WikiFur - User contributions [en]

YouTube

2007-10-05T08:47:04Z

86.195.194.218: /* External link */

[[image:Youtube_logo_plus_tagline.png|125px|right]]
'''YouTube''' is a well known [[Wikipedia:Video sharing|video sharing]] internet company which allows users to view, upload, and share net-ready [[Wikipedia:Video clip|video clips]]. Its extensive media content includes [[Wikipedia:Movie|movie]], [[Wikipedia:television program|TV]] clips, [[Wikipedia:Music videos|music videos]] and [[Wikipedia:Viral videos|viral videos]], as well as amateur content such as [[Wikipedia:videoblogging|videoblogging]], [[Wikipedia:Video podcast|Video podcasts]], and short original videos and animations.

Videos can be rated, and the average rating and the number of times a video has been watched are both publicly displayed.

== YouTube and furry ==

YouTube holds a significant place in the [[furry fandom]]. There are literally thousands of [[furry]] videos, clips, animations, artwork slide shows, films, and TV and pawpet shows on it, and the fact that its easy to upload and share videos makes Youtube a very valuable resource to [[furries]].

== See also ==

* [[Wikipedia:YouTube|YouTube]] on [[Wikipedia]]

==External link==
*[http://www.youtube.com YouTube's] official website

{{net-stub}}

[[Category:Websites]]

Fursuit

2007-10-04T15:47:25Z

86.195.194.218: /* Body language */

[[Image:Autumn 012.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Autumn Vixen]] poses in fursuit.]]
[[Image:Autumnfox.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Summer Vixen]] and [[Autumnwah]] at [[Further Confusion 2006]].]]
'''Fursuits''' are [[animal]] costumes associated with the [[furry fandom]]. They range from simple [[tail]]s and [[ears]] to full costumes cooled by battery-powered fans. Similar to [[mascot]] suits, they allow the wearer to adopt another personality while in costume. Owners (also known as '''[[:Category:Fursuiters|fursuiters]]''') can spend less than one-hundred to many thousands of dollars on one fursuit, depending on the complexity of the design and on the materials used. These items are frequently sold at conventions, or online by either commission or auction. Many furry fans [[:category:Fursuit makers|make their own]] using online tutorials or advice from newsgroups.

The term ''fursuit'' (coined<ref>[[Critter Costuming]], p13 - Robert King mentions inventing the term ''fursuit'' back in 1993 for the title of an amateur costumers' mailing list about the then un-named hobby while on the way back from a conference (perhaps [[ConFurence 4]]?), in part as a pun on the word ''pursuit''</ref> in 1993 by [[Robert King]]) can also refer to animal mascot costumes in general, as opposed to [[human]] or inanimate object mascots. The act of wearing a fursuit is usually referred to as ''[[fursuiting]]''.

==Types of fursuits==
[[Image:GR FC2007 furry cats costumers.jpg|right|thumb|Fursuits are not always furry]]
The standard fursuit is a full body costume that consists of a head, forepaws (hands), hindpaws (feet) and a body with an attached tail; in some cases, the tail is connected via a belt to the wearer and hangs out through a hole in the back of the body. Many suits include special padding or undersuits to give the character its desired shape (this is especially present in larger characters or those of a particular gender.)

A ''partial suit'' or ''half-suit'' contains the above, only without the body. This allows the wearer to don ordinary clothing (or a different costume) overtop of the paws, head and tail. In partial suits, the tail is usually attached to a belt, and the arms and legs have sleeves that can go up as far as the shoulders and pelvis, respectively.

Most recently, a third type known as the ''three-quarter suit'' has been developed, which consists of a head, arms and pants made to look like the legs, tail and feet of the animal in question, which works well for characters who only wear shirts.

== Reasons for fursuiting ==
[[Image:Wgg the Gnoll.jpg|thumb|right|Wgg the Gnoll, an example of a suit that uses a mask.]]
A person who wears a fursuit generally falls into one or more of five categories.

=== Job or charity work ===
Many furry fans wear fursuits as a job or to bring attention to an event or charity. This can include mascots, though not all mascots are fursuits, nor are all mascot performers furries. Many fursuiters are hired through an agency to represent a character, while others bring their own constructions to an event instead. There are also several volunteer fursuiting groups across North America that either ask or are asked to entertain at various social functions. Some groups even set up their own charitable events or perform on the streets to passersby.

=== Conventions, parades, exhibitions ===
[[Image:FursuitDancersAC2006.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Fursuit dancers at [[Anthrocon 2006]] - video by [[BigBlueFox|BBF]]: <span class="plainlinks">[http://youtube.com/watch?v=dFKdUVsjUqY 1] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb82sUmiCq4&NR 2] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aafWQJwQmZ0 3]</span> ]]
Other furries enjoy wearing their suits for parades, exhibitions, or [[convention]]s. Oftentimes these are of a personal character who they are expressing as a form of role play. The fursuiter may consider themselves to be expressing who they really are. These fursuiters may also wear their suits to small, informal meetings among furry fans in their area. Some may get permission to perform in or outside of a shop or event, while others may simply wear a suit in a major area, such as a mall. However, some public areas have no-mask laws, so individuals seeking to wear their fursuit in large, public places should check first if it's allowed before performing at that location.

=== [[Role-playing]] ===
Some LARPers create highly elaborate costumes (including fursuits) for their characters. Half-suits are usually created for role-playing games, though some LARPers use full-body suits. These suits wear elaborate clothes and costumes of their own, depending on the theme of the game.

=== Sexuality ===
A portion of the [[furry fandom]] considers a fursuit a sexual item. A fraction of the fursuits sold are made for sexual activity. Some suits may contain elaborately designed sexual features, while some wearers simply snip a hole or two out themselves. The [[Wikipedia:music video|music video]] for "[[Beautiful]]" by [[Wikipedia:Moby|Moby]] revolves around a [[Wikipedia:Swinging|swinger]] house party where all the participants are dressed up in fursuits, though this is likely to be intended as a metaphor rather than a statement about the furry fandom.

=== Spirituality ===
Some people (usually [[Wikipedia:otherkin|otherkin]] or [[Wikipedia:therianthropy|therianthropes]]) also fursuit for reasons of expressing what they feel is their inner animal self. Most of them try to make their suits as realistic and lifelike as possible.

==Construction==
[[Image:GR MFF2005 beheaded takaza.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The head and paws of [[Takaza]].]]
Fursuits can be made out of many different materials, though most incorporate fake fur, foam, felt and varying types of plastic. Several factors can be customized during the construction process, including:

* what types and colours of fur will be used
* the space that the wearer is able to see from (mouth, eyes, neck, etc.)
* whether or not the suit contains padding
* whether or not there will be animated features (wagging tails, "follow me" eyes, etc.)
* any designs, patterns or shading (airbrushing) in the fur itself, and
* whether or not any makeup will be used.

=== Head ===
[[Image:Fursuit-head-foam.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A foam head midway through carving; the paper eyes are for reference.]]
The head is the most detailed feature of a fursuit, and is usually the most complicated because it must easily display what type of animal or creature it is; it also has the task of setting an expressional context for the character, whether it is predominately happy, angry, etc. Several methods exist for creating a fursuit head. The most prominent methods use include:

* strips of plastic canvas are sewn together, and fur and foam is attached to the outside
* a block of foam is carved into the desired shape, and fur is glued to the outside of the foam, and
* fiberglass is molded into the desired shape, and fur is attached to the outside.

Heads can range anywhere from being extremely simplistic (one colour, a sewn-in smile) to elaborate (a moving jaw, "follow-me eyes" that appear to move, hair, facial markings, etc.) Some characters have closed mouths while others are open. The facial expression of the character can range anywhere from toony to realistic, and from inviting to frightening. Some fursuiters, notably [[Timduru]], own two or more heads to sport a different expression in varying locations and circumstances.

Many heads include discrete openings in the mouth or nose to allow the flow of fresh air. Some suits contain battery-powered cooling fans alongside the openings, either to draw air in or pull hot air out. Sometimes a [[Wikipedia:Balaclava|balaclava]] or headband is used inside to separate the wearer from the head, to hide the wearer's face and to absorb sweat.

Some fursuiters opt to wear a mask and/or makeup instead of a full head.

The head is usually removed when in the [[headless lounge]], so that the wearer can interact with other fursuiters and consume refreshments (typically large amounts of water). It is not usually removed in public, and it is considered [[Wikipedia:taboo|taboo]] to take a photograph of a fursuiter with their face visible.

====Eyes and sight====
Depending on the style of the costume, the wearer is able to see through the eyes, nose or mouth of the head; in some cases, the wearer sees through the tear ducts, the neck or a camouflaged space below the eyes — the location of the character's eyeballs and the opening that the wearer sees out of don't necessarily have to be in the same place.

A character's eyes can be made out of plastic globes or bowls (usually cut to size) or taxidermy eyes. The opening for the wearer to see from can be made out of plastic or aluminum mesh, plastic canvas or sheer fabrics such as nylon or chiffon. Some furries prefer to use their own eyes as the character's eyes, as it allows for added expression and makes the character seem more realistic.

=== Bodysuit ===
[[Image:Img 3594.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Synthetic fur. In this photo, the edge is held up, showing the nap runs from right to left. The backing holds the fur together.]]
The bodysuit is the full body of the character and includes the arms, legs, neck and tail. Bodysuits range from loose jumpsuits to form-fitting and/or padded costumes. A standard bodysuit pattern from a catalog can be used, and this basic pattern is usually altered to meet any required modifications, including all size and shape concerns. Many fursuit builders use dressmaker forms or [[Wikipedia:DIY|DIY]] [[duct tape dummy|duct tape dummies]] to build their costumes to ensure a snug fit.

Bodysuits also carry a great amount of detail. Most include a simple light patch down the middle of the torso to represent a cartoon-like stomach area. Various suits have detailed patterns added, either by sewing in different coloured/textured fur or by the use of [[Wikipedia:Airbrushing|airbrushing]] (for example, the stripes of a [[tiger]].) Varying lengths of fur can be used, including shorter fur for the stomach.

[[Image:Img 3598.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A fursuit closure showing both zipper and snaps.]]
A character's shape can be reinforced through the use of padding. Simple padding, such as foam inserts, can lightly define or highlight certain areas. [[Canine|Canid]] suits often employ padding in the legs to create the natural [[digitigrade]] shape of the animal. For large or muscled characters, large inserts or a special undersuit known as a '''muscle suit''' or '''bodypod''' are worn underneath to give the character the needed girth. Some fursuiters portray characters opposite of their natural gender and incorporate the necessary padding into their design.

Most bodysuits include a zipper closure in the back, which is camouflaged by either snaps or velcro concealed under a section of overlapping fur. Several suits have a front closure instead of one in the back.

The issue of what to wear under a bodysuit varies from person to person. Some wear a lycra dive skin or unitard. Some wear their street clothes, and some wear nothing at all.

=== Tail ===
[[Image:Fursuit-tail.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A simple tail, ready to be sewn.]]
Simple tails can be thought of as a fabric tube, with the ends sewn up. Sometimes, lengths of delrin rod, foam, wire, or plastic pipe are used to give a tail its desired shape. The tail is usually attached to the bodysuit, though in some cases, the tail is attached to a loop of fabric that runs through a belt and the tail protrudes through a hole in the back of the bodysuit.

In the case of larger tails, such as [[skunk]] or [[squirrel]] tails, fur is usually secured to a large plastic or aluminum support structure, which is in turn attached via a hole in the back of the suit to a harness worn by the performer to take the weight of the tail off of the performer's back; this harness is also worn under the clothing or costume of a partial suit.

=== Forepaws ===
Forepaws (or hands) are usually created from two pieces of fabric, traced from the wearer's hand, and sewn together. More complex patterns can also be used, including varying colours and fabrics (fur, felt, etc.) Some fursuit makers add small pawpads to each digit and to the palm to add more realism to the paws; some lightly stuff the pawpads for extra realism. Claws can be made from plastic, leather, resin (most for replica claws such as for [[bear]]s or [[bird]]s) and clay.

=== Hindpaws ===
[[Image:Fursuit-foot-foam.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A foam hindpaw midway through the carving stage.]]
Hindpaws (or feet) are the most durable part of the fursuit, as they constantly come in contact with abrasive and dirty surfaces such as concrete and tile flooring and they must put up with a lot of wear and tear and the weight of the performer. Some fursuiters build hindpaws specific to their character, while some wear regular shoes, oversized cartoon shoes or spats (fabric slips that cover regular shoes.)

Most hindpaws are made by attaching foam to store-bought shoes or slippers and furring them. Some fursuit makers build the hindpaws from scratch. The solepads, in this case, can be made of leather or rubber. A variant popular among members of the [[Free paws]] community — who prefer going barefoot — are hindpaws that only cover the top of the feet, leaving the wearer's soles bare.

Even more difficult are [[digitigrade]] hindpaws; either simulated, with fake ankle joints made of foam on the back of the legs, or with a structure supporting a digitigrade position (then however, it becomes difficult to put on the fursuit or to wear it for an extended time). Some constructions for [[Hoof|hooves]] use this approach.

==Maintenance==

Some fursuiters spray their costumes with Febreeze, Endbac, Lysol, or a generic antibacterial spray after each use. Usually fursuiters select a product that will kill bacteria, rather than just mask odours. During storage, the fursuiter may keep it stored with a fabric softener sheet, or a box of baking soda like the ones used in a fridge or freezer.

The fursuit is regularly brushed. Fursuiters usually try to brush the fur in such a way that it doesn't pull on the fur backing, as not to weaken it.

When it comes time to wash the suit, fursuiters consider each part individually. If foam is soaked in water, it may not dry quickly enough and start to grow bacteria or fungus before it does. Airbrushed patterns may fade if washed. Glue used to hold parts of the suit together may weaken if washed. Leather is usually not advisable to soak in water. If the suit has any electronics, those may be damaged by water. If wire or plastic canvas gives part of the suit its shape, it may not be advisable to soak that part, or at least not to machine-wash it.

The parts that will not be washed can usually be wiped with a damp cloth. Stains may be removable with a product like [[Bubble Gund]].

The parts that will be washed can either be machine washed or hand-washed. Usually the fursuit is turned inside-out and zipped up to avoid extra stress to the fur. No heat is used during the process as this can shrivel the fur. For detergent some will use a regular laundry detergent, while some may use a special detergent like Woolite. Putting undiluted detergent directly onto the fur may cause fading, so fursuiters try to avoid this except for treating stains. For machine-washing, the fursuiter chooses one of the more delicate cycles. For hand-washing, the fursuiter tries not to stretch the backing, and not to squeeze the fur into an alignment other than its natural lying flat state.

After the suit is washed, it is then dried. The fursuiter may fluff it up in the dryer in an air-only cycle. '''No heat is used in any step.''' Usually the fursuiter does not dry it completely, but takes it out and brushes it periodically until it is completely dry. Since waterlogged fur is heavy, the fursuiter may go to some lengths to lay it out flat while drying, so it doesn't stretch from the extra weight. Fans may be used to accelerate the drying process.

Fursuiters are divided over whether [[Wikipedia:drycleaning|dry cleaning]] is advisable for fursuits. Since dry-cleaners can choose from many different methods and settings, and there are many types of fur, it is likely that one answer does not apply to all situations.

== Performance ==
[[Image:Fursuit Markus Hug.JPG|right|thumb|Body language for offering a hug.]]
A key part of playing a character in suit is an engaging performance. The most expensive fursuit in the world will not help someone who does not know how to use it. Looking good is important, but not as important as ''acting''.

How the performer acts in costume reflects on how others relate to them. If the desired character is bouncy and bubbly, then acting that way is required to communicate it to spectators.

The design of the suit plays a part in some of the moves that can be done. For example, some fursuiters with floppy muzzles nod their heads up and down rapidly to simulate laughter or enjoyment. This cannot be done with suits with a rigid muzzle, or no muzzle at all.

=== Body language ===

Fursuiters do not generally speak in costume. This may be for a variety of reasons :
* To preserve the anonymity or conceal the gender of the performer
* The design of most suits muffles the voice of the performer
* Most animals don't talk

Because of this, acting in suit is all about body language.

== See also ==
*[[:Category:Fursuiters|Fursuiters]]
*[[:Category:Fursuit makers|Fursuit makers]]
*[[:Category:Fursuit photographs|Fursuit photographs]]

== External links ==

=== Tutorials ===
*[http://www.matrices.net/fursuiting.asp Costuming and fursuiting] at [[Matrices]].net
*[http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=fursuit The Fursuit community] (on LiveJournal)
*[http://www.fursuit.org/wiki/doku.php?id=fursuit:introduction Fursuit FAQ Wiki at The Furry Costume Information Exchange]
*[http://www.nicodemus.org/fursuit/ Nicodemus' Fursuit Pages] - a good source of information by [[Nicodemus (person)|Adam "Nicodemus" Riggs]]; consider his book, ''[[Critter Costuming: Making Mascots and Fabricating Fursuits]]''
*[http://santafox.home.comcast.net/guides/ Furry World Guides] by [[Santa Fox]] - includes several fursuiting guides

=== Databases ===
* [http://www.frappr.com/fursuiters A map dedicated to fursuiters around the world]
* [http://fur-suit.org The Fursuit Database] A comprehensive Fursuit database
* fursuiter.org - fursuit database - Defunct

=== Other ===
* [http://fursuit.org/ The Furry Costume Information Exchange]
* [http://fursuit.timduru.org/ The Fursuit Archive]
* [http://www.fursuit.co.uk/ Fursuit.co.uk] The British fursuit site
* [http://www.onefurall.com/ onefurall.com] Fursuit gallery and commissioning
* [http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/fs1 The Bitter Ex-furry's Guide to Fursuiting] at [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] (mostly bitter, but a few good points)
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XKCRMnSxz4 Example of fursuit dancing] on YouTube

== References ==
* ''Critter Costuming: Making Mascots and Fabricating Fursuits'' by [[Nicodemus (person)|Adam Riggs]], [http://www.ibexa.com/ Ibexa Press], September 2004, 208 pages (spiral-bound), ISBN 0967817072, ([http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967817072/ Amazon link])
<references />

{{Wikipedia|Fursuit}}

[[Category:Fursuit terms]]
[[Category:Fursuiting]]
[[Category:Clothing]]
{{Featured article}}

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Luca Shoal

2007-10-01T11:34:46Z

86.195.194.218: /* External links */

[[Image:LucaGendo.JPG|right|thumb|Evil Ambassador of All Things Foxy]]
'''Luca Shoal''' (also known as '''darkfire826''') is a [[fur]] from central [[Wikipedia:Ohio|Ohio]], USA, but now resides in [[Wikipedia:Pittsburgh|Pittsburgh]] for a college-level Culinary Arts course.
==Luca and the fandom==
[[Image:Spug Luca.jpg|left|thumb|Luca, as drawn by Spug/DirtyBaka]]
Luca started out his involvement within it by joining [[Furcadia]] in 2002 as an [[otter]]. Over the years his [[fursona]]s' species has changed as follows (in chronological order) otter, [[rabbit]], [[fox]], and currently as a three-tailed [[kitsune]].

He is most known for his appearance in the flash animation, [[High Tail Hall]], as well as being a moderator and frequent poster on the [[Yiffstar]] message-boards. Luca used to be somewhat active in both [[Second Life]] and [[Tapestries]], but has lost interest in them.

Finally, Luca can be found on a number of other websites, including [[LiveJournal]], [[deviantART]], [[Wikipedia:Kingdom of Loathing|Kingdom of Loathing]], and [[4chan]]. If seen elsewhere, it is most likely someone impersonating Luca.

==Luca's description==

[[Image:LucaRef--Spugfixed.jpg|right|thumb|Reference Sheet of Luca, drawn bySpug/DirtyBaka]]
Luca's kitsune magic includes an ability to change size, age, gender, and [[species]], other physical attributes (hair, [[fur]], etc.) and chemical make-up of his form (I.e. becoming [[Balloonie|latex]]). However, a few things remain constant.

One of those being that the most accurate picture depicting him was one done by [[female]] [[furry artist]] [[Marci McAdam]]. Another fairly accurate picture, done by another female artist known as [[Spug]], or Dirty_Baka alternatively. Luca's fur is the standard fox colors, with black "paws" and "socks" up to middle of the lower arm, and mid-thigh respectively.

White or cream fur covers all of his tummy, crotch, and the inside part of his thighs, and goes all the way up the underside of his muzzle and in patches around his eyes, which are violet, like his bangs. The rest of his headfur is black, usually, or it's all violet.

The only accessories of note he almost always has are three ribbons tied around his tails, and his glasses. For the ribbons, white around the right tail, pink on the middle tail, and purple on the left. These bows are tied roughly where the white fur on the tip of his large fluffy tails meets the red fur of the majority of the tail.

As for the glasses, Luca can see without them, but it's fuzzy further out (nearsighted), so, the kitsune needs glasses, then they're nothing special, just standard dark silver or black half frames. When it comes to clothing, almost anything goes really. Luca prefers "sissy" clothing when of cub age, namely frilly dresses and the like.

==Luca, role-play and paraphilias==

[[Image:Luca_Marci_badge.jpg|left|thumb|babyfur Luca, as drawn by Marci McAdam]]
At one time, Luca was willing to [[role-play]] with nearly anyone, being somewhat of a "RPslut" then. Over the past year or so though, he's mellowed out, and does not RP nearly as much as he once did, nor with as many people.

He still has a few kinks that he's into though, and usually at least one element is included when he role-plays, such as [[cross-dressing]], [[babyfur]] (or [[ageplay]]), [[BDSM|submissiveness]], [[BDSM|spanking]], and many more. In fact, he's open to most anything outside of [[vore]], [[Wikipedia:Snuff|snuff]], and [[blood]]. The babyfur interest in particular is a favorite of Luca, who considers himself both an AB and a DL both online and in the real world.

==External links==
{{Contributor|Lucashoal}}

* [http://invaderluca.livejournal.com/ Foxy Ramblings,] Luca Shoal's [[LiveJournal]]
* [http://darkfire826.deviantart.com/ Luca,] as (darkfire826) gallery on [[deviantART]]
* [http://www.furaffinity.net/user/lucashoal/ Luca Shoal] gallery on [[Fur Affinity]]
* [http://yaoi.y-gallery.net/user/lucashoal/ Luca Shoal] gallery on [[Y!gallery]]
* Kingdom of Loathing username: lucashoal, playerid# 872474

[[Category:People]]
[[Category:Babyfurs]]
[[Category:Red Fox characters]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania]]