So if you’ve landed here, you’ve decided you want to be a furry. Congratulations! You’ve taken your first step into a larger world. But the question seems to come up periodically, “how do I be a furry,” or “how do I become a furry.” In fact, it’s coming up so often now that I decided to put together this short document on how to “join the fandom.”
How To Be A Furry
- Like anthropomorphic animals*.
- Consider yourself to be a furry.
That’s it. That’s all the requirements there are.
Do I need a fursuit?
No.
Some - but nowhere near all - people in the fandom wear fursuits. These, like artwork, are often custom designs (and, for copyright reasons, many fursuit creators will refuse to make copyrighted characters). But again, it’s not a requirement and, in fact, the vast majority of furries don’t have fursuits.
I’ve been involved with the furry fandom for more than 20 years at this point, and I’ve never worn a suit. I have no interest in it. But some people love it!
Do I need a “fursona?”
No.
Most - but again not all - people will have a “furry” version of themselves. A unique character of their own making, usually with designs, dress, qualities and ideas that are relevant and personal to them. You can commission artists to draw your character for you, usually at very reasonable prices considering the quality of art you are getting.
If you decide you want to make a “fursona” (I personally don’t care for that word, but it seems we’ve all agreed on it), it’s important to remember that you are free to do whatever you like! There are no rules for this kind of thing - the idea is to have fun!
As a starting point, pick something that you like, or that has qualities you admire. Do you want to be a purple dog? Go for it! A serval with angel wings? Have fun! Here’s a great chance to be creative and express your individuality - that’s what this whole thing is all about!
Do I need to go to conventions?
No.
But we hope you will. :) Many - but again not all - people in the fandom like conventions, but they’re not a requirement. I do at least one a year. Yet, I know a guy who hasn’t been to a con since 2004 - just doesn’t find them fun - but still considers himself a furry.
If you decide you want to go to a convention, you’ll probably have a great time. It’s a great way to meet fellow furries who could become lifelong friends. You might want to check out my “How To Do A Furry Con” primer.
Do I need to be an artist?
No.
The vast, vast majority of furries aren’t artists. They’re just fans who love furry and love the artwork produced by many of our fabulous furry artists. You don’t have to be an artist (or a writer, or work at a convention, or anything else). But if you do want to be an artist, you’ll find furry is a pretty receptive and encouraging community.
Do I need to buy anything?
No.
But, that having been said, I’m sure many artists, writers, and conventions would appreciate you if you did buy furry stuff. :) Furry is not a fandom like other fandoms wherein you must buy all the anime or collect all the action figures or own all the editions of the comic. Furry is almost entirely self produced by fans within the fandom, and celebrates unique, individual creativity. There is nothing you have to buy to be in the fandom.
Do I need a Furaffinity, Tumblr, Twitter, etc?
No.
I don’t even know where the hell this idea came from, but you don’t have to use Tumblr to be involved in the furry fandom (or any fandom for that matter.) Or have an account on Furaffinity. Or be on Twitter. The furry fandom existed long before all of these things and will exist long after they’re gone. They’re just tools that help furries communicate.
So what do I need to do?
Get down with yo bad furry self, because you’re now a furry!
Seriously. That’s it. That’s all you have to do. Furry is what you make of it. Any of these things (and more!) you can do, but you don’t have to do. They’re all options. They’re ways furry fans can express their furriness. That’s the big difference between furry and other fandoms (sci-fi, Star Trek, anime, etc): the vast majority of furry content is self-created, unique fan content. There is no central authority on furry, so the boundaries are nebulous and, often, intensely unique and personal.
So get out there and be the most awesome, most unique and most creative furry you can be!
* They don’t even have to be animals. I have a friend who says his favorite anthropomorphic character is the Brave Little Toaster.
Kira is an Alabama-based collie dog permanently stuck in 1999. Her hobbies include software, trains, and doting on her wife, daughter and far too many cats. Lover of comfort foods, science fiction, alternative rock and progressive rock. Often wandering around without a clue. Proudly weird, proudly queer. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️