Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of suits do you make?
I focus on carved foam bases with toony and semi-toony styling, with emphasis on expression that can be read both in the foam and in the performance. this means big expressive eyes, friendly softened features, lightweight construction and freedom of movement.
Features I offer
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horns, antlers and spikes
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Soft vinyl or fleece scutes and scales
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small and medium wings, both arm and back
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hand-sewn rosettes, spots or stripes
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full linings
Features I do not offer
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resin/glass eyes
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moving jaws
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plastic claws/scales/scutes/etc.
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3d printed components
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custom electronics (for now)
Are you open for commissions?
Click on the "commission/contact" tab at the top of the screen to see if I'm open!
How does the commission process work?
When I am open for new orders, a quote form will be available on the "commission" page. Fill out the quote form, and I will review it and email you a price quote. There is no obligation attached to this quote- you don't have to accept the price or commission if it isn't what you're looking for. If you do like the price, reply back to confirm that. The projects are then chosen based on what type of suit it is, the design, materials and payments.
When your project is chosen, you will sign a contract, verify your age with your ID, and make a 30% deposit. Once it's closer to the time when your suit will be started, I will go over fur and fabric choices with you and order those. Once your suit is started, I will send consistent work-in-progress updates, and ask your approval about design changes and considerations. When complete, you will pay the shipping cost and it will be sent to you.
Do you require a reference sheet? What needs to be on a reference sheet?
For all custom commissions, I require a visual reference sheet. This sheet should, at minimum, show a front and back view of the character as well as any distinguishing features, markings, or other characteristics. NSFW or "adult" references are OK!
I do not need a reference sheet for artistic freedom commissions.
Do you do artistic freedom suits? How do artistic freedom commissions work?
I love artistic freedom! I will design an entire character for you, and build a suit based on that character to your specifications. I can work from a color palette, species, image, or even idea. When commissioning an artistic freedom suit, commissioners will not be able to make more than minor changes to the design. If you would like more control over the design, please go with a custom commission rather than an artistic freedom design.
Do you require a Duct Tape Dummy (DTD)?
If you are commissioning me for a bodysuit, i require a duct tape dummy. If you are not commissioning a bodysuit (i.e, a head only or partial suit commission), a DTD will not be necessary.
Will you work with minors?
I do not work with anyone under the age of 18.
What are your costumes made of?
The primary materials I use are faux fur, fleece, plastic and upholstery foam. I do not use any natural wools or leathers, and any usage of silks and other natural fibers will be clearly labeled and communicated with the customer.
Can you accommodate glasses?
I can attempt to sculpt a head to accommodate glasses, but can never guarantee a perfect fit. Glasses will fog up inside of a fursuit head, there is simply no way to avoid this, and so I do not recommend glasses with a fursuit. I am willing to try to work around glasses if absolutely necessary, but I must stress that contacts are the recommended solution.
Can you make me a suit in time for a convention/event/etc?
Unfortunately, I cannot make promises for delivery around specific events or dates. I want to focus on quality, and I don't want to pressure to rush myself with a deadline. That being stated, if you have an event you would like to have your suit by, please let me know! I'll still try to work towards having things ready in time.
I have allergies. Are there any allergy concerns with your costumes?
I live with a cat, and while I do my best to keep her out of my work space she does tend to sneak into everything. I also occasionally snack on peanuts while i am working. Please consider these things if you have allergy concerns.
Do you offer 'adult' costumes?
I do! Zippers can be added anywhere you'd like for an additional fee. I am also more than willing to do additional sculpted details within the context of my style. I might not be able to do everything, but please don't hesitate to ask!
Terms of Service
When a client contacts Doodle Owl Limited (hereafter referred to as “me”) for a commission, they agree to the following terms of service (TOS). These terms of service supersede any previous terms of service, and I reserve the right to update these terms of service as necessary.
Requirements
You must be 18 years of age or older in order to commission me
A reference sheet or other reference material is required to be considered for a commission slot (excluding artistic liberty designs.)
Fullsuits, bodysuits, and certain other projects will require a duct tape dummy (DTD). A poorly made DTD may result in the delay of your costume. An unusable DTD (tears, open holes, stretched beyond shape, ect) will require a remade DTD to be shipped to me, with the commissioner covering shipping costs.
Any costume with feetpaws/hooves/other foot designs will require shoe size. In certain cases I may also request other measurements.
Deadlines
I do not accept deadlines, but I will give an approximate completion date of each project (usually in weeks to months). This may change due to life events, my physical health, issues with suppliers, etc. The commissioner will be informed of such changes if and when they happen.
If you do have an event or some other deadline you would like your suit by, please let me know! I still might be able to deliver it in time, and will try my best to accommodate your schedule
I am not currently accepting rush orders.
Payment
I accept payment via PayPal, and cash in the (extremely rare) case of at-con delivery
I will not start work on a project until I have received a %30 non refundable deposit.
Special designs may require more than a 30% deposit at my discretion. I will let the commissioner know exact figures in these cases before I take the deposit.
After the deposit is received, I will begin construction. As soon as I receive full payment, the project will be eligible for delivery upon completion. I will not deliver a suit or costume before full payment is received
I will accept payment plans in certain and very rare circumstances, but always reserve the right to say no.
I do not accept materials as payment.
Construction
Costumes will not be started until I have received the agreed upon deposit.
I will ask about specific furs, colors, and other materials used in your costume. I can provide swatches for furs that I have in stock, but these may not be available in all cases.
I will check in, show my work, and ask for your approval many times during construction. You get to approve at every step.
Once approved, I may not be able to change it back, so please look closely and consider any and all design questions carefully. It's OK to ask for additional photos and videos.
Shipping
I will use USPS to ship to the lower 48 states unless instructed otherwise.
All other commissioners get a choice between DHL, UPS or USPS.
I will not ship or deliver a costume until it has been paid in full.
Warranty
All of my work is covered by a 30 day warranty.
The warranty covers defects like popped seams and loose horns and claws, even if damaged in shipping.
Warranty starts as soon as the package arrives at the customer’s home.
Warranty is void if the costume has been intentionally damaged, abused, or altered in any way.
In the event of a warranty, the customer is responsible for shipping the defective item for repair or exchange.
Social Contract
Do not ask me for daily progress updates. If you haven't heard from me in a while, feel free to check in, but understand I am hard at work on a lot of different projects and looking at a phone all the time is bad for my mental health.
I have zero tolerance for any amount of harassment or manipulation from my commissioners. If I dictate your behavior is out of bounds, I will issue a refund (except for the 30% initial, non-refundable deposit) and cease all contact.
All correspondence will remain strictly professional unless you know me outside of my projects. Following me on *insert social media here* is not knowing me.
I will not-
-craft copyrighted, licenced, or characters owned by anyone other than the commissioner.
-craft for anyone under 18 years of age.
-tolerate any harassment or intimidation from a commissioner.
-take responsibility for any bodily harm you suffer from wearing the costume irresponsibly.