Teaser for the suit that's under the cut :)
This was a commission for someone. I've been doing fursuits fulltime since summer and it's been really cool! I've already seen a dramatic improvement in... everything I make. :D Even something I made last year I see all the flaws. A very exciting time in my costume-making career!
So this is a cute, shy dalmatian dog named Klondike. :D My goal is always to match the art as exactly as possible in shape, proportions, etc. A couple things in his design changed between these drawings and the finished suit by request of the customer, but it was just cosmetic things (the black spots above the nose were eliminated, as was the heel pad).
Here's the foam head I created. The customer was really helpful in their feedback too, I don't think it would have been half as good if I didn't have their critique on the early WIPs.
Because I always get asked, the base is headliner, and the ears are closed cell foam sold as camping mats. :) I like it because it doesn't sag, while still being flexible and light-weight.
The taping/patterning stage is always a good barometer of how well you did on the foaming. The tape unifies all the planes so it's much easier to look at.
A WIP from when I was testing out the fit of the half-completed headcover. I handsewed most of it this time (I usually machine sew) because I was paranoid about seams showing, since it's short fur, and also I wanted the spots to be even and not-lumpy. My patience paid off in the end, it's super smooth.
Super cute partial bits. I just love how all of it turned out!
The finished head :D I am really pushing for neater and cleaner. I had a few projects where I really overworked the finishing details, trying to be very concious about that now. He is so cutie!
His nose is just plastidip over foam, so it's squishy- not particularly fragile at all, and very light. Worst that could really happen to it is scuff marks, but that would wipe off just fine.
Some fun detail shots. I like to let people see my work close up, because I enjoy seeing closeups from other makers. :3 Just so happy it turned out so well!
So now that I've been doing this full time for a lil while and made a few costumes since then, do you think I could stand to improve anywhere? Obviously the species, expressions, etc are up to the customer, I'm looking at crits on things like finishing details, shapes, etc.
Here are my recent works, if you need a refresher! http://www.furaffinity.net/user/lobitaworks/
Thanks for any sort of feedback you can provide. :D You guys rule!