use... kinda like a Nintendo 64 controller joystick.
I'm making the head out of foam. I have no idea if hinges and foam work together -- I can't quite see it. I could try combining the foam with a base of mesh. I would like to hear what would be the best idea to go with for the best result! I really wanna go the extra mile on this one.
Some digital sculpts I quickly made to illustrate the head shape I want to go with.
https://i.gyazo.com/5b9c3b9cbd61ef9d034bb268c22f5447.png
No lower jaw or eyes here yet.
An additional question, what kind of fabric is my best chance for the beak fabric? I only know I want it to be soft to avoid breaking. I've looked at fleece, which seems the best one so far, but I have no idea if the colour comes close (the character will have realistic colouring but be toony otherwise.) I've been thinking about minky or faux leather, but any ideas are welcome! Thanks in advance, and I love all the helpful tips on this site!